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September 10th, 2011 Posted in Uncategorized Comments Off. Memorial Day just marked the beginning of summer 2011. Gas prices are hovering around $4.00 a gallon. Domestic airfare is up 13% from last year. Is there a way to enjoy this ...
September 10th, 2011 Posted in Uncategorized Comments Off Memorial Day just marked the beginning of summer 2011. Gas prices are hovering around $4.00 a gallon. Domestic airfare is up 13% from last year. Is there a way to enjoy this summer’s travel season without breaking the bank? Sure. By keeping a few common-sense travel tips in mind, summer travel doesn’t have to be a thing of the past.
If traveling by car is the way you want to go this summer, there are a few things you can do to make sure you don’t spend your first born’s college fund for transportation. Before you set off, make sure your tires are inflated; low tires are not only dangerous, they drag down your fuel mileage big-time. Make sure your AC is charged and your radiator is full and free of leaks. Including a fuel additive to your full-tank fill-up can work wonders for both performance and mileage, and driving calmly-driving the speed limit, avoiding sudden stops and “shoot-the-gap” takeoffs-can also help you get to where you are going on the cheap.
Just because you are going on vacation doesn’t mean that your coupons should stay home. Even if you’re not an extreme couponer, there are tons of coupons for food and activities that should get packed right along with your snorkeling gear. Also, don’t forget web coupons. Sites such as savings.com, groupon.com, and restaurant.com always have great deals on everything from food to movie tickets. Check out local newspapers at the places you stop, and look for local restaurant specials or other activity coupons. Not only could you save money, some of the best places to see and the best things to do are off the beaten path.
While the days of taking the entire fam to Rio for Carnival might be over for a while, consider trips and adventures that are creative and unexpected. For instance, instead of planning your outing around one area and finding a hotel, consider renting an RV and plan small mini-stops along your route. Pack your camping gear and walking sticks for an outdoor adventure a fraction of the price of a flashy amusement park. Consider a family history route; map out the places you, your parents, grandparents, as far back as you can go, grew up or lived. This can make an exciting trip for kids and parents alike, giving real purpose and connection. How about a hobby vacation? For example, if you and your family love working in the garden, plan a trip around visiting gardens, conservatories, and other greeneries.
It is easy to fork out the money for a ready-to-go packaged vacation to a swanky destination, but for those wanting to have fun this summer on a budget, using your head is the best option. When vacationing this summer, don’t leave your level-headed common sense at home; travel smartly, save money when and where you can, and be creative about your activities and destinations. Who knows; the cheapest vacation might be the best and most memorable yet!