How to Find a Free Vacation

***Free Campgrounds and RV Sites***

Go to www.reidsguides.com or www.freecampgrounds.com
Browse through these two sites and take your pick. Keep in mind the reason that many of the Western U.S. campsites are free in summer is due to the hot weather. Always think about your vacation choice and call the free campgrounds BEFORE going anywhere to ask about current conditions and/or changing rates. This can prevent what I like to call “a Griswold family vacation“.

Have been told that federal campgrounds are usually free all year. However, you usually have to pitch your tent off-site (or in woods). Some may not mind to do without the luxury of grill and running water. My personal opinion is pay the $10 for the a campsite area.

***Home Swap***

Go to www.exchangehomes.com
The price is only $45.00 unlimited access for a whole year. That is not really too steep if you think about it. You might exchange homes with another family for 1-2 weeks. It often costs $45.00 or more for just one night in a hotel! You can list your home and then pick a vacation home in your destination choice

***House Sitting***

Go to www.housesitters.com/
This website is 100% Free. Talk about a free vacation! Most people do not want to leave there pets and house plants alone for extended periods of time. This website was created for people who like to travel but have no one nearby to take care of their home. My best advice is be somewhat picky about where you want to stay. For example, if you enjoy the sea search the available jobs in the beach towns. It’s an even trade: the use of their home for you watching over their abode. If you are looking for a larger selection, browse the paid sites…some are only $20 -$30 a year.

***Family***

Ask any out-of-town/state family if someone would like to trade homes for a week. For example, I live in the beautiful hills of Tennessee. But, I am here everyday. I LOVE the Atlantic Ocean. Most Floridians seem to love it here because of all the green scenery. So, swapping in that case, makes for a win-win situation for everyone. You might be surprised to find that someone in your family might enjoy the festivities, sports teams, or shopping malls in your location, too!

(Bukisa ID #124043)

Content Source: How to Find a Free Vacation - Bukisa.com

Money Saving Tips for Your Next Vacation

If you are reading this article chances are you like to travel, and who doesn't? Traveling gives you the chance to get away from the everyday routine that you and the family have become accustomed to. However traveling isn't always cheap. Here are some ways you can save some money on your next vacation.

Unless you are not from this planet, at some point in time you are going to have to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner, or a combination of all three. Eating out for all three meals over the course of a seven day vacation with a family of four can be a huge cost and eat into your “fun” budget.

Here is an idea you can use right away, when you do go out to eat, split the meals with the kids. If you and your husband or wife order a meal and you have two kids, split what you have with one child and your significant other can split what they have with the other child. Yes it is a sacrifice but remember you didn't go on vacation to eat; you went on a vacation to have some fun.

If you are fortunate enough to stay in a hotel that has a small fridge/freezer and/or a microwave then you have everything you need to make breakfast, lunch, & dinner and store food right there. Buy some groceries at a local supermarket and store them in your room. Make sure you get food that you can microwave if you are looking for a hot meal. You can start off by microwaving some eggs for breakfast (yes they are good), and make some lunches for later in the day, and finally come back to the room and microwave some meals. It is not four star dining but it will help you save a load of money.

If you are hitting amusement parks, doing some hiking, maybe walking around town, then the ideal money saving tip is to bring your own refillable water bottle. Bottled water is way too expensive to buy in a vacation resort area. Instead bring a bottle with you and refill it at the water fountains. Each time your family of four refills their bottles that is a savings of over $8.00! Do that four times a day and your daily savings exceeds $32.00! Over a course of seven days that is a grand total savings of $224.00. Now that is some serious savings.

Take one day out of your vacation and stay away from the parks and attractions. Spend time with the family and enjoy what the area you are in has to offer. For example if you go to Disney World and are staying at one of the park hotels, don't go to the parks, enjoy the resorts pools and amenities. Most are included and are just as fun. If you are hitting Vegas, get away from the Casinos and take a ride to the Hoover dam. You get the point.

These are just a few of the many ways you can save money on your next vacation. Just remember to do things a little differently and you can save even more money than I have already mentioned.

