Claire's Articles
Save Money
Spring Break, Summer Vacation, and Winter Break are by far the most popular times for family vacations. And, judging by the peak season prices in the marketplace that I have seen year after year, the travel providers always gear up to take advantage of high demand during these time periods. But, no matter what you are planning for your family vacation - camping in a National park or visiting Hawaii for a week - there are strategies to help you stay on budget. ‘Budget' being the most important part of the puzzle - you need to have one outlined in order to save money. So, the first thing I recommend is that you figure out how long you want to go away for and how much you have to spend. Then, use some of the following strategies to help you stay on track.
Strategies to Help Save Money:
Hotel accommodations are one of the only areas in travel that I would consider a haggler's game. Start by asking for a lower rate - AAA, senior, family, weekend - there are different rates for everything these days. This sounds simple, but you would be surprised how many people are afraid to ask. Have no fear! I promise it works like a charm.
Call a hotel or a car rental company directly, not the central 800-number. I've found that many special offers can't always be accessed through the central reservation 800-numbers.
Use coupons or voucher books. The number of discount coupon and voucher companies, both in print and on the Internet, is almost mind-boggling. Everywhere you look, you can tear off, cut out, download, print out or merely mention a discount coupon rate, and you can save on just about every aspect of travel.
Avoid holidays & long-weekends when companies inevitably step up rates. Look for times when companies are less busy - flights that are less full, days when hotels have lower occupancy (think weekends), and times when rental cars are sitting idle on the lot. If you don't have this information call the reservations line and ask.
For many travel providers, Spring Break, Summer Vacation and Winter Break are their busiest time of the year. Airlines, hotels and car rental companies run out of space before they ever put their services ‘on sale'. I recommend booking early. This is especially important if you want to be somewhere particular on a specific day. I have seen many people end up in a real jam because they waited too long - and when it comes down to the wire, they end up spending twice as much to get where they want to go.+
For the best deals on airfares, look at charter airlines such as Transat, Skyservice or low-cost carriers like West Jet and Southwest. They fly to the most popular destinations and their prices are usually very competitive. And when looking into any flight remember that flexibility is key to getting a good value. If you can stay an extra day or two, or leave a day or 2 earlier, it may bring down the price substantially.
TIPS FOR FAMILY VACATIONS
Plan your departure so it coincides with their sleep schedule or naptime.
Involve your kids by reading to them about the destination ahead of time. Also, encourage them to take responsibility for packing and toting their own bags.
Bring everything you think you will need with you. Don't assume you will be able to get it at your destination.
Keep on hand a small emergency medical kit with items such as sun block, insect repellant, children's pain reliever, a thermometer, anti-bacterial ointment, band-aids and sanitary wipes.
Pack healthy snacks such as dry cereal, crackers, dried fruit and nuts. Healthy treats will help stave off hunger-induced irritability. When flying, lollipops or a pacifier are helpful at take-off and landing to assist in equalizing the changing pressure in kids' ears.
Ensure your kids stay hydrated.
Bring things to occupy your kids like a portable DVD or an iPod. Travel versions of their favorite board games or even a simple deck of cards can go a long way to entertain and make the trip go faster.
