You can have an inexpensive getaway weekend or mini vacation just by trading spaces with a friend or family member. For example, my brother lives in the city and I live in the country about 45 miles away. If he is going out of town, he lets me know and then I can go spend the weekend in his apartment and experience city life. It is so much fun just to sleep in his bed; sit on his back deck with a cup coffee, etc.
Although my daughter lives in the same town as I, I enjoy staying at her house while she is gone because she has satellite TV, a whirlpool bathtub, and an in ground pool, and I get to enjoy it all for free!
By Margaret from Carrollton, GA
This page contains the following solutions.
Tips and ideas for saving money on travel. My husband and I save our change all year and use that for our vacation travel. We love to take off in the car and just drive until we find some little town we can get a room in.
I buy canned drinks when the grocery stores are having a really good sale, and I put them away for when we go on trips or rides. I also bag my own ice. Every time my ice bin gets full, I put it in a large freezer bag and put it in the freezer.
When traveling, take all of your older underwear. As you wear them, throw them away, thus allowing for room in your suitcase for the souvenirs.
If you use the same travel agent every time, they could alert you to discounts and specials. Let them know you'd be appreciative to receive them.
Many camp grounds/state parks/national parks will have camp ground "hosts". The "hosts" work a set amount of hours a day, anywhere from 4-8 at the gate booth in exchange for free camping.
If you are renting a car while on vacation, you will almost always be asked by the rental agency if you wish to rent a navigation unit, or a GPS. While it is tempting to take that offer, that will often cost about 5 or 6 dollars a day, which is pricey.
Join Hostelling International, it will change your "hostel" image. They have facilities for one or many, sharing or private. US or otherwise.
Sometimes a staycation is exactly what you need to relax with out traveling far away. This is a page about the non-vacation vacation.
This is a page about saving money on summer travel. Many people look forward to traveling in the summer. Travel costs can add up quickly, but you don't have to spend a fortune to have fun.
