The question on every travelers mind these days is how will rising costs effect vacation plans in the coming months? Individuals and families are facing the challenge of having smaller disposable incomes due to higher prices at the pump and on all consumable items, including groceries. Destination Villas' Vacation expert, Tori Milan, offers travel tips that help stretch vacation dollars. “Don’t buy into the mindset that you can’t afford a vacation this year. There are many ways to vacation well in this economy."
• Always ask for a discount. Asking for a discount may seem bold however
our team found that when we asked for a discount we usually received one. The next time you are at the car rental desk, buying
tickets to the museum or booking a vacation rental, always ask what
discounts or specials apply. Learn more about how to negotiate the
price of just about anything at www.teritoday.com.
• Get a ride to the airport. Airport parking fees have risen
dramatically in the last 12-18 months, with the average cost to park
for 24 hours around $18.95. Add taxes and fees and a 8-day/7-night stay
can easily total $135 or more. Most major airports now have a
Train-to-the-Plane connection that can save time, money and traffic
hassles.
• House Swap. Why not try house swapping? It is a smart way to travel
to distant lands and stay for free. Home exchange allows you to stay in
someone else's home — while they stay in yours. Pets and other
particulars may not make this the best choice for everyone. Find out if
it is right for you at DestinationVillas.com. Many vacation rental
owners are open to house swapping.
• Eat where the locals eat. Fabulous food need not come with a
fabulous price tag. Ask the locals were they dine and you will be sure
to save money, eat well and find some great hidden gems.
• Membership rewards. Be sure to use any membership privileges you may
have access to when booking reservations. AARP, AAA or American Express
Rewards points will save on average 5-10% off most bills including
lodging and car rentals. Using you frequent flyer membership card may get baggage fees waived with many airlines.
• Vacation closer to home. Instead of going to Europe or Disney world,
why not visit regional attractions within 2 or 4 hours of your
hometown, saving on airfare. These mini vacations can be part of a week
long extravaganza or spread across several long weekends.
• Know before you go. Get online and research the areas you are
interested in visiting to find what attractions have free admission or
if you can do download coupons in advance.
• Travel with friends or extended family. Split the car rental bill,
split the vacation rental home costs and take a half-price vacation.
• Save $150 - $400 per day by trying vacation rentals this year.
Vacation rentals are more economical than a hotel because they usually
have 2-4 bedroom. Full kitchens can save an average family of 4 over
$100 per day on restaurants bills alone.
• Book deals online. Find deals and compare rates with the click of a
mouse. Avid travelers subscribe to e-letter lists to find bargains. A
few to consider are:
BudgetTravel.com - Real Deals
DestinationVillas.com - last minute deals finder
TravelZoo.com - Top 20 list
About DestinationVillas.com
Destination Villas, a leader in the vacation rental market, offers a directory of premium properties to make it easy to find vacation rentals.
Each listed property offers photos, descriptions, online request forms,
rate calculators, resort information, amenities, last minute deals and
an ever-growing library of articles featuring local attractions and destination guides.
Destination Villas allows travelers to bypass travel agents, managers,
hotel chains and middlemen and rent directly from homeowners who have
properties in world-class resorts and famous destinations. Save up to
70% on vacation rental vacations from Destination Villas. Vacation rental owners list property for free. Travelers search for properties for free.
