Save on Lodging, Food and More...

LODGING SUGGESTIONS AND ALTERNATIVES

One of the higher costs of a summer vacation is lodging. There are several different types available from which you can choose. They range in price widely. On a budget, you have to consider and reconsider how much you can afford. In doing so, you need to look at the various types available, what they include and whether you are sharing the facilities or not. A hotel or motel may seem to be a "steal." Once you factor into the cost such things as meals, parking and other services, you may be better off going with a more inclusive offer. While this may seem more expensive, it is not after you subtract your budgeted costs for other items.

When you look for a place to stay, you can consider the traditional forms of lodging. There are hotels, motels and resorts. You can also opt for bed and breakfasts, hostels, ashrams, tents and RVs. Before you definitely decide on one form, you need to examine several factors. Initially focus on defining your needs. What amenities are necessary? Which ones are optional? What extras or "basics" must you absolutely have?

If you decide to stay in a hotel look at budget chains. They may offer you a better deal. Do look at what is included and see if it is what you want and actually reduces the overall cost and does not increase the expense of other aspects of your budget by charging you for them.No matter what hotel or motel you examine consider the following:

• Your actual needs. What are the amenities, the location and the price?
• What is the average rate?
• Can you obtain a deal by staying at a business hotel during their slowtime e.g. weekends?
• Do not agree to pay for amenities you will not use.

Always know what is included in the price. Go to the hotel web pages and comparison sites. See what deals they offer and whether you can find lower. See if they offer a web rate. This can reduce your costs. Do check into coupons. Some tourism sites will provide you with discounts for local hotels. Check, first, to see whether there are any particular restrictions on their usage e.g. dates, days of the week. If you end up traveling with children, see if there are discount rates. Ask about the cut-off age before you book. Look into a guest program. This may not help you immediately but can down the road.

To reduce the cost of food, see if you can book a room with access to a refrigerator and microwave. You can also see if an all-inclusive plan is better for your budget than booking a cheaper room and eating out. If, however, you do decide to eat out, try dining at local eateries. They are usually less expensive than restaurants in hotels. Chain eateries can also be an option. Some feature local specialties. It depends upon whether you want a total experience or are more comfortable eating what you already know.

Do not dismiss resorts. While the cost may seem prohibitive to your budget, there are advantages and certain occasions when they may actually stick to your financial needs. A resort is frequently all-inclusive. This means they provide you with meals, entertainment and activities. Some provide you with discount tickets to nearby attractions. This can count down on the overall price. If you think a resort has everything you need without leaving the grounds, and it fits into your budget constraints, opt for it. Do allow room for those extra expenses and watch that you get exactly what you pay for.

Beyond hotels, motels and resorts are bed and breakfasts. They provide you with shelter and meals. Rules vary from place to place. Some are more restrictive than others. If you like to stay in someone else's home a bed and breakfast may be your answer.

Renting a cottage is another possibility. These can be very expensive in season. Summer cottage rentals are usually high. You can often defray the costs by sharing. If you rent a bigger cottage, you can share it with another family or group. If you are single, see if a compatible - and I stress the word "compatible", friend is willing to share the cost of all expenses.

For those who want a bed and do not care about a lot of physical comfort, cheap alternatives include ashrams and hostels. These provide you with a roof over your head. There may or may not be showers or cooking facilities. The sleeping quarters may also be dorm-style. The facility can be solely for males or females. In some ashrams or hostels you pay for your time by doing work; others ask for a small amount of money. It is an inexpensive way to stretch your summer vacation budget. It is also not for those who love creature comforts.

Camping can also cut down on lodging costs. There are various types of grounds. Some have hook-ups for RVs and trailers. They are a great place to park your vehicle and wander off to enjoy the area. Having your own cooking facility also decreases the amount of money you can spend on food.

Living in a tent is a cheap form of lodging. It is restrictive in its location. Your ideal summer vacation destination may not have camp grounds. Furthermore, some places do not offer such things as showers and, depending upon the weather, may forbid cooking. Again, this type of residence may appeal to you if you decide to bike, backpack or enjoy a wilderness adventure.

Last, but not least, a word for those who drive the route for long or short distances. If you are heading to a cottage or to a place with a fridge and microwave, take food with you. Clean out your fridge and cupboards and take it with you. Use a picnic cooler to keep the food fresh. This way, you are not hit with high food prices for the first few days of your stay.

Before leaving, you can look at the cost of food in many states, provinces, regions and countries. Go online to determine the average cost of essentials. Take what you can and need. Be aware of specific regulations and health laws before you pack up the cooler. Some fruits and vegetables are not allowed entry between states or countries.

Finding bargains in lodging can be challenging. It requires you do your research. It also means you know exactly what you want. You may find a cheap hotel but costs for transportation to and from the main attractions or venues may be excessive. The lower priced hotel may be without those amenities you really need. Make sure you pay for what you want and get what you pay for.

CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT

If you are going to a city to explore its cultural essence, you need to budget appropriately. If you are planning on attending a theme park, theater, zoo or science center, you need to be aware of the initial and related costs as well as times and opening and closing hours. To discover how much each event, museum, gallery, show, theme park, and other cultural or entertaining venue costs, you need to combine your methods of research. Going online will provide you with updated information. If you have access to a local newspaper or tourism web site, you can find similar information.

Be sure to go to the specific site of each museum or event. They should contain precise information on times, dates and special exhibits or displays. Local museums and art galleries are sometimes free of charge or ask for a donation. Their site will also note if they are having free or reduced days.

The same is true for many fairs, expositions and theme parks. Their home page will tell you not only the cost, but also when they offer reduced fares. For some theme parks certain days of the week are less expensive. You can also sometimes save money if you arrive later in the day.

Tourism web sites, newspapers and periodicals or brochures are also very helpful. They can reveal the data you need. They can also help you reduce the overall cost. Locate the desired site by typing the name of the place or region together with the word tourism. You can also try www.towd.com, the Worldwide Directory of tourism offices. It, however, includes only the larger sites. Some smaller towns or areas are excluded. Nevertheless, the Worldwide Directory is a great starting point. This is particularly true if you are still not exactly sure about where you wish to go.

Once you have located your tourism site take your time to look around it. See if they have any special offers for the days of your summer vacation. These can reduce the cost. If they have coupons providing reductions in entry fees, rides or other entertainment items, be certain to first check the expiry date. Once you are sure of the validity of the offers, print them off and place in a safe place such as your summer vacation folder.

Travel magazines may also contain discount coupons. The magazines often contain information and reviews on specific venue sites. They frequently note special prices, half-price days and similar reductions in entry fees as well as other related items. Clipping and using the coupons they offer can go a long way toward reducing the economic cost of your vacation. Be sure you note the dates are correct before you cut them out. You may also find similar savings at travel shows or Expos.

Another source of discount tickets is maybe a little risky. Some online sites sell various articles related to trips. e-Bay, Kijiji and Craig's List are 3 common sites offering "deals" on various items. Go search your particular destination and type in coupons or gift certificates. You may come up with tickets and other related items. You can then bid on them. This will allow you to buy tickets and certificates at a much lower price than you would pay for in retail. If you decide to go this route, make sure the tickets are valid and you are truly getting a deal.

 On the next page we discuss ways you can Save on Souvenirs and Gifts.