Everyone thinks taking a vacation has to be expensive, but that just
isn't the case. If you look hard enough you can find fabulous cheap
vacations to just about any destination. Whether it would be a vacation
package or separately booked flights, rental cars, lodging or whatever
the case may be, cheap vacations are possible. Even though a lot of
times a vacation package is often a better deal sometimes in order to
have a fabulous cheap vacations you must book things separately.
There are many airlines that offer discounts if you book far in advance
or even better ones the closer to the departure date it is becoming.
If you have the flexibility to be able to have less notice, this can
provide you with cheap air fare.
Hotels often reflect the same kind of discounts. They would rather
fill up the rooms at a cheaper rate than leave them empty. This is true
for most but not all some hotels see things different and would rather
let the rooms sit there. The bigger the tourist attraction the higher
the prices you will pay. It is very often close to 50% cheaper to stay
one town over. It will be a short jaunt to your destination but you
may also find some fabulous attractions in the town you are staying
in you would not have otherwise known about. Plus you may be able to
catch some fabulous sites on your way there to your cheap vacations
destination. Here are a few other tips that may be helpful. Check out
your chosen vacation spots off season, rates are drastically cut trying
to lure in visitors. Once you get to your hotel check at the front desk.
Many have coupons for near by attractions. With a little bit of research
and planning you could very well plan the vacation of your dreams and
it will be cheap vacations.
I asked Tim Leffel, author of "The
World's Cheapest Travel Destinations," to pick out eight dollar-stretching
countries, including some that would be good for school-age kids. (We
agreed that traveling to developing nations with infants and preschoolers
is a bit dicey, both for the kids' health and the parents' sanity, although
people certainly do it.)
Airfares to these countries from U.S. cities range from a few hundred
bucks to $1,000 or more. (You can get an idea of current fares at MSN
Travel.) Once you're there, though, you'll spend far less than you
would in more developed nations, and often less than you'd spend feeding,
entertaining and sheltering yourself at home.
Argentina: Imagine a country with stunning scenery,
exciting nightlife, world-class food and wine -- and now imagine it
on sale for two-thirds off. Once the most-expensive country in South
America, Argentina's economic collapse and subsequent currency devaluation
in 2001 created bargains whose effects continue to linger. The economy
is now on a robust rebound, but the dollar still goes a long way. Leffel
said budget travelers can get by on $25 to $35 a day, but those willing
to spend a bit more -- say, $75 to $150 for a couple -- can feast on
gourmet meals and stay in great hotels. Dinner, by the way, is typically
served at 10 p.m. and signals the start of partying into the wee hours,
which is why Leffel sees Argentina, and especially Buenos Aires, as
a better bet for singles and couples than families.
The first option open to you is camping. Now when you think of camping,
fun is not necessarily the first word that you think of. Rain, hard
floors, wild animals and misery is often associated with camping out
and so most of the time the family is hesitant to even attempt it even
if it will save them money. However, camping really does not have to
be that bad and if anything it can actually be quite fun. Try staying
at a National Park for example and take along a small grill that will
help you to cook nicer meals.
Another option open to you which the kids will love is Disney World.
Yes it is completely possible to still go to Disney World and spend
less than $1,000. This is because Disney offer value resorts and they
have opted to make their parks more affordable for families which means
that you get to enjoy all of the things that other families do just
at a smaller price.
If you are looking to save money on travel then you can easily save
money on flights. Flights tend to be one of the most expensive parts
of a vacation and so if you can save money on them you will be able
to spend more money on other things that you enjoy. Look for last minute
deals as well as buying tickets from airlines such as Southwest Airlines
or JetBlue Airlines.
Finally another way to have a fantastic vacation for under $1,000 is
by going on a cruise. Now cruises used to be considered a luxury and
you would not expect to find a cruise for less than $1,000 but it can
be done. Some cruises from cruise liners such as Carnival Cruises, tend
to have deals which vary in price from just $500. So shop around and
see what you can find.
Type of vacation. Determine the type of vacation
you want. Prices vary for different types of vacations such as cruises,
road trips, theme parks and overseas travel.
Vacation ideas. Make a list of vacation ideas that
include what you expect to get out of your vacation. Do you crave adventure?
Is this a trip to enhance romance or is this your honeymoon? Are you
looking for a beach? Are casinos and resorts your vacation goal?
Research cheap vacations online. There are numerous
web sites that offer vacation packages and last minute deals. These
sites can help you find cheaper hotels, airfare and dining. Many of
these sites can also book your hotel or airfare in advance for a small
fee or sometimes nothing at all. Before you book you should check the
individual airline or hotel's web site to compare rates. It is
often worth a phone call to talk directly with a person to negotiate
their cheapest prices.
Travel agencies are a great resource for cheap vacations.
