6 Steps to Save Money on Vacation BEFORE You Leave | Vacation on a Budget

[@andreafranklin7312]

We are taking our first big family vacation next month to Hawaii. When I booked a year ago I started purchasing gift cards to a grocery store I know is just a few miles from our condo we will be in. Now, I have $150 in gift cards to use for groceries to purchase breakfast items, snacks, drinks etc to save TONS of money!!

[@LaToya129]

I never thought about freezing food before leaving!! So smart

[@OneUnifiedHome]

Yes!! That way you don't "waste" it even if you try and hurry and eat it.

[@AprilLee1996]

One of my tips is to research the area's calendar of events for when you will be visiting. See if there are any cool festivals or free activities that aren't normally going on so you can take advantage and don't miss out!! Also a big tip is to research parking in the area. I have gone wayyyy over budget because I did not realize how expensive parking was and was pretty much forced to pay...

[@OneUnifiedHome]

What an amazing idea!!!!

[@shabbyshopper]

We always search Groupon/local coupon sites, look for local festivals/concerts in the park/community events/activities, seek out local parks and nature trails. We pack a bag of favorite snacks and a small soft travel cooler in our luggage to get fresh food while there to take places with us - we use ice from rental or hotel.

[@tyesejohnson7222]

We always grab a case of water when traveling and just leave it in our hotel! We’re a family of 6, and you don’t realize how fast just bottles of water can cost you because typically on vacation your doing more walking! Also look on Groupon or buy the city passes for bigger cities! My brothers & I are going to NYC in October and certain tourist attractions are EXPENSIVE 🥵 so it’s cheaper to buy the city pass instead of everything regularly BUT also look for deals! Also Airbnb’s are a GOOD deal we were hesitant but it saves so much money!

[@OneUnifiedHome]

Tyese that is so smart to look up the city pass! Thanks for sharing the tip!

[@kellygarza7357]

We always search Groupon for deals on restaurants and things to do before we go in vacation. :)

[@erlyncruz8061]

Thanks for the frugal tips 🤗

[@ibislife]

I read in the paper, do not turn off or lower the temperature of your water heater. If the water stays in the tank for days and weeks, cold, it can grow bacteria, and especially legionella. Moneywise, not much to save, as the water uses a lot of electricity to warm up again, depending on the size of your tank. Remember to turn off the main water supply when you leave, so you dont come home to a bursted pipe, and a swimmingpool in your basement.

[@donnastratton8397]

We always turn off our water at the main. This time though I forgot to raise the AC. It was nice and cool when we got home though.

[@aemeliamead1022]

Not necessarily true about the money savings. I just got a brand new hot water heater installed and my electricity bills sky rocketed. I did an experiment where I turned off the heater for a few days at a time (the hot water lasted a few days which was nice) and low and behold my electricity bill dropped by $30 that month. It can make a difference

[@denisekiser9925]

If we road trip we also bring snacks and water. We go to Disney World a lot so we always make sure we have snacks and bottled water for our resort stay.

[@esthers9140]

Good tips.. Sometimes the obvious (thermostat) are the ones mostly forgotten.😐

[@motherofone6533]

You gave tips that I haven’t heard other people discuss. 👍

[@OneUnifiedHome]

Yay! I am so happy to hear that!

[@bedi09]

1We have to budget our pet lodging when we go on vacation. 2 All laundry done and put away. 3Work and/ or school clothes laid out ready to go for next morning . 4Clean house before leaving. 5If we are flying to our destination we buy a case of water from local Walmart. Keep in the hotel fridge. Carry it around in the rental car instead of buying water at gas stations.

[@OneUnifiedHome]

Yes! Laundry is a big bonus!

[@SeanLei]

Amazing tips!

[@OneUnifiedHome]

Thank you so much Sean!

[@denisekiser9925]

I have always taken over the counter meds/prescriptions. I even have a special zippered/plastic type bag. 😀

[@pelinerdogan1328]

Very helpful thanxxx❤

[@therealiseedee]

Great tips!! =)

[@ceciliacalvin9469]

I’d get a case or 2 if bottled water.

[@OneUnifiedHome]

That's a great idea!