5 Smart Ways To Get The Most Out Of Your Next Vacation

Everyone wants to know how to save money on vacation, right? Or maybe it’s not money you are trying to save, you just want to get the best bargain.

Here are 5 smart ways to get the most out of your next vacation:

1. Cut Out Lesser Priorities

Whether it’s saving time or saving money this step applies to both. Leading up to your vacation cut out lesser priorities. Stop going out to dinner, drink your coffee at work, not from Starbucks, and work a few extra hours.

Then when you are on your vacation make the most of every minute. Save your favorite television programs for when you get back home, get your groceries delivered, have someone else do your nails. There are all kinds of creative ways to save time so you can enjoy the more important aspects of your vacation.

2. Heed Online Reviews

Do research before the trip, whether it’s reading your favorite travel blog (ahem), wading through TripAdvisor or hotel reviews on Booking.com, this will cut out the leg work for you when you arrive.

It will have you planned and ready for the best things to do in the area and the best places to eat.

3. Pack Like A Pro

You can pack all you need in a carry on. If you can’t – buy it when you get there.

Packing smart can be done with help from us here or your best friend. Simply pack your bag and then get him/her to go through it and take out everything they think you won’t need. Works for me.

4. Use Rewards Credit Cards

We love our rewards credit card. Every year, at the end of the year we cash in all our points for shopping vouchers to buy Christmas presents. But it’s also used for travel.

Make sure you check the bonuses that come with your card every month because sometimes you can even double those rewards points, which would really accelerate your travel plans.

For instance in November, Marriott Rewards Premier cardmembers can earn double points on United purchases. Imagine how many more points you can earn for that next holiday? Likewise, eligible United MileagePlus Explorer, Club and Presidential Plus card members also can earn double miles on Marriott purchases. It’s just one of the ways you can save! With over 4,000 Marriott Hotels and 362 United flight destinations worldwide, the November Double Stay, Double Godeal could end up saving you a far bit. Be sure to visit the Double Stay, Double Go website before November 30, 2015 for more details.

5. It’s All In The Timing

Everyone knows prices go up when it’s school holidays. Not only that, but theme parks get packed, restaurants get crazy and the beaches become a parking lot. Do yourself a favor and go outside of the normal hours.

We cruised Alaska with Holland America on the very last ship of the season and not only did we save money, we also got to see snow-capped mountains and most merchandise was 75% off at the souvenir shops in port. New winter outfits all round!

I bet you have some amazing tips yourself so why stop at 5?

Leave a comment and share with us with your smart way to get the most out of your next vacation.