Travel Smart Additional Help
Shop Wisely
  1. Shop online and compare the rates.
  2. Check for package tours.
  3. Ask hotels for the lowest rate available.
  4. Check with a travel agent.
Be Flexible
  1. Visit destinations during the "off-seasons."
  2. Stay on the outskirts of town.
  3. Be flexible on departure and return times to get better rates.
Save Money on Incidentals
  1. Bring all the necessities: sunscreen, insect repellent, film, and batteries.
  2. Try not to incur fees from using another bank’s ATM.
Be a Smart Consumer
  1. Be conscious of scams. Offers can be too good to be true.
  2. Pay for your vacation after all arrangements have been confirmed.
  3. Avoid borrowing for Vacation.



Check out the CCCS website for other information about vacation planning. Additional helpful websites are:

Vacation Tips Vacation Budget
On a vacation, the two most flexible areas of expense are food and lodging. Here’s some tips to reduce spending in those areas.

  • Grocery shop once you arrive - Buy snacks and foods such as breakfast items, sandwich fixings, etc. in bulk.

  • Limit the meals out each day - Lunch in a nice restaurant is generally less expensive than dinner.

  • Pack picnics for short car travel and outdoor activities.

  • Check prices on the menu before choosing a restaurant.

  • Ask around for local favorite spots that may be inexpensive and nice.

  • Choose lodging where breakfast is included in the rate.

  • Stay on the outskirts of town or a near-by town. Avoid expensive tourist traps.

If an extensive vacation is not prudent this summer there are other activities that are relaxing and inexpensive.

  • Visit festivals in area towns.

  • Visit local tourist spots and tour the low and no cost sites - museums, historical landmarks.

  • Relax in a bed and breakfast inn in your area.

  • Rent a beach or lake house or cabin close to home.


A vacation should be a time for fun and relaxation not a time of financial stress. Since vacations can be very costly, it is important to develop a spending plan.

Estimated Amount Actual Amount Cash or Charge
Transportation
  Rental Car
  Airline
  Taxi
  Gasoline
  Parking
       
Lodging
  Hotel/Motel
  Timeshare
  Campground
       
Food
  Dining Out
  Groceries
       
Entertainment
  Tourism
  Nightlife
       
Photography
  Film
  Videotapes
  Batteries
       
Souvenirs
  Postcards
  Postage
       
Miscellaneous
 
 
 
 
 
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