10 Must-Knows for Holiday Travel

May 13, 2013 on Travel

Holiday Travel

The summer holidays are just around the corner, which means holiday travel. These travel tips will make it easier to plan the best vacation at the most affordable price. You can create a dream vacation without breaking the bank. It does take a bit of work to really travel on less, but you can do it. These tips will help you survive a vacation if you are single traveling on your own, traveling with friends or if you are taking your family on vacation. Whether you use just one of these ideas or all of them, you will be able to save money. You can save money with our travel deals

1. Plan and Book Ahead

You can usually score lower rates by booking ahead, but you can score hotel deals on a last minute trip if you use the right search engines. Usually the best deals book up months in advance. Take the time research the most affordable options now. For example if you are going to the beach, renting a vacation house and splitting it with friends is often more affordable than you each renting your own hotel room at the beach. Renting cabins or reserving a campsite when you are visiting a national park or headed up to the mountains can also save you money on hotel costs and still provide a great vacation.

2. Consider All Modes of Transportation

Driving may not always be the best or most affordable option. For some vacations, you may not even need a rental car if you fly into the area. You can take shuttles that the hotel provides to the attractions. If you live in a big city and do not have a car, renting pme and driving to your destination may be less expensive than flying. You can save on car rentals with discount coupons. The distance you are traveling and the amount of time you spend on your vacation will determine the best option for your vacation.

Save on car rentals

3. Plan for Meals

One of the most expensive parts of a vacation can be the meals. Some vacation packages or resorts include all the meals as part of the cost. This can be a great deal if the items are priced right. In other instances, you can save money by choosing a hotel that offers a complimentary breakfast. If you request a refrigerator in your hotel room, you can run to the grocery store and stock up on snacks and lunch items. This can cut back on the number of meals that you need to eat. If you are renting a home with a full kitchen, plan to cook most of your meals in. Planning ahead can make meal prep quick and easy, plus you will not have to waste your vacation time standing in line waiting for food.

travel tips

4. Pack Smart

Packing carefully can save you money and make your entire vacation more enjoyable. Start by making a list of everything you need, and checking it off as you pack. Do not forget things like your charger or your swimsuit. Either option can send you scrambling  to buy a new one. Learn of eighteen things you don't need to pack on your next vacations

5. Use Hotel Coupons and Discounts

When you travel to a city, you will need to stay in a hotel. You can save money on hotels with online coupons and other deals. Take the time to look for coupons. You may be able to get an extra night free or earn discounts for your next vacation. Take the time to find the best deals possible when you travel. You can use coupons and deal to make your holiday travel much more affordable.

6. Find Discounts on Area Attractions

Some of the best travel tips include looking deals on the area attractions before you go. You can call ahead to your hotel to see if they offer any coupons or discounts on shows or attractions in the area. Look at local city sites to find the best deals and places to visit. When you are planning on holiday travel, you will want to plan ahead and purchase tickets in advance. Many attractions will sell out especially on Memorial Day Weekend or if they are offering any Memorial Day Travel Deals.

Vatican Museum

7. Visit Free Attractions

Most areas have a few free attractions that you can visit. You can cut down on costs by taking in a few free attractions while you are traveling. Stopping at the park or the local museum will give you a chance to relax or learn something new. Even if you just research these attractions as backup entertainment for your holiday travel, you will be able to save money and have an extra plan if your first choice falls through.

8. Plan for Your Pets Now

One of the most practical travel tips is to make a plan for your pets when traveling. Although some people will board their pets, many pet owners love to take their animals with them. When you are booking your hotel, make sure that they are a pet friendly facility. Additionally, you should plan to sedate your pet while it is flying since it will be in a pet crate in the cargo hold of the plane. If you are driving, plan out a route that will accomdate plenty of stops that are pet friendly. This will make traveling with your pet much easier. If you do decide to board your pet, be sure to book a spot  for him now. This will give you the best possible place to board your pet. You will not need to worry about how your pet is being cared for while you are away if you plan now. 

9. Start with a Budget

It is important to know just how much you have to spend on your vacation. You should create a detailed budget as you plan your trip. This should include your hotel and travel costs, entertainment costs, as well as your food and souvenir costs Theses options will help you save money and keep you from stressing over what you spend once you are already on vacation. Always bring a little bit more than what you think you will need, so you do not need to worry.

Must-knows for holiday travel

10. Prepare Your Kids for Travel

If you are t. raveling with your family, you need to be prepared to travel with your kids. This will keep your little ones happy will make everyone traveling with you happy, as well. These travel tips will help make your holiday travel much more enjoyable.

 

Image 1 courtesy of Viajar24h.com / Flickr.com

Image 2 courtesy of Martin Cathrae / Flickr.com

Image 3 courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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