My family took our annual beach vacation a couple of weeks ago. We look forward to this every year. The weather was great and we had a wonderful time. We got to visit with some friends who were also their on vacation. My brother and his family came down for a few days and we got to visit with them. I also celebrated my birthday while we were there. What better place to celebrate?
Here is how I saved money on vacation:
- I booked reservations by comparing prices online.
- I also received a 30% discount by using a flyer I received in the mail when booking our reservation.
- Our resort has awesome water park including a water slide, lazy rivers, numerous pools inside and out, and a kiddie pool play park inside and out. I feel like this an extra bonus and no desire to go to a water park while there. The indoor pools and play areas are great in case you have bad weather.
- I started a vacation grocery bag a couple of months before for nonperishable items such as paper towels, paper plates, snacks, condiments, etc.
- I saved samples/freebies that I received in the mail to carry on our trip - toothpaste, dental floss, lotion, shampoo, conditioner etc. The small bottles work great for 1 week plus it saves space in your luggage.
- We always have lunch in our room. I took lots of items from home that I had purchased on sale with coupons that I included in our vacation grocery bag.
- We received a FREE breakfast buffet at the restaurant next door with our reservations. This was a great FREE extra. I didn't have to worry about buying breakfast foods.
- When checking in I noticed several coupon booklets in their lobby for local attractions, restaurants etc. I picked up a couple to use during the week.
- I ordered a $25 gift card from MyPoints for a restaurant that we had planned to have dinner at. I also had a $5 coupon. Our dinner was less than $25 for 4 people and that included 2 adult entrees, 2 kids meals, drinks, and an appetizer.
- We ordered pizza one night and had it delivered. We searched the yellow pages for local pizza delivery places. I picked 3, called each one to check out their specials and choose the best deal.
- Had dinner at Outback one night. I received a free appetizer by saying "Bloomin Monday" to our server. I saw this offer on their Facebook page. I also had a $5 coupon plus a $10 gift card. Great deal for a great meal. I love Outback.
- We did not purchase any drinks or snacks while at the pool or on the beach. I had everything we needed so I packed a cooler and snack bag everyday.
In my opinion, you can't go to the beach without going to eat at a seafood buffet which includes crab legs of course. (my favorite) The buffets can be quite expensive and make sure you go very hungry. One afternoon we had a rain shower so we decided to go eat a little earlier than than normal so we go the early bird pricing plus I found a coupon in the coupon book I picked up when checking in. This saved us $12.
What do you do to save money on vacation?
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