Budgeting for a vacation: 10 last minute time- and money-saving tips for making the most of your travel dollars

Black Enterprise, Sept, 1996 by Majorie Whigham-Desir

10 last minute time- and money-saving tips for making the most of your travel dollars

You didn't think you'd be able to take or afford a vacation this year. But now you have a few days off and you're willing to spend the cash to get away, somewhere. So how do you plan a last minute trip that doesn't mean going to visit your parents or breaking the bank to pay for it?

With a little flexibility in your itinerary and attention to detail, you can have a great trip for the right price.

1. Start with a fixed budget in mind. Ask yourself, "How much can I afford to spend comfortably, and how much above that am I willing to spend?" suggests travel pro Selma Edwards, owner of E-Z Travel and Tours in New York City. What you can afford in money and time will focus your--or your travel agent's--research and narrow your options.

2. Decide what you really want from a vacation. Do you want to spend the time in quiet solitude, sightseeing or participating in lots of sports and activities? Narrowing your interests will focus your search. For example, if you're not a gambler, there's not much point in going to Las Vegas.

3. Look at places where you'll get the most value for your dollar. Maybe it's an international location where the exchange rate is favorable, like Mexico, or a destination that's out-of-season. "When you go in season, you pay more," explains Edwards, "but if you're willing to go off-peak, you'll pay less for the same facilities. It's less crowded and you're likely to get more attention from the staff," she adds.

4. Call that destination's tourist board for information about local accommodations and activities. Many states, cities and even countries have 800 numbers you can call for free information. Many have now added Web sites to this list. Often, they will suggest affordable local guesthouses or bed and breakfasts.

5. Explore all transportation options. While it's generally cheaper to drive, bus and rail transit for a family usually costs less than airfare for one. Or you can use more than one mode of transportation, especially if you're going to more than one destination. This can save you money if you have the time, are traveling only a short distance or don't mind a long ride.

6. Check the airlines for special packages and sales. "They know better than we do when they will be running a sale," adds Edwards.

7. Investigate all-inclusive properties that include meals, even beverages, in the up-front costs. If you like knowing everything is taken care of, except for souvenirs, it may be just the vacation. However, if you don't use all the services included, then it might not be worth the price.

8. When traveling with children, involve them in the process. If they're old enough, let them help you plan. But be mindful of children's ages and interests; if they're bored, you'll be miserable.

9. If you're taking the kids, look at hotels that are geared to family budgets, accommodations and activities. Here, children can usually stay free or for a reduced rate. An all-suite property is the first and best choice. "Often the cost for a suite at an Embassy Suites or Guest Quarters isn't much more than a hotel room, and you'll have more space," explains Edwards. Most come with a small kitchen outfitted with a refrigerator and a microwave. These properties also have special activities for children. But don't be afraid to ask other hotel chains if they have special rates for families with children, or if they can upgrade you from a room to a junior suite if it's available for the same price.

10. Heading for popular destinations or events at the last minute is probably a bad idea. "You can't do premium events on a shoestring," cautions Edwards. Then again, if you have the cash or credit, a Caribbean cruise that's not filled may be a great last minute bargain. Bon voyage!