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| Lake vacation rentals like this one in Maine are affordable, fun and a great place to make family memories. |
Stay Off the Beach. When taking a seaside
vacation, stay in a vacation rental a few blocks away from the beach rather
than right on the beach. You'll still be close enough to walk and catch the
ambiance of a beachside community without the higher prices. If being just
steps from the ocean is a must, but don't want to pay high season prices, then
travel after Labor Day, if possible. The weather will be just about the same as
the last week of August, but you'll save as much as 50%, maybe even more,
compared to August or July.
Drive Smart. If you're driving to your vacation
rental, go the speed limit and save as much as 25% on your fuel costs. Avoid
fast starts and accelerate gradually. Driving defensively not only keeps you
from an accident, it will save gas over the course of your trip. Be sure to
pack light as well. The more weight in the car, the more gas you'll burn. And
if you're luggage spills up onto the roof, you might notice a 5% decrease in
your fuel efficiency. Vacation rentals have washers and dryers, so keep extra
clothes and gear to a minimum. If you don't already have it, get roadside assistance from a motor club, especially if you're traveling alone or with small children.
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| Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, lake rental |
Buy Your Plane Tickets as Soon as Possible. Airfare gets more expensive
the closer you get to your travel dates. Book as far in advance as possible.
Air travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays usually costs less, and
connecting flights are cheaper than non-stop flights. Packing light for air
travel is also recommended, what with most airlines charging for extra luggage
now.
