10 Tips for Vacationing on a Budget

Vacationing and traveling doesn't happen by itself.....it takes homework and planning ahead to have a successful and promising trip. Unexpected expenses happens along the way to saving for a vacation, but stay focused and get back on track as soon as possible and if that means working a Saturday or an hour extra each day at work to save up more or faster.....well, vacationing sure makes it worth it. Where have you always wanted to go? Have you seen pictures to places you wanted to visit? Well, as hard as it is, you must pick one place to plan on. I wish I could visit Italy, Australia, and Mexico, but realistically my budget will only allow me to travel domestically in North America. This is based on what I can save up and how soon I want a vacation. I’m sure I can make it to an exciting foreign country if I saved up for years, but now, let's get you to your realistic dream vacation......here are some tips to help you save money while on vacation.....

1) When you have a decided to plan to take a vacation, start planning right away. Send away for destination information immediately. Contact visitor's bureau, looking up tourist information online and get as much information as possible on your particular vacation destination.

2) Not matter how much you budget and save and plan, there will always be little things that add up in cost including cab fares, restaurants and tips, a splurged margarita, show tickets, and many other small expenses (except on an all-inclusive resort vacation). Little costs always seem to sneak up on you......oh, and purchasing that last minute collapsible type umbrella for that unexpected nasty weather day.

3) While on vacation, ATMs are plentiful. Just keep in mind that it is so easy to overspend with a pin number (ohhhh and all those little annoying ATM fees that can really add up). A little discipline will help protect you to stick to your budget no matter how tempting spending is.

4) Saving money does not mean eating at fast food joints every day. A sandwich at a fast food restaurant may be on the dollar menu, but try to look at lunch specials or early bird special deals at restaurants in the area. Don't jeopardize your health to save a dollar, your health should come first. Skip the margarita later and get a decent meal to help your energy and stamina levels. A hotel continental breakfast is a good way to start the day.

5) Enjoy the free shows in the lounge area and hang out by the pool area, you can still enjoy your vacation and what is a vacation without a little relaxing. So take advantage of the perks of your hotel. Also I’ve been to hotels that gave coupons to their visitors to local area diners and stores.

6) Pack a snack. I have a small back pack that carries my camera, snacks, and a small bottle of water. This will help you thru long waiting lines and save you money on over priced refreshments that are for sale around you. Also in my backpack are aspirin and band-aids.

7) If you don't have a cell phone, there is never a better time to pick up a "throw away" phone to take with you on your trip. I've seen the new disposable phones you can activate with a set amount of minutes, no roaming charges, and no phone bill when you get home. This will save you money compared to using the hotel room phone.

8) Multi-day, discounted, bus passes can save you a lot of money in getting around town. For example: a single one way ride on a Las Vegas bus is $3.00, or a 5 day unlimited ride pass is $20.00. In the long run and everything Las Vegas has to offer, the bus is a good idea, and so is the one time $20 pass for the 5 days (and this pass is new for 2011).

9) You may want to keep a small notebook and pen to mark down any favorite places you've seen, recording purchases, and tracking spending. I also have this small note pad in my back pack to keep track of what I've seen to match the pictures I take along the way. Also in my back pack is pre-purchased postcard stamps and a list of addresses to my friends so if I see a deal on postcards (10 for a $1), I can buy them and send some postcards home.

10) Break your larger bills to small denominations to avoid over tipping, to use for exact change, and to avoid driving the $20 bills in the casino machines. Obviously my trips are filled with casinos *smile*. I hope you start saving today for your next vacation and have fun....you know what they always say; "The only thing you really need to travel is money and a sense of humor".