Summer has always been my favorite time of year-- partly due to the sunshine and mostly to do with our yearly summer vacation. There's nothing I look forward to more than getting away with my family. In the past, I've planned months and months in advance-- mapping out every detail. While this is awesome if you have the time and budget, I have found that I can plan a great family getaway in half the time (and sometimes for half the cash) by looking for deals online.
Here are some of my favorite ways to save money on a summer vacation:
1. Book a Cruise - Cruises are a great way to travel, and if you're within a day's drive to a port, you can save a lot of money by being flexible and booking at the last minute. Start to look for discounts a month in advance and be ready to book as soon as you see cabins available in your price range. If you still want to cruise but aren't into doing booking last minute, cruise lines like Carnival will give refunds for the price change if your rate goes down before your sailing. You won't get cash back, but you will get the difference in cabin credit!
2. Get Active in Social Media - If you have a specific resort you want to stay at, stalk the company's brand page (or individual resort accounts) on Twitter and Facebook for last minute deals-- especially at all inclusive resorts. All you need to do is become a fan and look for announcements on when deals are posted. Often there will be deals for free nights or rates for under $100/night with extra goodies thrown in.
3. Join Travelzoo - For years, Travelzoo.com has been one of the best resources for last minute travel. You can find everything from airfare deals to discounts on hotels and car rentals. It doesn't matter where in the world you want to travel, you'll find something of interest here-- and the deals change weekly!
4. Search for Coupon Codes - Whether it be for a flight, a hotel or for new clothes for your vacation. Search sites like Net Voucher Codes before you make ANY online purchase. Remember, there's always a deal out there!
5. Follow Deal-of-the-Day sites - Groupon is my new favorite site for saving money while on vacation. I look for Groupon Getaways as well as the Groupon destination pages for wherever I'm going. You don't have to live in the area to buy the Groupon, and this has proven to be a great way to save money on food and attractions.
How do you save money on summer travel?
Zippy Sandler
Thanks for the great tips.
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy
Thanks for all the great tips. We plan on doing some travel this summer so these will come in handy.
debrap
Thanks for the wonderful tips!
Lolo
It amazing what you can find on those daily deals sites!
Lee
I agree with the stalking! A lot of times if you ask them they'll give you a code. It's all about demand. 🙂
Lee
Tammy
Coupons can help a lot on a trip.
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell
I need to do a lot more stalking than I do. Thanks for the tips!
Stefani
Thanks for the great tips!
High School Diploma
This is a very beautiful and interesting article
The most glamorous one i have read today!
Jenn
I'm sooo ready for another cruise. Too pregnant though. 🙂
Anne - Mommy Has to Work
Great tips!
Theresa
Great tips!!
Becca @ Mama B
Great tips! While we won't be doing any traveling this summer, I definitely want to take a cruise next spring!
Courtney
Great tips, I always wanted to take a cruise but I'm so scared of the water.. Guess that's not happening lol
Toni @ A Daily Dose
Great tips!!!!
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins
Thanks for the wonderful tips!
Canadian Mom Blogger
Thanks for the tips! I didn't know that about cruises.
HilLesha
Fantastic tips!
Marcie W.
We love cruising and I did NOT know that tip about price differences. Thank you!!
Notorious Spinks
I use some of the tips above. I need to do a better job though.
rachel
My husband loves Travelzoo!
Megan @ Weight Loss Mother
Great tips! I love stalking resorts Facebook pages.
Jennifer
great tips. I wont be traveling till the fall but I'll be sure to remember what you said
Mayo hotels
I think summer is perfect time for vacation specially for family all are free from from their regular schedule so, these tips are really very helpful for summer vacation.