Hidden fees and rising prices prevent families from taking family vacations. However, there are many ways of obtaining discounts on vacations, bed and breakfast, and other amenities. Strategic planning and research can make a vacation enjoyable, stress free and memorable. Included are some tips for saving money on vacations and having extra available for trinkets and local merchandise.
1. AARP
Family members who are over 65 years and members of AARP can receive discounts on travel packages. AARP offers cruises and travel packages to Europe, Asia and other countries. More information can be obtained at www.aarp.org/travel
2. Volunteering
Numerous organizations exist that allow individuals to volunteer overseas. Some of these organizations provide meals and lodgings free of charge. Individuals have to pay for airfare and other amenities. Some of these organizations include volunteerabroadfree.com, vaops.com, and gviusa.com.
3. Home Exchange Vacations
Home exchangevacation.com is a website that allows individuals to register their home online. After registration, individual can pick various tourist attraction sites they would like to visit and connect with other homeowners in that location. They can swap houses and save on money that would have been spent on hotel expenses.
4. Comparison Shopping
Research various website to determine the best deal possible and reserve your flight early. Booking your flight early can save anyone a few to hundred of bucks. Lozo.com saves families money on vacations, and has coupons that can reduce your cost. Cheapoair.com also has flights that are cheaper that most online travel shops.
5. Frequent Flyer Miles
Certain credit cards offer discount on travel destinations. Some of these cards include chase, American Express and Capital one. More information about these and other offers available can be viewed at http://www.creditcards.com/airline-miles.php. Disney credit cards offer discounts on merchandise at Disney stores nationwide, Disney World in Orlando, and Disney cruises.