Summer Vacation: Plan ahead for cost savings

Looking for some budget-friendly ideas for a summer vacation? Sure, it’s always fun to be spontaneous and decide the week before where you want to go. But, if you’re looking for deals, planning ahead of time tends to pay off. Determine what you want to spend including the cost of flights, hotel, food, etc. Couple of ideas to consider:

• If Europe has caught your fancy, one way to cut costs is to stay at a Bed and Breakfast. These are common on the continent and may include sharing a meal with the owner’s family. In addition, transportation in European cities can be very inexpensive along with lower museum/attraction admission rates.
• Flights to Latin America and Southeast Asia can be pricey, but once you get there, lodging and food can be had for as little as $35/night and $5 for a good meal.
• Consider a road trip rather than a flight. Many areas in the US have lovely resorts and may only be a three-hour drive away. Even if you don’t head to an airport, just being in a new place with room service can make you feel like you’re a thousand miles away.
• Summer is considered off-season in Las Vegas, so, even with the high temperatures, it could be worth the trip. Great hotel deals, beautiful pools, extensive shopping and topnotch restaurants make this a great place to truly unwind for a couple of days — while avoiding the crowds.
• Yes, national parks can be crowded during the summer, but you can also get loads of options for a small price. Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, for example, charges a mere $25 entrance fee — good for an entire week’s worth of activities.

And, finally, don’t forget: Sunscreen, bug spray, first aid kit and medications you take regularly. It’s also a good idea to wash your hands regularly and drink water. If you need to slow down one day, listen to your body and take a rest. The Eiffel Tower isn’t going anywhere.