An experienced travel agent can provide ideas and knowledge of travel
deals available, especially with cruise and international travel. If
you do plan to work with a travel agency, talk with more than one in
order to compare prices and to learn of all your vacation options.
While jet-setting in five-star luxury all the way can be great, it
isn’t always practical. Sometimes we’ve got to tighten the purse strings
a little and opt for a budget holiday if we’re to have a holiday at
all. That’s not to say it can’t be fun, enjoyable, cultured, or exotic,
however.
In fact, budgeting means you’ll think more carefully about where you
go and what you do once you’re there, making for a more coordinated
trip in general. So long as you’re realistic when selecting a destination
(while staying in a cheap hostel in St. Tropez will make your trip cheaper,
it won’t make it cheap) and you realize that while these destinations
are only cheap upon arrival (the airfare could still set you back some),
you’re guaranteed a good time without punishing the credit cards too
much. Although the price of accommodation is significant, think of the
little costs too, such as a bottle of wine, a pint of beer and a 10-minute
taxi journey. These are the true costs that can make or break your budget
trip -- and, incidentally, your bank.
Recovering from the Asian tsunami that struck its shores in 2004, the
tourism industry in Thailand is still very much catered toward luring
tourists back -- meaning, it’s cheap, cheerful and lots of fun. Travel
first to Bangkok, a smoky metropolis with a jam-packed cultural scene
and a buzzing nightlife.
Most travel magazines are irrepressibly imaginary, with pictures of
people lolling on the beach and eating in luxurious resort restaurants,
seemingly without a care. It only makes sense. Vacationing, or at least
the idea of vacationing, is all about escape. Why ruin the picture with
stories about stalking for the best airfare or how to haggle down the
price of a room? The answer, according to Arthur Frommer?s Budget Travel
magazine, is because in the real world in which we all live getting
the best price is often what really matters, especially when we are
escaping on a vacation. In sum, escape once you get there, not when
you are planning your trip. The magazine?s covers tell the whole story.
Coverlines scream like hawkers at a carnival: "All-Inclusive Resorts
for Less Than Living at Home," "Sensational Honeymoon Bargains: Here
Saves the Bride!" and "Stripped-Down Club Meds: $360."
Last minute and cruise packages, luxury and discounted cruises are
other options, however, on the other hand, there are so many different
cruises to choose from that it can sometimes seem easier to just take
a road trip to the nearest campground or amusement park! An all inclusive
Caribbean vacation might include snorkeling and diving in sparkling
blue waters or taking an adventure eastern caribbean cruises in Hispaniola.
Just like with air travel, however, significant discounts can be found
online and through travel agents, and when travelers factor in the meals,
accommodation, and shipboard entertainment that are included in the
fare, cruises can actually be pretty reasonable. There is a lot of jargon
connected with cheap vacations and especially what you get for your
money so make sure that you check the small print in the contract before
you sign and part with your well earned cash.
Make sure your money is safe. Use traveler checks rather than carrying
cash. If traveler checks are lost or stolen they can be quickly replaced.
Even better is using a credit card. Most resorts take the major bank
cards. You will have a record of your holiday purchases and the ability
to dispute any inaccurate charges. If your card is lost or stolen, it
can also be quickly replaced and you have insurance against fraudulent
purchases made with it. Keeping track of your budget is essential for
a cheap vacation.
Next think comedy. Are there good comedy clubs in the area? Nothing
beats a good stand up comedian. And if stand up is not your bag, what
other entertainment do you prefer. Magicians and musicians are always
popular with many resorts offering entertainment as part of the deal.
Some resorts often have sister hotels nearby where you can use the facilities
so check out their entertainment too. You might be able to see different
artists at no extra cost. Water sports and excitement go together, and
most warm, sunny vacation spots include plenty of both. How about parasailing
or hang gliding? What about Scuba diving, snorkeling, or swimming with
the dolphins. If you like the water but do not want to get wet yourself,
check out the deep sea fishing if you are ocean side. If in Florida,
remember all the inland lakes and the trophy bass they hold. Prices
for these activities can vary so be sure to find the lowest cost operator.
They are all competing for your business so be a shrewd negotiator by
asking for a discount. After all, you are supposed to be on a cheap
vacation.
Number seven in our list of top 10 tips on cheap vacations is a practical
matter. Make sure that either you speak the language of the natives,
or they speak English. That makes Jamaica a great hot spot, as well
as Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Also Bermuda, Tahiti and the
Dominican Republic are waiting to provide you with a wonderful vacation
in paradise. Speaking the language can help you barter at the markets
for those little keepsakes or presents for the friends you left at home.
Number eight is rather simple. Is transport in and out of your vacation
paradise easy? Do they have a quality airport? Maybe you will be driving
or taking a taxi. Make sure the transportation needs are taken care
of. A taxi transfer from the airport to your hotel can take a significant
amount of your holiday budget before you even get started.