What I Did to Save Money on Vacation

Last week, my family went to Myrtle Beach for a week.  Its a trip we look forward to every summer.   Traveling anywhere can be expensive but by planning ahead, I was able to save a lot of money.  Here is what I did.

- I booked reservations by comparing prices online.

-When calling to make reservations, I asked if their was a discount for return customers.  I had noticed online that there was lots of availability for that week.  I did receive a $600 discount for a weeks rental.  I was so excited.  Remember, it never hurts to ask.

- 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.

- There was a FREE kids day camp during the week.  The kids saw a magic show, went to animal show by the pool, and Payton made a bracelet one day. 

- 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 breakfast and 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.

- 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 won a $25 Kroger gift card a few months ago.  I saved it to take with us on vacation.  I found a local store there before leaving, checked out their sales ad and planned my shopping list of perishable items we would need to purchase once we got there.  I also took coupons with me to use on items we had to purchase. I spent less than $20.

- 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.

- We went to the yogurt shop across the street for dessert one night last year.  They were giving out punch cards.  For each yogurt purchase, your card was punched.  After 5 punches, you received a free yogurt.  My card was punched 3 times last year.  I actually had my card from last year in my wallet.  We took the kids in one night for dessert and I used my card.  We purchased 3 yogurts so my third one was FREE. 

- 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.

- I love to go to Broadway at the Beach. Browse the shops, feed the ducks and fish, check out their amazing candy store.  Build-a-Bear is also there so I decided to take the kids.  Payton had been before but Bryson hadn't.  I had (2) $25 gift cards.  One I won in a blog giveaway and the other one was a birthday gift for Brsyon.  I found coupons in the coupon booklets for $5 off a $20 purchase.  The kids had so much fun making their bears.  I did too!!  It was great family fun. Bryson just turned 3 and I was sure if this would interest him or not but he was all into it.  He made a Baseball Monkey and a Payton made a Cody Simpson koala bear complete with outfits and accessories.  Total saved with coupons and gift cards $60.

- We also took the kids to Family Kingdom amusement park.  This was something they were looking forward to on our trip.  They had so much.  I found a coupon in the booklet I picked up while checking in.  I saved $10 there.

- Payton has been saving her allowance, change, tooth fair money for months to take to the beach.  She had planned to buy something for herself but she decided to buy her friends and whole a small souvenir each.  She picked out each item herself. She had a budget to work with so this was a great learning experience on how much things cost. She did stay within her budget and purchased a gift for everyone.  I actually had a coupon for the shop so she receive a free sand dollar and t-shirt for herself with her purchase.  She was so excited.

The biggest thing I learned on our trip....ALWAYS check out the local coupon booklets.  You never know what you will find.  I saved a lot of money using a few coupons and Payton received 2 free gifts.

What do you do to save money on vacation?