About the Author:
Mr. Tucker is a regular contributor on Bukisa, an online community where anyone can earn residual income by sharing their knowledge.

Do not forget you can use this article on your own website or blog by simply copying and pasting the code from the “Syndicate this Article” section located on the right.

(Bukisa ID #19803)

Content Source: Money Saving Tips for Your Next Vacation - Bukisa.com

Best and Cheap Summer Vacations

Finding Great Deals ?n Summer Rentals

Whether it'? ? weekend or ? wh?le summe?, yo? and your fa?ily d?serve ? summe? vacation. It can be difficult t? find affordable lodging during this p?pular ?acation seas?n. B?low you'll find great tips and trick? fo? getting g?eat deals ?n summ?r vacati?n lodging and rentals.

T?e Road Less Travel?d

Inste?d of hitt?ng the popu?ar summer ?acation spots, conside? tak?ng a mor? uniqu? vacation. You'll find t?at le?s popu?ated t?avel destin?tions wil? h?ve ?uch ?etter deal? on hotel rooms and r?sort accomodations. Inste?d of going t? the beach, c?nsider ?iking ?n t?e Ozarks or e?ploring t?e desert. If yo? must hav? t?e beac?, consider visiting be?utiful beac?es that ar? ?till relati?ely to? secret, for e?ample: the beaches ?f the Outer Banks, Nort? C?rolina.

T?ink Outside the Box

If you're willing to ?e flex?ble ?nd cr?ative about th? typ?s ?f lodging you c?n ?se ?ver the su?mer, you'l? b? in ? ?uch better posit?on to get a great deal. Consid?r tr?ing t?e fo?lowing:

Subletting- This i? ? great option if your ?ummer stay ?ill b? ?n extended one. T?is option can b? cost-effecti?e f?r single peop?e a? wel? as fami?ies, sin?e usu?lly there ?s us? ?f ? kitchen and you can ?ave money ?n restau?ant meals. Yo? m?y be ?ble t? get even cheaper rates with su?letting if part of t?e ?greement includes housesitting, ?et car?, etc. Yo? can f?nd sublet listings on v?rious we?sites.You can search onl?ne fo? the local newspaper ?f the destinat?on ?ou want to visit and sear?h th? cla?sifieds.

Timeshare Resorts - Many owners of times?ares end ?p r?nting their res?rt ?nits out in?tead of us?ng th?m. Th?s can be becaus? they aren't able to fit the?r vacation in t? coincide wit? the ti?e available ?t th?ir unit, ?r maybe the family ha? decided to visit a different destination.
You can ?sually negot?ate with timeshar? owners f?r th? rent ?f th? unit. You can find websites wit? clas?ified ad listings of timeshare units availabl? for r?ntal (a? w?ll as the opp?rtunity t? ?ost wh?t kind ?f timeshar? acco?odations you are looking for) b? performing ? ?eb search for "timeshare rentals." A? ?ith sublett?ng, timeshar? ?nits ?sually inc?ude kitchens ?nd laundry, thus ?educing the ?ost of your overall t?ip

Tip: Many timeshares off?r heavily dis?ounted ?r practicall? free ac?omodations to familie? that ar? willing t? ?ttend a 90-minute ti?eshare presentation. Call th? timesha?e resorts in the area of yo?r vacation destination and ask ?bout the?e offers.

Ti?ing is Everything - If y?u absolutely must g? to the most ?opular, busiest s?mmer vacation d?stination, consider going du?ing a m?re unpopula? time. Usually, e?en popul?r beach hote?s and res?rts offer discounted rates during the less-frequented times. Pl?n your s?mmer tri? for the ve?y beginning of summer. You'll beat the rush ?nd s?ve some money. Or, w?it until the end of ?ummer, when everyone'? g?ne home. You'?e g?aranteed t? have ? rela?ing time witho?t putting ?our wallet in ?ot ?ater!

Whether you're travelling al?ne ?r wit? y?ur entir? family, th?re ar? plenty ?f wa?s t? find good deal? fo? l?dging during your summer vacation. Do y?ur homework, be flexi?le with your options, and you'll find a g?eat deal.

