Money Saving Travel Tips

Plane tickets, hotels, restaurant meals, admission to attractions, souvenirs: put it all together and family vacations can rival the cost of a year of college. No need to break the bank for a relaxing trip with the family. Use these tips to cut vacation costs without cutting out the fun:

1. Limit restaurant meals. Look for condos or suite hotels that have a kitchenette or a mini fridge. Make at least one, or even better, two meals each day to immediately cut vacation costs.

2. Hit the grocery store. Opt for a stop at the grocery store deli to pull together an inexpensive meal. Most have a chicken dinner for four, including sides and rolls for under $12 or about the cost of one restaurant entrée. Eat at a pretty picnic spot to make it special.

3. Collect coupons and discounts. Watch community newspapers, magazines and direct mail coupon packs for discounts on restaurants, activities and attractions. Many coupon pack mailers are available online. Just enter the zip code of your destination and download the coupons.

4. Get Social. “Friend”, “Like” or “Follow” the hotels, restaurants, resorts, attractions and activities that make your preliminary vacation plans. They'll let you know about special discounts or last minute deals. Also sign up for e-newsletters for notification of more deals.

5. Create your own souvenirs. Give each child a spiral bound blank book at the beginning of the trip. Pack tape or glue sticks, colored pencils and stickers. During your vacation set aside some downtime for the kids to add ticket stubs, brochures and other memorabilia to the pages. They can also journal, make lists, and draw on the pages. Leave space to add favorite photos to their trip souvenir.

Thank you to ParentHood.com for providing this article for the PMA site.