It can happen if done correctly and planned accordingly. We'd all love to have so much that we don't have to worry about it when we take vacations.
However, I would much rather take vacation on a budget than not take one at all and immerse myself in my kids 2 inch pool out back frying in the sun while have a beer dreaming that I'm on the beach or in my dream travel location.
Let's not waste time and get right to the point. Here is discount Florida vacations top tips for not only taking, but enjoying frugal vacations...
**Pick the right vacation destination. Going to the French Riveria or shopping on Rodeo Drive may not fit the budget travel lifestyle. Going somewhere that will allow you to enjoy the destination without spending money is smart. For example, you can spend 10 times the money in one weekend in Vegas as you could in a whole week on a beach vacation or camping trip.
**Shop deals wisely. After searching what seemed like endlessly, we found a great stay in Hilton Head Island during the busy season. Don't think you can't find a deal, try again. There are little tips and tricks you can use to get FREE flights, upgraded rooms, and more. Don't hesitate to play them. They work.
**Consider the off-season. Not only is it cheaper, but typically there are less people. It's like you have the entire place to yourselves. Understand though why that particular spot has an off-season - weather, school vacations, nature, etc...
**Keep the distance from home close enough that it doesn't cost an arm and a leg to get there, but far enough that it is a true vacation!
**Read, read, read. There are endless sites out there that offer excellent tips on how to budget travel. Plenty of us have to do it often enough that many of us are certainly experts. Knowing when, how, and where to book your airfare, car rentals, vacation stays is as much an art as it is a science. A little luck never hurts either.
**Don't travel alone. We have split vacations with friends and family many times cutting our costs immensely.
**Eat intelligently. Do you really have to eat out every meal? We typically do one meal out per day and enjoy our favorite foods in the rest of the time.
**What about camping, backpacking, and other outdoor adventures? Yes, this can get expensive, but these are viable options and can make for a fun trip.
**Stay off the beaten path. Look for your favorite vacation place, but try and find a nice rental by owner or not-so-mainstream condo. You must be careful with this. You don't want to end up in a place that ends up being a complete nightmare. With the Internet and referrals, you should be ok.
**Understand culture and customs before you travel so you know the ins and outs of how to be frugal. Travel in the US and abroad can be quite different.
**Do mini-vacations. Instead of one week or more at a time, pick great spots you can visit in a couple of days. This allows you to travel to a number of locations throughout the year, enjoy different forms of travel, and spend less money.
Listen, we know this is just a taste. There are entire books and websites devoted to frugal vacations and budget travel. We just don't want you to think you can't have a wonderful vacation this year when you have little money.
