Vacation planning should be done carefully, with much research conducted to help you put together the best vacation package for the least amount of money. In tough economic times, vacation plans are often quickly dashed, but you know that getting away does you and your loved ones a world of good.

To that end, finding discounts can help you stretch those vacation dollars, allowing you to go away in style instead of settling for a truly budget package. The following tips can help you save money while enjoying a truly relaxing vacation:

Package Deals or Book Separately – One of the easiest ways to arrange a vacation is to buy a package deal, a plan that includes airfare, hotel, and car rental. While some package deals can offer tremendous value, you may do much better booking the various parts of the trip separately. Visit Expedia, Travelocity, Priceline and similar sites to find the lowest prices. If you are making a last minute trip, call the hotel directly to get their lowest available rate.

Choose Alternate Accommodations – If you want 5-star accommodations, then you’ll pay a golden rate to stay at these hotels. Consider three and four star hotels which often offer all of the amenities you want, but for less. If you really want to stretch your budget, consider staying at a youth hostel or at on-campus housing to maximize your vacation dollars.

Be Flexible – If you begin your vacation on a Saturday and end it on a Saturday, you’ll pay more money than a vacation that is begun midweek. Sure, if you are renting a beach house, you have little choice when you can start your rental, but if you are staying at a hotel you’ll pay less for Sunday-Thursday stays then for a Friday-Tuesday visit.

Eat a Big Lunch – Most hotel stays include a continental breakfast, meaning you’ll only have to fend for lunch and dinner each day. But, meal costs can wreck any budget, making it difficult to save money. One way you can cut food costs is to have your largest meal of the day at lunchtime and save the smaller, lunch-like meal for dinner. You’ll can have the same dinner entree during the middle of the day, while saving 20-40% off of menu prices.

Skip the Rental Car – If your hotel is conveniently located, you may be able to do without the rental car, but if not for the whole trip at least for a portion of it. Consider a daily rental to take you to faraway places, but find out from the concierge what other transportation options (taxi, bus, train) are available for you.

Secure a Vacation Guide – Wherever you are planning to stay, secure a vacation guide for that area before you begin your trip if possible. Most guides will help you find museums, restaurants, art galleries, train depots, and other tourist destinations. Use the included coupons to save money off a visit to a favorite tourist spot or to learn about other discount offers.

When you’re on vacation you want to enjoy your time away from home without worrying about money. By planning a good portion of your trip in advance, you can save time and money, allowing you to get the rest and relaxation you and your family deserves.

Adv. — If you are looking for discount travel deals, why not visit nBuy.com to help you begin your research into leisure oriented savings?

Tags: discount travel, hotel, rental car, vacation guide, vacation package