PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The temptation to overspend can be great when planning a much-needed vacation. However, a hefty credit card bill following a few days of R&R can cause even more stress when returning home.
Mike Sullivan, chief education officer for Take Charge America, a national non-profit credit counseling and debt management agency in Phoenix, says consumers can create memorable, budget-friendly vacations with some careful planning. “Create a vacation budget first and foremost. While transportation and lodging represent the biggest expenses, you also need to account for food, drinks, souvenirs, recreation and anything else you could spend money on. We get into trouble when we underestimate our costs.”
Sullivan offers six tips to help consumers save more when planning summer vacations:
- Comparison Shop – Compare travel packages with hotels or airlines directly, and with travel deal sites such as Expedia or Priceline. You’ll get different deals depending on the season. Also seek out AAA and AARP discounts, as well as additional perks such as free breakfast and Wi-Fi.
- Consider All-Inclusives – All-inclusive resort and cruise packages may include everything from lodging and transportation to food, drinks and tips. These are excellent options for money-conscious travelers who want to make it easy to abide by a budget.
- Plan Far in Advance… or Procrastinate – Airlines, hotels, cruises and travel deal websites offer deals for travelers who book their vacations far in advance or wait until the last minute.
- Be Flexible – It’s easier to find discounted travel packages if you are flexible with dates and times. Consider taking a red-eye or booking your flights mid-week. Avoid holiday weekends, if possible. Also look into hotels or airports slightly off the beaten path. A little extra driving or walking can save a few hundred bucks.
- Jump on the Bandwagon – Travel in a large group with friends or family to take advantage of group discounts. You can also split the cost of gas, food and entertainment. If you can’t afford to pay for lodging, stay with friends or family in another part of the country (offering reciprocal accommodations in your hometown). They should have tips on tourist and local hotspots, too.
- Budget Year-Round – If you save for vacations throughout the year, you won’t feel the pinch when you’re ready to take time off. Consider setting aside a small amount of money each month in a “vacation fund.”
About Take Charge America, Inc.
Take Charge America, Inc., a non-profit financial education, credit counseling, housing counseling and debt management agency, is dedicated to helping consumers nationwide improve their financial futures. Founded in 1987, the organization has helped more than 1.6 million consumers manage their personal finances and debts. To learn more, visit www.takechargeamerica.org or call (888) 822-9193.
