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Posts Tagged ‘cheap travel’

Overview
Planning a fun vacation does not have to break your bank account. Cheap flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation activities are becoming more prevalent each and every day. Companies realize that families work hard for their income and try to provide affordable services whenever possible. Both domestic and international vacations are completely in reach for most families who are willing to do some research. Additionally, being flexible about your travel plans helps to bring down the cost. All you need to get started is a computer, an idea about where you want to go, and your vacation budget.
Airfare
Flying has never been cheaper. Over the past decade, discount airlines have driven the prices of the entire market down in the consumers favor. Take the time to carefully analyze and compare each travel detail. In many cases, you will be able to find plane tickets for under $100! Always remember to read the fine print to avoid any unnecessary costs.
Alternate Transportation
If you are traveling domestically, there are many options available to you for transportation. Taking the railroad to your destination is a great way to relax and get a view of the country. The sleeper cars are clean and comfortable as well. Car pooling with another family or couple is a great option. If you want to travel with friends, this can really cut down on travel costs. Finally, if you’re really on a budget and live near a city, you can travel on the China Bus line. These buses travel from major city to major city and cost less than $50 for most trips.
Lodging
Similar to airfare, you can find some great motels and hotels on discount travel websites. These establishments often need to fill empty rooms and are willing to do so at a highly discounted rate. You may want to take the time to call local lodging around your destination and ask for these deals. You will be able to obtain a larger discount if you are an AAA or AMEX member.
If you’re feeling adventurous, staying at hostels or couch surfing is a great idea. There are many websites that list local hostels and others that list “couches for rent”. These are great ways to meet new people and have new experiences.
Activities
Once you’ve reached your destination and have secured your lodging, you will probably want to find things to do on your vacation. A little planning prior to arriving would have been nice, but you will be able to find affordable entertainment at any time. Be creative and call around. Many restaurants offer discount nights. Major attractions offer senior, child, and student discounts. Visiting national monuments is extremely cheap and often free.
As you can see, vacationing doesn’t have to be expensive! Just take the time to do a little research. You will be surprised at what you can afford!