Do you enjoy traveling? I know most people love going on vacations. However, time and money can prevent people from vacationing. My family probably goes on four to five mini-vacations a year. By mini, I mean anywhere from two to three days. However, I do not believe in going broke or in debt for a vacation. When the vacation is over or while enjoying the vacation; I do not have to think about what is owed when I return. Therefore, I plan vacations well in advance in order to save money. Is traveling important to you? Is saving money important, too? If so, below are some tips and secrets to help you save money on travel.

In order to plan your trip and save money, you need to determine your destination, the length of stay, season, number of people, and if you want a package deal. Here's a tip,   Sunday through Thursday are generally the days you can get a cheaper hotel rate and the best package deals.  

Priceline.com
We have used www.priceline.com many times.  A five day trip to Mesa, Arizona, which included air, hotel, and rental car, came to $1000 for three people.  The Sheraton hotel in downtown Mesa for five-days came to $180.  Where in the world can you get a Sheraton hotel room for $180 for five-days?  $180 for a day, but never for a week!  Also, we stayed at the Hyatt at Disneyland in California for $65 a night; regularly $279 a night.  In addition, through priceline.com we stayed at the Hyatt in the heart of Bellevue, Washington for 3-days at $25 a night. The hotel room was regularly $280 per night.  Priceline.com has saved us a bundle.  

Orbitz.com
If you do not drive to your vacation destination, you may need to rent a car.  Rental cars can be expensive.  When we went to Arizona for our five-day vacation we rented a car that cost $80 for five-days.  In 2005, we spent eight days in Oregon, rented a car, and the cost was less than $150.  

Internet Specials
Last April, for spring break, we went to Biltmore Estates in Ashville, North Carolina. The rooms at the Biltmore Estates begin at about $400 a night.  By going to Biltmore's website, we learned they had partnered with other local hotels for package deals.  The packages included admissions to Biltmore Estates for the length of your stay.  Without the package admissions to Biltmore is $100 a day for three people.  Our Marriott package which included a three-day hotel stay, daily buffet breakfast, and daily admission to the Biltmore came to $428 for three people.  It was an unbelievable vacation!!!

Yes, vacationing and traveling is fun. However, the worst thing you can do is fail to plan. So, plan, enjoy, but do not go into debt for a vacation.

Sharman Lawson a columnist on Fabulously40, and a financial coach, speaker, and author of the book 12 Steps to Eliminate Debt Forever! Visit her website: [Link Removed]

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