AAA of East Tennessee, located in Knoxville, TN suggests making these cost-conscious changes to vacation plans that will help save money and afford an enjoyable trip, including:
- Make hotel and airline reservations as early as possible – waiting longer can cause higher ticket prices
- Reserve a condo or beach house instead of staying in separate hotel rooms for multiple families vacationing together – the price of a condo or resort house divided among families is much cheaper
- Travel during off-seasons - hotel rooms are more expensive and harder to book during major holidays
- Auto travel can be less expensive than air travel – consider looking for deals with bus lines and railways
- Be sure to pack some necessities before leaving since those will be more expensive on the road and in resort towns - packing soft drinks, water, individual serving snacks and extra sand toys, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera film (or memory cards) and batteries can save money
Day Trips and Weekend Getaways are Easy on the Budget
If a week off to go on vacation isn’t an option, consider a day trip or a weekend trip. Scenic drives and hikes located within reasonable driving distance can be relaxing and easy on the pocketbook, since this type of trip normally doesn't require spending a lot of money. A visit to a national or state park offers a chance to experience the natural wonders that are sometimes overlooked during the fast-pace of schedules during the week.
A weekend getaway can also be made elegant and simple with an overnight stay at a Bed and Breakfast located right in town. Many Bed and Breakfast Inns offer unique experiences that may include spa products in the bath and special treats for breakfast that make the time memorable and relaxing.
National Park Service is Good Source for Vacation Information
The National Park Service web site can be helpful in finding desirable locations and also gives details about the different park sites. Click on the U.S. map provided on the homepage to find parks located in a particular state, or watch video features on different locations around the U.S. This site also offers helpful information for planning to an exciting destination.
Free Vacation Information Available on the Web and in Welcome Centers
One travel information web site in particular offers free travel brochures to destinations in any section of the U.S. and some areas in Canada. Simply click on the brochures of choice located on the homepage, fill in the address form at the bottom and start receiving travel information in the mail.
While the internet holds a wealth of information, local Welcome Centers located just inside state lines are a great place to find planning materials. Welcome Centers stock a number of free brochures and travel booklets that offer tips for planning affordable vacations and ideas on day trips, as well as extended vacations.
For more ideas on traveling on a tight budget, search the web using key words "vacation experts," "vacation on a budget" and "day trips," or simply search using the name of the town or area of interest . Also, local AAA offices, as well as Chambers of Commerce and tourism offices can help with details on great getaways.
Connie Clyburn - I am a freelance writer living in the Southeast. After graduating from college with a degree in Communications, I worked at a couple of ...
