If the rising cost of gas, food, and everything else is causing you to cancel your summer travel plans, not so fast. There are a number of ways you can still afford to take a vacation this summer.
7. Shorten your trip and stay midweek rather than weekend. Flights and hotels are cheaper during the week.
6. Look at destinations that are nearby and save the big trip for another year.
5. Consider off season vacation spots, such as mountain areas known for skiing in winter. In the summer, they still need to fill rooms so they may be cheaper.
4. Search for the lowest airfares on sites like travelocity.com, expedia.com, and orbitz.com. Then check the airline's websight. You might get the ticket cheaper if you buy direct. Sites like airfarewatchdog.com and travelzoo.com will also alert you when there's a deal.
3. Before you book your hotel online, call the hotel and ask if there are any deals or cheaper dates. High gas prices may mean there's more vacancy at your destination and, therefore, cheaper rates.
2. Choose hotels and restaurants that accept discount cards, such as AAA or AARP. Check your credit cards and air miles for points you can use.
1. There are several websites like homeexchange.com, digsville.com, and craigslist.com, where you can volunteer to swap your home with someone who has a home where you want to travel, saving the cost of accomodations. With the Upstate's close proximity to moutains, lakes, and historic cities and sites, we found Upstate homes being offered for swaps in France and a Charleston family looking to come to Greenville.
So think outside the box. You may find yourself on a cheaper, and totally unexpected adventure.
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