17 Ways to Save on Your Winter Vacation
As cool fall weather sets in, our thoughts turn to winter vacation. Or at least, it should, if you want to find ways to save on your winter vacation and get great deals over the winter holidays.
(Side Note: Here’s a free report with even more cheap travel tips:
Grab it and see how much you can save from your next winter getaway.)
Whether you’re dreaming of a winter skiing destination, or would rather escape to a warm paradise, these tips will help you save big on your next winter vacation.
17 Ways to Save on Your Winter Vacation
1. Make a vacation budget and stick to it
How much can you afford, exactly? Find out now, or else have a plan to have a specific amount saved up by the time winter rolls in.
2. Plan well in advance
When it comes to budget travel, time is one of your most important tools. You need time to make advance reservations and to research the best deals.
3. Shop around
Now is the time to go comparison shopping for travel options, accommodations, and major attractions.
4. Compare different modes of travel
Depending on where you’d like to go, various means of traveling will have different costs. Also consider how many people are traveling. If you’re a family, it’s usually cheaper to drive than to fly. If you’re traveling solo, you may have more options – including carpooling with friends or family.
5. Ask for discounts
Sometimes you just have to ask, to receive discounts. At the hotel or airline, for example, ask for free upgrades on your room or flight. Ask your credit card provider about travel options they offer to clients at reduced rates, such as travel insurance coverage, etc. Don’t forget to ask hotel/hostel owners and tour operators for discount coupons, such as to the nearest attractions.
6. Share a vacation rental
If you’re traveling in a group, or can find family and friends to vacation with, sharing a rental house for a flat fee can be very economical.
7. Try a hostel
Hostels go for as as low as $20/night, so they’re a budget option you should consider.
8. Cook your own meals
Eating out can be very expensive. Stay in hotels or rentals where you can cook your own meals. Or pack your meals in a cooler, if you’re traveling by car.
9. Get as many discounts as you can
If you’re a student or traveling with a student, make sure to bring student ID cards or International Student Cards. This free report from Globe Cheap lists other discounts you or a family member may be eligible for. Also explore discount passes when buying online or by certain dates.
10. Borrow equipment
If you’re going skiing, bring your own or borrowed equipment rather than renting them at the resort. If you plan to go skiing often, it’s probably cheaper to buy our own equipment in the long run, instead of renting every time.
11. Explore discount packages
Hotels and travel agencies usually offer packages that include travel, accommodation, meals and entrance to various attractions. These usually cost less than if you paid for each one individually. They usually also offer discounts for early booking.
12. Travel off-season
The peak season for traveling in winter is around Christmas and New Year. If you don’t mind traveling around those dates, you’ll find everything cheaper. It’s also usually cheaper to travel on weekdays or midweek rather than on weekends.
13. Consider warm-weather destinations
Looking to escape from the cold? Consider places where the US dollar goes farther, such as small Caribbean islands, Mexico, and parts of Central America and Asia. Some destinations within the United States are also cheaper in the cold season.
14. Don’t touch the minibar
Bring everything you need so you won’t have to open the water bottle in the hotel, or get snacks from the minibar. You’ll pay ridiculous prices for these! Some hotels also charge extra if you request additional towels and toothbrushes. If you must, buy extra supplies at the nearest grocery store, not from the hotel. And don’t forget to pack those over-the-counter medications you usually use!
15. Stay out of the way
Consider staying a little farther from major attractions. You’ll save tons on accommodation – as long as you won’t pay through the nose for public transportation or parking.
16. Camp out
If you’re going to a warm destination, plan to go camping. It’s a very cheap traveling alternative. If you’re driving, find the cheapest places to get gas.
17. Look for free attractions
Entrance fees to tourist attractions can also add up very quickly. Do some research to find free attractions at your destination. These could include malls, national parks and historic streets or towns. Find out when museums are open to the public for free.
More Ways to Save on Your Winter Vacation
You can get even more FREE tips for budget traveling from Globe Cheap’s free report. Grab it and find more ways to save on your winter vacation.