However, if you really want to get away there may be some ways for you to offset your costs by taking advantage of free and easy vacation saving ideas.
Cash in those points — You’ve been saving your “rewards card” points for ages, but this year is when you want to cash them in. Depending on the card you have and what is offered, your freebie may range from a free upgrade on your next airline flight to a free night (or two) at a hotel. Review your reward club rules too — your points may be ready to expire which means you have to use them or lose them.
Exchange homes — Lodging is one of the top expenses when it comes to going away, but you can guarantee a free week’s stay, or longer, by exchanging homes with another family. There are a number of websites that bring home swappers together, with exchangehomes.com one of these. Founded in 1986, this site charges a membership fee and currently is offering a two month “quickie membership” for just $10. Find homes in Germany, Canada and Mexico as well as in New York City, Florida, California and elsewhere.
Couch surf — People who travel alone are best suited to find a place to stay…on someone’s couch! Couch surfing is a craze that started before the Great Recession and has gained strength. It is a favorite of college students and twenty-somethings, and is a free way to find a place to stay when visiting many cities. Couchsurfing.org is the main site promoting this phenomenon, enabling you a free night’s stay.
Volunteer trip — Although technically not a vacation because you’ll be working part of the time, if you offer your services to a mission organization, church or humanitarian group, you’ll get a place to stay and meals included. You’ll need to raise money to get to and from your destination, but you may be able to receive contributions from family members, friends and the sending organization. Work 5 days and sightsee the last 2 days before returning home.
Lastly, couponing can be a great way to save on vacation. One example is eating at places where one meal is free when you pay full price for another meal. Drinks and desserts are extra, but entrees are free, giving you one more way to save on your vacation this summer.
- Sam Robbins, Judith P Robbins
- Publisher: Fieldmouse Press
- Edition no. 1 (12/18/2013)
- Peter Vandevanter
- Publisher: Independently published
- Paperback: 240 pages
- Diamond A L Publishing
- Publisher: Independently published
- Paperback: 201 pages
Last update on 2020-03-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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