How to Find Summer Vacation Deals and Discounts

Are you ready to start planning your summer vacation? Unfortunately, the poor economy has left many Americans in a financial pinch. If you are one of those individuals impacted, you may consider foregoing your annual summer vacation. Luckily, you don’t have to. Many travel deals and discounts are available to help you save money. How can you find these deals?

By examining online travel websites. Online travel websites are well-advertised on television. Orbtiz.com and Priceline.com are just two of your many options. What is nice about these websites is that it makes comparing easy. Enter your destination, the number of people traveling, your dates, and what you need, like a hotel or car rental. In just a few minutes, you will have many arrangements to compare. What is the cheapest?

By comparing online travel websites. As previously stated, there are many online travel websites to choose from. You would think their rates are similar, but you may be surprised with the difference. This is due to different fees. If you want to buy a travel package that includes airline tickets, a hotel, and a car rental through a travel website, request free quotes from different websites. See which one offers you the better deal. Why pay more with Orbtiz.com when Priceline.com has a cheaper package available, and visa versa?

By booking your reservations independently. The best deals on travel websites are usually offered in the form of vacation packages. What if you don’t need a travel package? Are you staying with friends and family? If so, you won’t need a hotel and you might not need a car rental. That leaves just your airline tickets. It is usually cheaper to book single reservations directly from the source. If you need to book a flight on Southwest Airlines, you are likely to find cheaper rates right on their website.

Check in your hotel lobby for brochures. It is common for local businesses to place fliers and brochures in hotel lobbies. Not only do they include information about the establishment, but many also have moneysaving coupons. Use these coupons to reduce the cost of your summer vacation. Don’t pay full price unless you need to.

Look for coupons online for restaurants. When most of us think of food coupons, we automatically think of the grocery store. Food coupons also exist in the form of restaurant coupons. In addition to appearing in hotel lobbies, many restaurants post printable coupons on their websites. You don’t have to plan each of your meal ahead of time, but use the internet to research nearby restaurants. View online menus to get a taste of the food available, as well as prices. In addition to printable restaurant coupons, look for good daily specials. Opt for the best tasting meals for the lowest prices.

Finally, don’t forget about free activities and attractions. If you are vacationing on a budget, it is important to cut corners and expenses wherever possible. When sightseeing, you should mix it up between attractions with admission fees and those without. Once again, use the internet to do the research. If you wait until the last minute, ask the clerk at your hotel lobby. He or she may know of a local park where it is free to have a romantic picnic or a family friendly barbeque.