5 Ways To Save Money on your Next Vacation!

With the current price of gas and airline flights, here are some easy ways you can still book your next vacation and not break the bank...

It feels like we have all enjoyed maybe 30 seconds in the last two and a half years between Covid and now inflation prices and a recession threatening... ok maybe that is a bit of an exaggeration but gosh sometimes it really feels that way, am I right? Taking a break "from it all" even in the form of a staycation can be just what the doctor ordered in these crazy times. Just how do we afford to do this with gas prices skyrocketing and airlines charging such high prices for flights? Here are 5 easy ways you can save some money and still take that much needed vacation:

1. Book Direct vs OTAs (Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com)
If you are planning to stay in a vacation rental during your trip or staycation take a minute to see if you can find out if the host has a direct booking website. It is becoming more and more common for hosts to have their own website as we see increases in service fees to hosts and guests through OTAs or Online Travel Agencies such as Airbnb, VRBO, etc. Booking direct with a host via their booking site will save you money over booking through an OTA, and often hosts are more willing to give a discount for guests booking directly with them! So how can you find out if your favorite rental has a direct booking site? Often a simple google search of the name of the rental or vacation rental in {Insert location} will bring up the host's website. You may also find great vacation rentals through social media! Many hosts also maintain pages on facebook, instagram and even TikTok to reach their guests off of OTA sites. Utilizing hashtag searches (i.e. #STR, #ColoradoSpringsVacationRental, #ColoradoVacation) can bring up a number of posts from Short Term Rentals/Vacation Rentals so you can learn more about them as well as links to book with them directly. Lastly, some hosts will provide their social media information in their OTA site description to hopefully help you to find them and their direct booking site without directly pointing you in that direction as OTA sites prefer you to book through them. Often you can save 15% or more on your stay by booking directly with a host vs booking through websites such as Airbnb and VRBO!

2. Plan ahead!
Booking flights and stays early vs last minute will get you cheaper prices! Doing a bit of research before you start your trip will allow you to find the best places to stay, discover discounts on local attractions, and provide the time to research all the places available to you so you can choose the best fit for your trip, all at reasonable prices. According to a new survey of 1,000 plus budget travelers conducted by VacationRenter, on average, travelers who took four months or longer to plan a trip spent significantly less on accommodations and travel than those who planned for less than a month. Even planning as little as a month in advance is beneficial as it gives the time needed to create a vacation budget.

3. Off-peak season travel
Avoiding tourist heavy months means accommodations and flights will be less due to low demand! Additionally, you will experience fewer crowds and shorter waits at any attractions you plan to visit. You may even find that locals are more receptive to you and your requests. So when is off-peak season? That can depend on many factors and may require a small amount of research. Some factors to consider - whether or not school is in session, are you traveling during a holiday or big seasonal event, when is considered the "best" weather for your desired area, or is there a big event taking place during that time (think Mardi Gras). If you can't travel during an off-peak season even choosing an off-peak day could save on costs, Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have the cheapest airfare. 

4. Bring your own food
The cost of food when traveling can add up fast! In fact, food and drinks can be some of the most expensive aspects of your vacation depending on your destination. Purchasing food that travels well in a cooler (or even without one) such as fruits, granola or snack bars, nuts and other snacks in bulk can save you big when traveling by vehicle. Consider making pre-made sandwiches or wraps and provide each person with a reusable water bottle for the drive. Another great way to save on food is to do your own cooking! Depending on where you are staying you may have access to a fully operational kitchen to cook your own meals, saving big over the cost of eating at a restaurant. With access to a kitchen with a refrigerator and microwave you can easily stock up on snacks and drinks from a local grocery store, which will mean a huge savings over buying at a bar or food establishment.

5. Avoid hotels when possible
Especially when traveling in a large group or planning an extended stay, look into renting a vacation rental over a hotel. Many vacation rentals allow you to bring more guests for less money by accommodating your entire group in one house vs booking multiple hotel rooms. As mentioned above, vacation rentals often have a kitchen which saves money on food costs. Finding a vacation rental with a washer/dryer so you can pack super light and wash your clothes during your stay can help you avoid the extra cost of checking bags. Avoid resort fees - many hotels now charge resort fees to cover the cost of amenities such as the pool or fitness center. These daily fees can add up and if you aren't using those amenities it can feel unfair. Overall, there are many reasons why avoiding a hotel can help you save, taking the time to find the right accommodations for your family or group is an easy way to save on the cost of travel.