Saving Money While on Vacation

Vacation can quickly turn into a money trap. Justifications will run rampant while you are on vacation. Just as exercising is replaced with late nights and hangovers, smart spending is replaced with the words "I'm on vacation". Those 3 words can justify anything while on vacation. Over-eating, under-sleeping, and especially over-spending. I'll be quick to point out that being thrifty can often be misunderstood. I'm not saying you should cut back on the things you love, especially on vacation, but there may be a way to keep the cost down, while still doing the things you love.

Hotels

Before you even leave, the hotel you stay at will play a big part of your spending. DO YOUR RESEARCH. Much like airline tickets, prices can vary daily, so monitor the prices for a few weeks to ensure you're getting the best deal. Check the location of the hotel. If you are close to attractions, you may be able to walk or take a free shuttle, and save yourself the price of a rental car, as well as parking. Make sure you have a kitchen in your room (we'll get to that later). Pay attention to user reviews. These always give an accurate description of what your sojourn experience will entail. I'm a huge fan of Hotels.com for it's ease of use, critic and user content, and their points system (book 10 nights, get one free). I prefer their points system over specific hotels point systems, because I am not limited to using one hotel chain.

Drinks and Meals

This can quickly turn into a vacation's biggest expense. You can easily fall into the trap of dining out for every meal, and ordering all your drinks, but this can become expensive very quickly. This does not mean you should eat sandwiches and granola bars the entire time, but pick and choose when to spend. Breakfast and lunch are two meals that can easily be handled cheaply. If your hotel room has a kitchen, then you should buy a few essentials like bread, milk, eggs, cereal/oats, lunch meat and snacks. Anytime you need to eat quick, or it doesn't need to be a special meal, just make your meal in your room. This way you can splurge on the big dinner guilt-free. If you do check a bag, you can take bottle of your favorite drink.  Another option is to buy at a local store. Avoid the bar, which is where resorts love to make their money.  You can save yourself a boatload of bar tabs if you bring your own alcohol.

Souvenirs

Two things bother me when people go on vacation. First, I see far too many people buying souvenirs they will never look at again, and taking too many pictures they will never look at again. Well, you may look at them when you force your friends, co-workers, and family to look at every single picture. Now pictures don't really cost you money, but it still bothers me. Relax, stop worrying about pictures. You may feel the need to take pictures because that's what you have always done, but honestly, how many do you really need? The same can be said for souvenirs. A few is fine, but don't go overboard. You don't need to bring an extra suitcase just for souvenirs. Not only are they unnecessary, but they are a hassle. Anything you buy, you will have to carry with you the rest of the day. You're on vacation for the experience, not to buy more stuff.  Keep it hassle-free, and save your money for your next trip.

Break the mold

I will say it many times, but being thrifty does not mean cutting out all the things you love to do. Thrifty means being smart with your money. If you love a fancy dinner on the beach, then by all means treat yourself. But don't eat out every meal when you don't need to. Don't buy unnecessary items that will never see the light of day again. Keep your trip simple. Focus on enjoying yourself and the things you love guilt-free.