For those of you that know me – I love to travel. I try and travel internationally once a year and love both ski and beach vacations. Being a personal finance expert, I clearly don’t want to spend top dollars and am always looking for a good deal but don’t have much time either. I recently read this article on the NY Times Bucks blog and found that I use many of these tips. Check them out and find what works for you to save money on your next vacation.
 
Pick up the phone
They suggest calling travel agencies. I recently booked a condo online for Monday to Monday. I called the management company and pointed out that they could still rent out the condo for the weekend and get me in. I got $75 off per night for my stay!
 
Choose “cheap” countries
My closest travel buddy claims her trip to Panama and Nicaragua was her best beach vacation.  I never would have thought of those countries, but why not? This site lists 10 “Cheap Places to Travel on the U.S. Dollar”
 
Splurge when it matters
One of my favorite exercises is: “I would rather spend my money on ____ than ______.” Same goes on vacation. I would rather spend my money on a special purchase, like souvenirs for my nieces and nephews, than fancy dinners.
 
Pick up the local paper
Local papers, sites and magazines such as Time Out always lists a wide selection of museums and shows for all budgets so that you can maybe even afford to take your niece or nephew with you
 
Facetime is your friend
When I went to Europe last year, I didn’t have a local cell phone and didn’t want to pay for one. I called my family with Facetime using my hotels wi-fi at no cost! It’s also a great way to stay in touch with your nieces and nephews and let them know about your own adventures.

Photo: freedigitalphotos
Published: June 23, 2014