Comments on: What’s your best money-saving vacation tip? (24-Hour Giveaway, too!) http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html Helping You Be a Better Home Economist Thu, 24 May 2012 18:08:09 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Tara http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html/comment-page-5#comment-286782 Tara Sat, 28 Jun 2008 09:27:57 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html#comment-286782 We stayed at Grandfather Mountain campground in North Carolina (near Boone/Blowing Rock) last summer for our first anniversary. Rustic and inexpensive for sure! We rented a small cabin, but you could also really rough it and bring a tent! Nothing better than s'mores over a fire at night, and getting to splurge a little bit more on attractions and/or food during the day because we saved on lodging. We also went fishing in the river and packed bag lunches for a picnic, another inexpensive, fun, and RELAXING activity. Our favorite vacation tip: dining out for LUNCH instead of dinner. Sometimes that alone can cut the bill in half. Also, the restaurant is less crowded so you get a better chance of a good seat (like waterfront at Pusser's in Annapolis!!!). The best part about dining out for lunch is that you have the rest of the day to burn off your calories! That means you might evens splurge for dessert! :) For the 4th of July weekend this year, we are driving up to D.C. (about 1.5 hour drive north of us), and riding the trails in the city! We're just hoping for minimal humidity! We are planning this outing for the day BEFORE the 4th, though, because you absolutely DON'T want to be in D.C. on the actual holiday. Unless you love crazy traffic (as if it's not normally!) and horrendous crowds. We stayed at Grandfather Mountain campground in North Carolina (near Boone/Blowing Rock) last summer for our first anniversary. Rustic and inexpensive for sure! We rented a small cabin, but you could also really rough it and bring a tent! Nothing better than s’mores over a fire at night, and getting to splurge a little bit more on attractions and/or food during the day because we saved on lodging. We also went fishing in the river and packed bag lunches for a picnic, another inexpensive, fun, and RELAXING activity.

Our favorite vacation tip: dining out for LUNCH instead of dinner. Sometimes that alone can cut the bill in half. Also, the restaurant is less crowded so you get a better chance of a good seat (like waterfront at Pusser’s in Annapolis!!!). The best part about dining out for lunch is that you have the rest of the day to burn off your calories! That means you might evens splurge for dessert! :)

For the 4th of July weekend this year, we are driving up to D.C. (about 1.5 hour drive north of us), and riding the trails in the city! We’re just hoping for minimal humidity! We are planning this outing for the day BEFORE the 4th, though, because you absolutely DON’T want to be in D.C. on the actual holiday. Unless you love crazy traffic (as if it’s not normally!) and horrendous crowds.

]]> By: Jennifer http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html/comment-page-5#comment-286781 Jennifer Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:55:31 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html#comment-286781 This is my tip, but it says that a "Jami" posted it. :( Posted by: Jami | June 26, 2008 at 10:08 PM We stayed at a hotel which primarily caters business clientèle, which means Mon - Fri business. We stayed Fri - Sun in a really nice hotel for the cost of a "cheaper" hotel that caters to tourists. The only 'drawback' was the location. Our view was of the airport, but since we weren't there for a view, it didn't really matter. In addition, when we said it was our anniversary, they tossed in a free upgrade, passes to the free cocktail hour at the bar, and $150 gift certificate to the hotel restaurant. So my tips are determine what's really important to you instead of what others say is important and don't be afraid to mention special occasions to solicit freebies. :) This is my tip, but it says that a “Jami” posted it. :(

Posted by: Jami | June 26, 2008 at 10:08 PM

We stayed at a hotel which primarily caters business clientèle, which means Mon – Fri business. We stayed Fri – Sun in a really nice hotel for the cost of a “cheaper” hotel that caters to tourists. The only ‘drawback’ was the location. Our view was of the airport, but since we weren’t there for a view, it didn’t really matter.

In addition, when we said it was our anniversary, they tossed in a free upgrade, passes to the free cocktail hour at the bar, and $150 gift certificate to the hotel restaurant.

So my tips are determine what’s really important to you instead of what others say is important and don’t be afraid to mention special occasions to solicit freebies. :)

]]> By: Julie Woodring http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html/comment-page-5#comment-286780 Julie Woodring Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:09:34 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html#comment-286780 I really cheat! Since we home school we are able to go on vacation off season! We go early fall (September early October) that saves a bundle!! One thing we do that you could do any season is to pick up local news papers, they will often give the kind of non-touristy things you wouldn't often find out about, like local festivals, craft fairs and community fairs. These tend to be cheaper, and have local artists and crafters selling their wears. FYI sometimes it's fun to visit garage sales in other towns too! I really cheat! Since we home school we are able to go on vacation off season! We go early fall (September early October) that saves a bundle!! One thing we do that you could do any season is to pick up local news papers, they will often give the kind of non-touristy things you wouldn’t often find out about, like local festivals, craft fairs and community fairs. These tend to be cheaper, and have local artists and crafters selling their wears. FYI sometimes it’s fun to visit garage sales in other towns too!

