It's time to thinking about that summer vacation. Don't let the economy put a downer on your plans...there are some easy things you can do to help curb costs:
1. Call ahead to hotels in areas where you are staying. Many hotels let kids stay free.
2. If the town has a Steak 'n Shake, IHOP or Shoney's, call to see if they have a night where kids eat free. Most locations of these chains do, even if you don't see it on their website.
3. If you don't have AAA, call your car insurance company -- many times you can get travel protection for free, or a small extra charge with your policy. (We did!)
4. If you use a Bank of America ATM, debit or Visa card, you can get free admission to participating museums, zoos, science centers, botanical gardens and more on the first full weekend of every month. Go to Museum.BankofAmerica.com for more information.
5. And of course -- check FreeToday for hot travel offers like the following:
If you're thinking Disney but need more information, send a way for a free planning DVD. You'll get a free tour of the parks, water slides, resorts and hotels in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Plus pocket-sized planning guides, planning tips, and information on special events.
If you know your destination city, sign up for Groupon.com. We signed up for this one ourselves and have been extremely happy with the quality of deals. Every day, you get one super fantastic bargain for restaurants, services or special events in the city of your choice. You have to claim the deal on the day it comes in your email, but most deals have expiration dates several months out so you will still be able to use them during vacation.
The 2010 Entertainment Coupon Book requires purchase, but it is jam-packed with hundreds of area specific coupons and offers on restaurants, events, services and even groceries. Plus, there is an ongoing online feature with new deals to keep your savings up to date. Originally $35, you can score this money saving resource for only $20.00 plus receive free shipping.
Travel-Ticker is another great source of travel deals. It's free to join, and sends great deals on restaurants, hotels, airfare and other travel goodies right to your inbox. This one is more hit-or-miss since you will be getting a hodgepodge of deals but you never know -- you just might get the deal of a lifetime.
Coupons.com is a general coupon site that includes an entertainment section with offers for restaurants and other travel friendly businesses. It's free to join, and you'll get daily savings on your grocery bill as well!
And the week of your trip, make sure to check FreeToday for current restaurant and convenience store offers. We have had frequent offers from QuickChek and Pilot Travel Centers that make great road trip freebies! (Currently at Pilot, you can get coupons for a free hot cup of oatmeal or a free 32-ounce fountain drink). We are finding hot new travel-friendly deals every day, so check the site often.
--Renee
Image courtesy of Telegraph.co.uk