(Bukisa ID #66380)

Content Source: Best and Cheap Summer Vacations - Bukisa.com

Planning on taking a vacation? Get the most of your vacation money.

Decide on where to go on vacation. A great way to decide is to have a family meeting. Have family members make a list of places they would like to go and why they wait to visit that place.

If your thinking of going to an amusement park web site. Some amusement parks like Disney and Universal Studio will have a video to download or mailed to your home. The video will be useful to see what the park(s) have to offer and help convince other family members to go too.

Once you decide on where you want to go for vacation, do some researching for vacation package on an internet search and check to see if your vacation destination has a web page with discounts.

Visit the state and city web page on the internet as well for more discounts or package deals. Search internet chat room for locals of your vacation destination and ask for advice on how to get the best price, places to stay, and eat.

Search the internet for local radio stations for contest or giveaway promotions. Many radio station will promote and give away free tickets to local attractions.

Next see if any of the local hotel or resort will offer free ticket or discount if you stay with them. Many resort will offer free ticket or money if you agree to go on a tour of the property. The will try to sell you a timeshare. Regardless of your decision you will at least be able to save some money and see a nice property. Most tour take about an hour to two hours of your time.

After all the research you can be confident that you have the best prices and fun for your family.

If you don't have time for all that research see a local travel agent. Travel agents will do the researching for you.

(Bukisa ID #121369)

Content Source: Planning on taking a vacation? Get the most of your vacation money. - Bukisa.com

How to Vacation on a Budget

Been dreaming of a nice, relaxing vacation where you can get away from it all, but felt like it just wasn't affordable? Fear not. Having a quality vacation without going broke can be done!

Create a Vacation Budget

First, take a good look at the household budget. Then decide how much it will be possible to budget for a vacation. Approach saving for a vacation as if budgeting for any other bill; view it as a necessity. If the temptation to spend the money on other things is a concern, set up a separate savings account specifically for the trip.

Make a conscious decision to set aside $50 to $100 or more each month. This can be achieved by eliminating unnecessary expenses like dining out frequently. When shopping, try using coupons, buying generic, and taking advantage of sales. Look into car-pooling or taking the bus to work. Go through old items lying around the house and have a yard sale. Put every dollar earned or saved toward the vacation goal.

Research Low Cost Fares and Lodging

While the vacation fund is building, decide on a destination. Will this vacation be done by driving, flying, or traveling by train or boat? Research travel prices, including off-season travel, promotions, and advanced ticket purchases. Traveling midweek and avoiding peak travel times can save a bundle. Save even more money by traveling with a friend and splitting the costs.

Decide ahead of time how much money to set aside for souvenirs, admissions to attractions, on-the-go dining, and lodging. Skip the expensive hotel and aim for a less expensive one. Most of the vacation will be filled with sightseeing and entertainment away from the hotel, so the room shouldn't be a major factor.

Camping at state and national parks can save money as well. Most parks have electricity and water hookups right at the camp site. Freshening up after a long day of exploring the sights is just a short walk to the showers, and some parks even provide laundry rooms!

Make Every Penny Count Towards the Vacation

Getting around doesn’t have to be expensive if one takes advantage of public transportation. Take a cycling or walking tour and really experience the sights. While exploring, don’t forget to stop off at the local visitor’s center and pick up a few discount coupon books. The valuable coupons in these books can really save big money.

Stumped on ideas for inexpensive souvenirs? Check the local thrift stores and flea markets for discarded souvenirs. The people back home don’t have to know where their souvenir, just that it was picked up while on vacation. And don’t forget the camera. After the trip those photos can be turned into an iron-on for a T-shirt and then it will be a very unique keepsake.

While checking out the thrift stores, look for used luggage. People usually wind up with more stuff than they brought, and an extra bag is perfect for carrying all that loot home. With a little planning a successful vacation is possible and no one will go broke trying to make it happen. So go ahead, take that vacation and enjoy it.

