Save Money on Vacations and Traveling.

Whether its just you, a group of friends, or the whole family, chances are a vacation would be great right now. Don't let the downfall of the economy restrict you from taking it easy for a few days to revive your spirits. So long as vacations are well planned with a budget in mind, and kept free of any impulse purchases, it is possible to get away from it all without breaking the bank.

• Stay close to your home base! The cost of airfare alone can undo your budget. Try a day-trip to your state's capitol, a lake or beach that's withing driving distance, or a bed and breakfast in a small tourist-friendly town near you.
• Browse websites like Travelocity, and Expedia for great package deals as well as savings on car rentals, hotels, and airfare. Package deals reduce the overall cost of buying airfare, hotels, and cars separately.
• Bring your own snacks and meals with your for long airplane and car rides. Lunches and snacks from convenience stores, fast food chains, and worst of all- the airport, are overpriced. Plus, eating on the cheap while you are getting there saves you some money to splurge on eating out once you arrive.
• Never underestimate the power of asking! Call hotels directly, (avoid 1-800 numbers) and ask for a reduced rate, or if you could get free meals. A friend of mine got four free breakfasts and dinners for her husband and child this way.
• Avoid. The. Mini. Fridge.
• Consider a destination where family or friends live. This completely rules out the cost of lodging. Do be a polite houseguest though!
• Plan vacations 1-2 months in advance. This saves money on lodging and airfare, and you often have more time to look around for the best deal.
• Consider being a happy camper. Camping really is "getting away from it all" Its a surefire way to have and adventure, and saves you tons of money. ReserveUSA.com has a search engine to find you the perfect camp site, often as cheap as $20.00 per night!
• Talk to the locals! They can advise you on what tourist traps to avoid, and let you in on cool local destinations.
• Skip the cab, Catch the bus. Taxi and cab services sure can add up. Take the local bus or rail transit system if possible. Bonus- you'll get to see the city the way locals do.
• If possible, try to book a hotel that offers free breakfast. A breakfast out for a family of four can run upward toward $30.00
• Don't rule out hostels! These dorm-style dwellings are budget minded, and can often be booked in private rooms for families.
• Take advantage of the free city maps and guidebooks. These are often found in hotel lobbies, or by the exit doors at the airport.
• If you are planning on staying somewhere a week or more, look into renting an apartment. Some apartment community charge by the week for prices much lower than the hotels. If your staying for a month or more try renting a house or condo.
• Rent DVD's and movies from a national chain you may already be a member of, such as Blockbuster to steer clear of the pricey in-room movies. Just remember to return them before your departure.

Alternative Vacation Ideas

• Haycations, or farm stays put your family in the midst of an actual functioning farm. Children will love feeding the sheep, helping out with the farmers wife, and gathering eggs. When you stay at a farm, they provide you with fresh-picked meals and a cozy bed-and-breakfast.  My friend took her husband and two children to a haycation and spent around $400.00 for a 5 night stay.  Plan a haycation
• Volunteer vacations allow you and your family to do-good and have fun at the same time. Many have time set aside for swimming and visits to nearby attractions. These trips are around $275.00 per person, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Try booking a week-long hike trip with the American Hiking Society if you love being outdoors. For animal lovers sign up to care for orphans in the wild at an Animal Sanctuary or find other ideas at Charity Guide.
• National Parks. With around 400 nationwide , theres bound to be one that fits you and your family- We're talking mountains, seashores, historic sites, forests and campgrounds. ARAMARK Parks and Destinations offer a plethora of services including guided tours. The best part of all- annual passes for four adults are $80, and children ages 16 and under are free of charge. Find a park near you.

Happy Trails!