]]> By: Sara B. http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html/comment-page-5#comment-286779 Sara B. Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:57:05 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html#comment-286779 Our best tip this year is to have a family member work for the airline! My hubby works for a major carrier and we're all able to fly for free. We've saved thousands of dollars. Our best tip this year is to have a family member work for the airline! My hubby works for a major carrier and we’re all able to fly for free. We’ve saved thousands of dollars.

]]> By: Crystal http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html/comment-page-5#comment-286778 Crystal Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:43:15 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html#comment-286778 Ways to save money on vacations: These are things we do every year... We stay in a condo with a full kitchen, so that we can buy groceries & make breakfast, lunch and dinner. We usually only eat out 1-2 times while on vacation, and never anything super expensive. We also make sure the condo has a washer & dryer. You can pack less clothes (less weight= less spent on gas on the trip there & back!!) and wash them there, saving you from having to pack as much and worrying about having to do laundry in the event of some sort of accident. We pack snacks & drinks when we go somewhere with the kids, so we dont have to buy the overpriced items at places we visit. We travel with my parents when we bring all the kids (we have 4). It cuts down on the cost of the condo, AND we get some extra hands. We bring DVD's and a few toys with us when we travel. This can save you having to rent movies on rainy days, or can even give the kids something to do (have a "game day" instead of going to something like a video game/go kart place), which costs LOTS of $$, if you are running low on cash. Also, we only bring cash on vacations...we used cards one year & overspent our budget. Its much easier not to overspend when you only bring cash. I buy sunscreen on sale all yr long so we have enough for vacation. I also buy beach toys, etc before we leave home...nothing like having to shell out $50 on beach toys/umbrella/boogie boards/sunscreen/hats, etc that you couldve bought for MUCH cheaper at home! Ways to save money on vacations:

These are things we do every year…

We stay in a condo with a full kitchen, so that we can buy groceries & make breakfast, lunch and dinner. We usually only eat out 1-2 times while on vacation, and never anything super expensive.

We also make sure the condo has a washer & dryer. You can pack less clothes (less weight= less spent on gas on the trip there & back!!) and wash them there, saving you from having to pack as much and worrying about having to do laundry in the event of some sort of accident.

We pack snacks & drinks when we go somewhere with the kids, so we dont have to buy the overpriced items at places we visit.

We travel with my parents when we bring all the kids (we have 4). It cuts down on the cost of the condo, AND we get some extra hands.

We bring DVD’s and a few toys with us when we travel. This can save you having to rent movies on rainy days, or can even give the kids something to do (have a “game day” instead of going to something like a video game/go kart place), which costs LOTS of $$, if you are running low on cash.

Also, we only bring cash on vacations…we used cards one year & overspent our budget. Its much easier not to overspend when you only bring cash.

I buy sunscreen on sale all yr long so we have enough for vacation. I also buy beach toys, etc before we leave home…nothing like having to shell out $50 on beach toys/umbrella/boogie boards/sunscreen/hats, etc that you couldve bought for MUCH cheaper at home!

]]> By: Cireena http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html/comment-page-5#comment-286777 Cireena Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:07:55 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html#comment-286777 We are going camping at a lake within 50 miles of our house. We'll pack all of our food and beverages, and use tents for shelter, we're really going to rough it. Since my teen kids have never been camping, it will be a memorable event (good or bad) that they can look back on forever. We may also take a 2 day trip from VA to PA to visit a farmer we know, and tour his farm. That will be a bit more expensive with the price of gas...its still up in the air for that reason. We are going camping at a lake within 50 miles of our house. We’ll pack all of our food and beverages, and use tents for shelter, we’re really going to rough it. Since my teen kids have never been camping, it will be a memorable event (good or bad) that they can look back on forever.

We may also take a 2 day trip from VA to PA to visit a farmer we know, and tour his farm. That will be a bit more expensive with the price of gas…its still up in the air for that reason.

]]> By: amber_gwynne http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html/comment-page-5#comment-286776 amber_gwynne Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:04:22 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html#comment-286776 Check websites for free things to do in the city you are visiting. There is a website that shows things to do in a lot of cities across the country and they will save lots of money Check websites for free things to do in the city you are visiting. There is a website that shows things to do in a lot of cities across the country and they will save lots of money

]]> By: amber lester http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html/comment-page-5#comment-286775 amber lester Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:59:40 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html#comment-286775 Take advantage of Wyndham hotels best rate guarentee and possibly get your rooms for free. Also stay at hotels with pools and free hot breakfast. So when you get bored you dont spend extra money on things to do, you can just jump in the pool or you dont have to buy breakfast for the family in the morning, just eat at the hotel! Take advantage of Wyndham hotels best rate guarentee and possibly get your rooms for free. Also stay at hotels with pools and free hot breakfast. So when you get bored you dont spend extra money on things to do, you can just jump in the pool or you dont have to buy breakfast for the family in the morning, just eat at the hotel!

