Saving money while vacationing is about more than finding deals and discounts

Check out these great tips from AAA! (Just pick up five maps a tour book - all free. If you are a AAA member - remember to take advantage of the FREE maps! )

Saving money when vacationing is not just about finding deals and discounts. It is about getting maximum value for your money, while taking the trip you really wanted. AAA, the nation's largest leisure travel organization, offers tips to save on your vacation from conceptualizing your trip to arriving at your destination.

Conceptualize your vacation

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Think about what you really want from a vacation: Seeing the sites along the way? Getting there quickly and then relaxing? Four people sharing the expense of a car and hotel rooms can travel for less money than two, but sometimes getting quickly to a distant destination is well-worth the cost of airline tickets.


Establish a budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on a vacation including transportation, accommodations, food and entertainment.


Make saving a part of your vacation planning: Start saving and planning your vacation as soon as possible. Save as you would for holiday gifts by putting a little money aside each week and watch out for special discounts and promotions.

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Be flexible on travel dates: The costs of visiting a destination can vary greatly based on when you travel. To increase savings select two - three possible travel dates and check prices before booking.


Planning


Book early: Although last minute discounts can be found, typically the best bargains and availability are accessible to those who book three to twelve months in advance. AAA.com features a variety of discount packages every day.


Take advantage of free planning tools: AAA offers free TourBook travel guides and maps to members, but many of AAA's online travel planning tools are also available to everyone at AAA.com. Most tourist boards provide free brochures and coupons and detailed travel information is available at travel agent offices.


Use a travel agency. If you are planning a complex itinerary visit a qualified travel agent, such as those at AAA club travel agencies. Travel agents work directly with the industry and may be able to negotiate discounts and advise you on other savings or benefits that may be available. When contemplating a tour or cruise package, travel agents frequently have the best deals.

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Find lodging that suits your needs and budgets. Lodgings vary greatly by costs and amenities. Most destinations have properties that range from budget to deluxe. AAA TourBook(R) listings, also available at AAA.com, include Diamond Ratings for more than 58,000 AAA Approved(R) restaurants and lodgings. All properties are rated on a scale of One to Five Diamonds allowing travelers to easily identify properties that fit their needs and budgets.


Take advantage of discounts. AAA members who visit AAA.com to book a hotel room are more likely to find a better rate there than on other leading Web sites, according to a recent survey. In a review of several online travel booking sites, AAA.com offered AAA members the best publicly-available rate on partner hotels 67 percent of the time.


On Road


Rent or take your own vehicle? Depending on the number of people in your party and the age, size and fuel economy of the vehicle you own, it may make sense to rent a vehicle for your trip. AAA estimates the full cost of owning and operating a typical new car at 54 cents per mile, including depreciation and gasoline. That means driving 100 miles per day costs about $50. If you decide to rent look for discounts and benefits such as those available to AAA members through Hertz.


If you take your own vehicle, have it inspected by a professional technician, and tell them to pay special attention to safety items and factors affecting fuel economy. There are few things worse and potentially more expensive than experiencing a roadside breakdown during a trip. Have your vehicle serviced at a AAA Approved Auto Repair shop and make sure you have access to road service in case you need it. AAA inspects and certifies repair shops as a public service. You can find a AAA approved shop at AAA.com. A fully-maintained vehicle will save on fuel expenses.


To get better fuel economy, minimize weight. Pack only what you really need and keep luggage secured inside the vehicle rather than strapped on the roof where it will create wind resistance.


Get up-to-date accurate maps and routing information in advance. AAA maps and detailed TripTik routings are available free to members at your local AAA office. Alternatively, anyone can create and print their own routing on the newly enhanced TripTik Travel Planner on AAA.com. Plan routes so you can travel at constant speeds and avoid congestion to save fuel. Also avoid two-lane roads with lots of stop signs and traffic signals unless you are taking a scenic drive.


Consider taking a GPS Navigation device with you to avoid getting lost and to make driving in unfamiliar areas easier. It may be a portable or handheld device such as a Magellan unit, or you may be able to turn your GPS-capable cell phone into a navigation system by downloading a program such as AAA Mobile(R) Navigator. Both Magellan and AAA Mobile Navigator offer turn-by-turn audible directions, as well as information on AAA Approved lodging and restaurants, points-of-interest, Show Your Card & Save locations and AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities.


During a road trip it is a good idea to create a specific budget to allot for fuel costs and to plan fuel stops in advance. Travelers can calculate their trips expected fuel costs in advance by using AAA's Fuel Cost Calculator at FuelCostCalculator.com. By using AAA's TripTik(R) Travel Planner on AAA.com, travelers can access the latest fuel prices at more than 100,000 U.S. gas stations, and see time-saving construction and historic traffic congestion information.


Take advantage of miscellaneous discounts. For additional savings visit AAA.com/discounts to research discounts available at your destination and along your route. These can include attraction discounts, shopping and restaurants. Apple iPhone users can easily find their way to AAA member savings by downloading a new application, AAA Discounts. The free, GPS-based "app" displays retail locations of AAA Show Your Card & Save(R) partners near user locations.


Start trips early in the day while traffic is light. Pack light snacks and drinks in a small cooler and plan meals stops to coincide with likely periods of traffic congestion when traveling through metropolitan areas, or when refueling. Be sure to get plenty of rest before you go and pause often enough to avoid becoming overly fatigued behind the wheel.


At Destination


Take advantage of discounts only locals may know about. Visit a local AAA office at your destination for additional AAA area discounts and ask if any special benefits are available to you at your hotel. Many hotels offer things such as free breakfasts, late checkouts, access to special amenities, or even a discounted extra night stay. Visit the Tourist Board office or Visitor's center at your destination. Many of these offices have coupons available for local attractions, restaurants, etc. If you bring a Laptop with you and your hotel offers free wi-fi, or use of a free computer in the lobby, you can research, update or change last-minute travel decisions.


Find out what is fun and free or very low cost. Inquire at the hotel, AAA office or visitors center about lake or ocean beaches, parks, gardens, historic sites, museums and zoos. Many areas have free or low cost recreation opportunities, such as renting a canoe or hiking. Concerts, craft and antique fairs, car shows or art festivals may also be occurring during your visit.


Cut back on souvenirs, but take a digital camera. Capture your trip in photographs and memories to serve as reminders of your vacation. Send digital photos using a cell phone, laptop or hotel computer to friends and family before you get home.


Take advantage of public transportation. If available, public transportation is one of the most inexpensive ways to get around. Research the availability and system your destination has to offer before you arrive.


Keep meal costs down. Meal costs can be reduced by eating the main meal at midday to take advantage of lower lunch prices at restaurants. Many restaurants also offer children's menus and "early bird" dinner specials at reduced prices. A picnic lunch purchased at a local market can also be a fun and money-saving option.