Ten Ways to Vacation While Saving Dollars!

 
1 - Cruise -Cruising is by far, the least expensive vacation option with lodging, food, and entertainment all included and paid up front.  Dollar for dollar, this is your BEST vacation option.

2 - Package Deals - When your airfare, hotel, ground transportation, and even meals are bundled in a pre-packaged itinerary, you are bound to save money.  All components are bought in bulk by the tour operator and the savings are passed on to you, the traveler!

3 - Lesser Traveled Destination -  or just the opposite!
Costa Rica is a wonderful vacation option that is just a blip on the radar right now but surely will be the hottest place to go in a year or two.  Take advantage now before it is.  The hotels and food are inexpensive and what a beautiful place to be!
Cancun is the opposite - a well traveled place to go but cheaper because there is a lot of hotel room inventory and Mexico is generally less expensive to begin with.

4 - Rent a Villa with Friends and/or Family - Share the costs of lodging and meals and make unforgettable memories together!

5 - Local Destinations - We all have places on our list that are within 4 hours from home.  Now is the time to check them out. 

6 - Book Early - Some tour operators and cruise lines offer early booking discounts.

7 - Book Late - Some tour opeartors and cruise lines offer last minute deals.

8 - Be Flexible - Some tour operators and cruise lines will offer deals if you can be flexible on dates and destinations.  For instance, you commit to going "somewhere" sometime in "August" and 30 days prior to departure they will let you know where and when you are going.

9 - Camp - locally and abroad.  (not my favorite thing to do but I thought I would throw it out there).

10 - Visit Friends and Family
- Your favorite friend lives in St. Augustine and you've never had time to visit because you are busy taking expensive vacations to St. Barths.  This year, take the time to visit.  Have your friend put you up and they will most likely feed you (at least breakfast and/or lunch) and give you an insiders tour of their town!