*copyright Beverly Hill; originally published on Suite101.com

(Bukisa ID #43547)

Content Source: How to Vacation on a Budget - Bukisa.com

Plan a Summer Vacation Close to Home and Save Money

Summer isn't far off and many people will be thinking about the vacation they want to take. We all need a break from the daily routine and a vacation helps us to rejuvenate. Unfortunately, with the economy the way it is and people having a lot of financial hardships, a vacation may seem out of the question. By doing some research and planning to have a vacation close to home, you can still have a wonderful time and save a lot of money.

Think about your favorite vacation spot and what makes it so special. Maybe it's about getting away from the maddening crowd to a tranquil area. Or maybe you prefer busy vacation spots that offer a lot of activities and sightseeing. Whatever your preference, look for options that will offer a similar atmosphere that you're used to, but closer to home.

Tips for a Summer Vacation Close to Home

Bed and Breakfast

If you only have a couple of days or a weekend for a summer vacation, think about going to a bed and breakfast in the country. The fresh air and scenery will be a wonderful way to rejuvenate. Most bed and breakfasts offer a cozy setting and good homemade food. Some bed and breakfasts offer activities such as golf, shopping in boutiques, nature trails, tours, etc.

National Park

Most national parks have hotel accommodations close by and some on the same property. Some parks may have nice cabins for rent. A tour around a park you've never been to, within your state or province, would make an ideal and inexpensive summer vacation. You can enjoy swimming, tennis, boating and many other activities, depending on the park's accommodations. You could stay for a day or many days, depending on your schedule. There would be so many activities to do, you would be well-entertained and refreshed.

City and Spa

If the city is more your taste, find a large city within your state that has a variety of spas. Check for hotel accommodations close by and make reservations. You can spend a day at a spa and be pampered and then tour the city. After a day of pampering and touring and maybe some shopping, you can enjoy a nice dinner at a fine restaurant. Cities normally have museums, art shows or fine theaters that can add to your after-dinner enjoyment.

Roughing It

The mountains can offer a solitude you've been needing. You can enjoy nature at its best and without the noise you may be used to in your daily routine. Think of the perk in having no alarm clocks, no telephones, no demands - just the quiet and peaceful surrounds of nature permeating your senses. You could pack up your tent and other needed equipment and head to the mountains for a breathtaking experience.

House Swapping

If you have a home close to the beach or maybe the city and a friend or relative has a home in the mountains, you can swap homes for a great diversion in atmosphere. This means free accommodations for both parties, which means you can spend more money on sightseeing, eating out or any attractions available. Of course, the swap has to be with someone you can trust completely.

Start with a Plan for a Summer Vacation Close to Home

Set a Budget

Whether you have $100 to spend or $1000 or more, set a budget. This will help you decide where you are going and for how long. It will also help you to enjoy your vacation without overspending and without guilt. Set a budget and stick to it.

Do Your Research

Gather travel guides for your state or province to see what attractions are available. Visit websites for a tour of places you want to visit or hotels for where you may be staying. Make calls if necessary to check current accommodations and prices.

Make Reservations

If reservations are required for anything you are doing on your summer vacation, make them in plenty of time. See what the best rates are. You may be able to plan your vacation a week or so ahead or later and be able to save more money.

There's no need to forgo a vacation all together because of the harsh impact of gas prices. You can save a lot of money by taking a summer vacation close to home. Use your imagination to come up with what will bring you great enjoyment and relaxation, but not cut so deeply into your budget.

(Bukisa ID #40642)

Content Source: Plan a Summer Vacation Close to Home and Save Money - Bukisa.com

Vacation Packages in Orlando, Florida

Orlando, Florida is the top family vacation spot in the world. This blog is gonna tell you everything you need to find the best vacation packages for Orlando, Florida. There are many sites that offer various vacation packages. One such site is vacationsmadeeasy.com and they offer some great vacation packages. One such package consists of you getting to choose a Orlando Florida attraction, diner, hotel and theme park for 2 days and it's just $300 per person. That is a pretty good deal for a vacation package that includes Disney parks and numerous other vacation destinations. Remember to check back here for further vacation package information. There are more vacation packages sites at the bottom of the page.