Vacation Tips that will Save You Money

Not everyone gets time off to hit the road as a family every summer, but if you are able to squeeze in a last-minute vacation there are some financial concerns to be aware of.  The professionals at Broussard Poché, LLP want to make sure your mind is on relaxation and not money matters, so take a look at these tips.

Choose Wisely and Stick with it:  Once you decide where you want to go, stick with that decision.  Once flights, hotels, and rentals are booked it can cost big bucks to back out.  Even changing the dates can come with steep financial penalties.

Shop Around:  Once you decide on dates and a destination, shop around for deals.  Go on websites that do the legwork for you, like Priceline or Kayak.   Don’t just book the first hotel you see, many times there are extra deals to be had.  Look for online coupons and even package deals that might include discounts on flights and rental cars.  And don’t forget to look for a few freebies.  Things like free breakfast, buffet coupons, and local tours could be included with the price of your hotel room.

Book Flights ASAP:  If you are positive about your dates and destination, book the flight ASAP.  Flights can easily double over night.  And depending on where you live, you may be working with only a few airlines.  Typically, the cheapest flights are found on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  So, if you can, book departing or returning flights on those days.

Last Minute Deals:  Sometimes waiting until the last-minute works in your favor.  There are websites that specialize in finding late deals.  Sites like Expedia and Orbitz showcase last-minute deals and LastMinuteTravel.com is devoted to finding that last minute dream vacation.

Credit and Debit Cards:  If traveling is out of the norm for you, be sure to let your credit card company and bank know.  If credit card companies and banks see charges from new locations they may stop purchases to prevent fraud.

Before you hit the road, it’s probably a good idea to come up with a daily budget.  It’s easy to let spending get out of control when you are having a good time.  Safe travels!