Travel

Vacation Budgeting

Lodging

Shop online for discount accommodations, but don’t stop there. Call the hotel or resort directly to ask about discounts. Some websites offer discounts you can’t get elsewhere, but be careful for offers that are “too good to be true.” Check their refund policies in case you aren’t satisfied. Only deal with reputable companies with secure websites.

A suite-type hotel or vacation condominium that includes a kitchen can be also prove to be a money-saver if you make some or all of your own meals instead of eating out. It can be a real bargain for families with children.

A home swap can be an affordable way to visit another city or even international locations. A family stays in your home while you stay in theirs. It can be much cheaper than paying for hotel rooms, and you’ll often get to know your destination in a way that tourists don’t. There are many home exchange networks listed on the Internet, so choose carefully.

Some of the more established ones include www.homeexchange.org and www.Intervac.com.

To learn more, pick up Home Exchange Vacationing: Your Guide to Free Accommodations by Bill and Mary Barbour.

Have fun, do good, and perhaps even get a tax deduction when you take a “volunteer vacation.” Make no mistake about it – on most of these trips you’ll be put to work. But with opportunities such as a rainforest expedition in Costa Rica or elephant conservation in Namibia, there is something for just about any interest. Some trips will be relatively inexpensive, but the accommodations won’t be luxurious, which suits some travelers just fine. Others are pricier and will be more like visiting a resort.

Stay at a National Park (www.nps.gov). There are beautiful parks all across the country, many at reasonable prices. Some are more rustic and will require a tent or camper, while others offer cabins and lodges. The most popular ones fill up fast, so search early for your ideal spot.

Hostels are a cheap alternative for the more adventuresome. Your rooms will usually be dormitory-style and the bathroom may be down the hall, but the price is often right. Visit www.hiayh.org to learn more.

When you check in to a hotel, ask if you can earn frequent traveler or airline miles for your stay. Most chains, and even some independents, participate in one or more of these programs. In addition, some frequent flier mile or traveler reward programs allow you to cash in your miles or points for hotel stays. It doesn’t hurt to ask.