Local blogger and extreme couponer, Jailee Singer, from You Saved How Much? has some suggestions for planning a debt-free vacation.
Debt-Free Vacation Ideas from Jailee Singer
1. Save Money!
Put aside a Vacation account, savings account, and collect spare change! I personally love using a jar and collecting random change. A few days before vacation I cash in the change and that is at the very least our gas money and a small meal while we travel!
2. Use Those Cashback Apps!
I sometimes use my cashback app (Ibotta, Checkout 51, Fetch, Receipt Hog, etc) to save for Christmas time. However, there are times I skip Christmas and save it toward my vacation!
3. Book an Airbnb, Hotels or Condos with a kitchen!
The last couple of years I have been a huge fan of Airbnb. We sometimes travel with other relatives and finding a house where we aren’t cramp, with everything we need, AND cheaper than a standard hotel room are extra pluses! Plus if I have room, I pack cupboard food items/condiments to help save on grocery costs! I love finding a place where I can do my laundry too and not have a pile waiting for me when I pull in my driveway!
4. Preplan what you are doing!
When I book my place, I love to look around to see what attractions and shopping areas are surrounding me. This prepares me for what to do and to go online to see if I find package deals ahead of time for our trip. For example, I was going to NYC a weekend and searched for the best bus stop tour. Not only did I save money, I got tickets to go free attractions and our legs didn’t have the extra 10 miles of walking or subway trips!
5. Pack snacks/drinks for the drive!
Gas Stations can be a money killer!! I love packing snacks, a cooler full of sandwiches, lunchables, drinks. This way the grocery store trip you made was cheaper than what the local Sheetz has!
6. You did all the pre-planning & packing….so HAVE FUN!!!!
Visit You Saved How Much for more information.