While the stay-cation is on the minds of many Americans, getaways are not totally impossible at this point, as long as 
you follow some tricks of the trade.
Create Your Vacay Budget
Just like with your personal finances, it is important to set your money limits before you even start exploring where you want to go on a trip. Be sure to account for everything in your budget, such as airfares, gas, hotels, food, entertainment, activities, souveneirs, and the unexpected surprises that may spring up.
Cement Your Airfare
If your flying for your trip, start looking at rates now ad book early to get the best deals and sae the most money. Websites like kayak.com can help you narrow down the best deals in airfare and travel times. Yapta.com will alert you when the airfare drops and for $15, the website will help your fight for a refund if you have already played for your flight.
Bargain Rooms
When you are on vacation, the chances are good that, unless you are on your honeymoon, your hotel space will be used mostly for changing, bathing, and sleeping – so why spend a ton of cash for luxury digs when you never plan to be there? Visit hotels.com or tripadvisor.com to find low cost lodging and real-life reviews from those who have stayed before you.
Rental Cars
For the best rates on rented vehicles, at your destination, plan to rent from a location outside of the airport, perhaps find one near your hotel. Check out hotwire.com for the deals and the information. You can generally save a lot of cash if you shop around.
Insure Yourself
If your trip costs more that several hundred dollars, you might want to consider travel insurance to protract you. In the event of an illness, disaster, or even if the airline loses your bags, you will be protected. Insuremytrip.com can give you the lowdown on different coverage and prices.
Seek Professional Assistance
If our trip planning is not so simple, do not hesitate to consult with a travel agent. Their experience and accessibility to exclusive deals can save you way more money than you would spend on their services fees, which generally run between $50-$200.
Vacations should be a source of relaxation and fun. Getting into debt over a trip that is supposed to relieve stress, will only add to it. Planning ahead and shopping for deals can allow you to afford a vacation. If you want to even make it easier on yourself, start saving in advance so that when the time comes to go away, you’ll have the necessary cash to pay for your vacation and leave debt behind you.
More Vacation for Less Money was created by and is property of American Consumer News.
