With Spring Break right around the corner, families across America are thinking about vacations to staycations wondering how to fit this into their family budget. If you aren't careful, Spring Break could cost you upwards of $5,000 or more depending on how far of a getaway you plan for your family. There are a number of ways to save money along the way, and if you plan appropriately you can even save money on your trip.
- What's In Your Wallet - We walk around all year with our Contanza size wallet full of cards we don't use at all. Before you spend a nickel on Spring Break, see if you have a AAA card, an AARP card, a Student ID (if a student is with you), or some other discount card that can offer you savings at local venues, rent-a-cars, or restaurants. In addition, double check what your credit card may offer from lower cost Uber rides to savings at amusement parks or museums.
- Y.O.S - I know most of the parents think I misspelled this thinking it was B.Y.O.B., but Bringing Your Own Stuff is really critical to saving money because once you are on vacation you are likely to spend just because you are having fun. It is highly recommended to make a list of what you'll need for Spring Break, and either pack the snacks or stop at the grocery store before you hit the hotel. The gift shop or pool bar area are two of the most expensive places at a hotel whether you need flip flops, sunscreen, or some snacks. Make a pit stop beforehand as most hotel rooms now come with a small fridge and a microwave.
- Apps That Deliver Savings - So many of us download apps we don't use at all, so here are three potentially handy ones for Spring Break.
- Happy Hour Deals - This app will quickly tell you local venues that have happy hours and what they offer. What's great about this is you may be able to get sliders and fries on the cheap while the adults sip on their favorite cocktail.
- Roadtrippers - This app will not only chart out your course if you are taking a Spring Break road trip, but it will also point out local joints and cheap eats dives to help you save money.
- Get My Boat - You love boating, but you don't have the money to rent one for a week at the ocean or on a lake. No problem. Get My Boat will connect you up locally with someone who will rent their boat by the day or even by the hour. Now, you can set sail or drop anchor and have a great time with little to no hassle at all.
- Look For Combination Packages - In order to get your best deal on Spring Break, you really need to be flexible with the days you travel or the times you take your flights. Most importantly, remember that websites like priceline.com and www.expedia.com build out their algorithms to sell you packages, so look at hotel, air, and car altogether for your best deals. Often these deals will come with some extra goodies.
- Wait 'Til The Last Minute - If you really don't know where you want to go, then wait it out until the last minute. There is a great website called lastminutetravel.com that can fill you in on all of the great deals, or many of the major web hotel sites need to get rid of that room or they will eat the cost. So, if you decide to skip the flight and take a drive or the train, you could find yourself picking up a sweet deal on hotel rooms because they don't want to leave it unbooked.
If you want to set up a time to discuss how to manage your paycheck better, please go to oXYGen Financial to set up an appointment.
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