]]> By: Katie http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html/comment-page-5#comment-286774 Katie Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:35:13 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html#comment-286774 We did a destination wedding in Mexico last year, which in itself, saved us a lot of money. My husband and I signed up to be travel agents with this multi-level marketing business so we could get the travel agent discount. We used the discount to book hotel rooms for our families, which saved them a lot of money. This is probably only a good deal if you travel a lot, or plan on traveling with a large group. We did a destination wedding in Mexico last year, which in itself, saved us a lot of money. My husband and I signed up to be travel agents with this multi-level marketing business so we could get the travel agent discount. We used the discount to book hotel rooms for our families, which saved them a lot of money. This is probably only a good deal if you travel a lot, or plan on traveling with a large group.

]]> By: Shay http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html/comment-page-5#comment-286773 Shay Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:08:30 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html#comment-286773 I only order for the adults my child eats off my plate, coupons and anything toddlers can do for free, and I take travel size commodities to keep from purchasing anything once I get there. I only order for the adults my child eats off my plate, coupons and anything toddlers can do for free, and I take travel size commodities to keep from purchasing anything once I get there.

]]> By: targetmom http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html/comment-page-5#comment-286772 targetmom Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:02:02 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html#comment-286772 My tip is check your local tv and radio stations most have some great summer family giveaways. We have scored family packs to water parks, amusement parks, movies, and sporting events. My tip is check your local tv and radio stations most have some great summer family giveaways. We have scored family packs to water parks, amusement parks, movies, and sporting events.

]]> By: Denise http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html/comment-page-5#comment-286771 Denise Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:56:06 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html#comment-286771 This summer we are taking short close to home trips and hopefully saving money that way! Thanks! This summer we are taking short close to home trips and hopefully saving money that way! Thanks!

]]> By: mary http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html/comment-page-5#comment-286770 mary Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:10:25 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html#comment-286770 We aren't "big" vacation takers, but we do take a few long weekends throughout the summer. To save money we: 1) Go with another family or two and share a cabin/condo *this of course only works with SOME other families. We have become regulars at a cabin big enough for 18 of us in the Smoky Mountains so the owner gives us an extra discount. We stayed for 4 nights this year for only $300/family. 2) We have a camper that we have more than gotten our money out of by staying at $25-$40/night campsites rather than hotels. 3) We search online for discounts and coupons beforehand for the attractions we are interested in. 4) We ask the locals for fun things to do - not the "tourist-y" stuff which tends to be higher. 5) We don't eat out - with cabin rentals and our camper, we make every meal - usually:) We aren’t “big” vacation takers, but we do take a few long weekends throughout the summer. To save money we:
1) Go with another family or two and share a cabin/condo *this of course only works with SOME other families. We have become regulars at a cabin big enough for 18 of us in the Smoky Mountains so the owner gives us an extra discount. We stayed for 4 nights this year for only $300/family.
2) We have a camper that we have more than gotten our money out of by staying at $25-$40/night campsites rather than hotels.
3) We search online for discounts and coupons beforehand for the attractions we are interested in.
4) We ask the locals for fun things to do – not the “tourist-y” stuff which tends to be higher.
5) We don’t eat out – with cabin rentals and our camper, we make every meal – usually:)

]]> By: CristyGrace http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html/comment-page-5#comment-286769 CristyGrace Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:10:05 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html#comment-286769 Growing up in NJ, we would take at least one trip down to Florida or up to Niagra Falls every year... My parents always brought a rice cooker & rice because you can always find the water nearby to make it fresh whenever you need it. Add eggs while the rice cooks to make them hard boiled or buy a bucket of chicken for a quick fix. Don't buy the food in parks, freeze water bottles to keep food fresh and buy bulk at home to divide up in baggies before you go. Growing up in NJ, we would take at least one trip down to Florida or up to Niagra Falls every year…

My parents always brought a rice cooker & rice because you can always find the water nearby to make it fresh whenever you need it. Add eggs while the rice cooks to make them hard boiled or buy a bucket of chicken for a quick fix.

Don’t buy the food in parks, freeze water bottles to keep food fresh and buy bulk at home to divide up in baggies before you go.

