Saving Money on Group Vacations

No matter what you may be planning, when you are traveling anywhere with a group, you should always ask if there is a group rate. Hotels, cruise ships, and even airlines sometimes offer group rates, as do many attractions and tours. You can also sometimes reduce your own rates by referring others. Ask about referral programs as well.

Still deciding between hotels vs. vacation rentals? Hotels can be expensive, but renting a house can save you a good amount of money if the cost is split between everyone. Renting a house also gives you more money saving advantages—you don’t have to pay for parking, and with a kitchen available you can easily prepare your own meals instead of having to purchase meals at the hotel or restaurants.

This option might not always be feasible depending upon your plans, but if it is, prep and pack your own food and drink instead of eating out. This is especially easy to do for lunch, as it costs very little to prepare sandwiches and snacks. And not having to stop somewhere to eat lunch saves you time as well, which can be spent enjoying more of the day. You’d be surprised just how much you can save by doing this; remember, it’s not just the cost of the food you consume when eating out, but also those overpriced drinks and the tip you need to leave as well.

Many attractions offer discounts and coupons that you can usually find either on the establishment’s website, or in brochures located on the local visitor’s bureau. And if you don’t happen to find any coupons, remember; ask if there is a group rate!

Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take advantage of your travel rewards card, if you have one.