]]> By: Christy Morris http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html/comment-page-5#comment-286768 Christy Morris Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:42:20 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html#comment-286768 The best way to save money on vacation: Don't eat out. Packing a few coolers and hitting the local grocery store will save a HUGE amount of money- and you'll get much better food. We went this route on our honeymoon and only spent $100 total for 10 days. That was with having a nice dinner out one night and eating breakfast out twice. Even though that's quite a bit more than we normally spend on our weekly groceries it was a great deal for a vacation! The best way to save money on vacation:
Don’t eat out.
Packing a few coolers and hitting the local grocery store will save a HUGE amount of money- and you’ll get much better food. We went this route on our honeymoon and only spent $100 total for 10 days. That was with having a nice dinner out one night and eating breakfast out twice. Even though that’s quite a bit more than we normally spend on our weekly groceries it was a great deal for a vacation!

]]> By: Christy Morris http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html/comment-page-5#comment-286767 Christy Morris Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:42:15 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html#comment-286767 The best way to save money on vacation: Don't eat out. Packing a few coolers and hitting the local grocery store will save a HUGE amount of money- and you'll get much better food. We went this route on our honeymoon and only spent $100 total for 10 days. That was with having a nice dinner out one night and eating breakfast out twice. Even though that's quite a bit more than we normally spend on our weekly groceries it was a great deal for a vacation! The best way to save money on vacation:
Don’t eat out.
Packing a few coolers and hitting the local grocery store will save a HUGE amount of money- and you’ll get much better food. We went this route on our honeymoon and only spent $100 total for 10 days. That was with having a nice dinner out one night and eating breakfast out twice. Even though that’s quite a bit more than we normally spend on our weekly groceries it was a great deal for a vacation!

]]> By: Christy Morris http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html/comment-page-5#comment-286766 Christy Morris Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:42:08 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html#comment-286766 The best way to save money on vacation: Don't eat out. Packing a few coolers and hitting the local grocery store will save a HUGE amount of money- and you'll get much better food. We went this route on our honeymoon and only spent $100 total for 10 days. That was with having a nice dinner out one night and eating breakfast out twice. Even though that's quite a bit more than we normally spend on our weekly groceries it was a great deal for a vacation! The best way to save money on vacation:
Don’t eat out.
Packing a few coolers and hitting the local grocery store will save a HUGE amount of money- and you’ll get much better food. We went this route on our honeymoon and only spent $100 total for 10 days. That was with having a nice dinner out one night and eating breakfast out twice. Even though that’s quite a bit more than we normally spend on our weekly groceries it was a great deal for a vacation!

]]> By: Christy Morris http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html/comment-page-5#comment-286765 Christy Morris Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:41:55 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html#comment-286765 The best way to save money on vacation: Don't eat out. Packing a few coolers and hitting the local grocery store will save a HUGE amount of money- and you'll get much better food. We went this route on our honeymoon and only spent $100 total for 10 days. That was with having a nice dinner out one night and eating breakfast out twice. Even though that's quite a bit more than we normally spend on our weekly groceries it was a great deal for a vacation! The best way to save money on vacation:
Don’t eat out.
Packing a few coolers and hitting the local grocery store will save a HUGE amount of money- and you’ll get much better food. We went this route on our honeymoon and only spent $100 total for 10 days. That was with having a nice dinner out one night and eating breakfast out twice. Even though that’s quite a bit more than we normally spend on our weekly groceries it was a great deal for a vacation!

]]> By: Elizabeth http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html/comment-page-5#comment-286764 Elizabeth Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:37:18 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html#comment-286764 This might sound unbelievable. My money-saving vacation tip is to take a cruise. Everything: food; drinks of juice, tea, coffee and water; unlimited activities and entertainment for kids and adults is included for less than just a hotel for a regular vacation would cost. you don't have to drive and get lost everywhere you go, no worries! They do everything for you, and you even get to see another country or a few depending on the itinerary. Granted, we live in Florida near several ports so we have to pay parking instead of airfare. There are other coastal cities with cruise ports now. It works for us. :) This might sound unbelievable. My money-saving vacation tip is to take a cruise. Everything: food; drinks of juice, tea, coffee and water; unlimited activities and entertainment for kids and adults is included for less than just a hotel for a regular vacation would cost. you don’t have to drive and get lost everywhere you go, no worries! They do everything for you, and you even get to see another country or a few depending on the itinerary. Granted, we live in Florida near several ports so we have to pay parking instead of airfare. There are other coastal cities with cruise ports now.

It works for us. :)

]]> By: Shan http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html/comment-page-5#comment-286763 Shan Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:35:15 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/whats-your-be-1.html#comment-286763 Our vacations are short 3 or 4 day affairs and I try to research food options before we go so we can use our usual grocery budget on vacation. Most often, I pack snacks and breakfasts (unless the hotel has free breakfast) and bottled water/juice and bring it with us. Our vacations are short 3 or 4 day affairs and I try to research food options before we go so we can use our usual grocery budget on vacation. Most often, I pack snacks and breakfasts (unless the hotel has free breakfast) and bottled water/juice and bring it with us.

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