7 Killer Tips

Every loves to travel during the summer. The kids are out of school, the work load is not as high, and airlines compete for your business. As Americans we work between 8-12 hours days, rush to work, rush to get the kids, rush home, rush to come dinner and then repeat the entire process all over again the next day. We need to slow down and take time out to relax. One of the ways to do that is by going on a summer vacation. You work hard all year and deserve take a vacation even if it is just a mini-vacation. Here are 7 tips to save money when planning your summer vacation.

1. Plan ahead. Plan at least one year in advance for vacations especially if you in debt, recently getting out of debt or live paycheck to paycheck. This way you can save enough money to go on vacation without going into debt to pay for it.

2. Find deals. Shop around to find the best deal. Visit websites like http://www.hotwire.com, http://www.priceline.com, [http://www.orbitz.com], http://www.cheaptickets.com or http://www.hotels.com to find cheap rates for hotel, airfare and cruises.

3. Talk . Talk to friends and neighbors about their current or past vacations and find out how they planned their vacation, i.e. ask about any discounts or sales they know about, inexpensive restaurants, shops, etc.

4. Move fast . When you hear about vacation sales or discounts you have to move quickly to capitalize on the deal because they usually don’t last long. If you saved your money all year long then you can take advantage of discounts when they become available.

5. Spending Money. When traveling it is best to buy traveler’s checks, they can quickly be replaced if lost. If you credit card is stolen you may not have another credit card available to purchase any necessities. Buy everything needed before traveling. Toiletries are more expensive at other locations when traveling. Take one credit card only for emergencies.

6. Buy traveler’s insurance. Buy traveler’s insurance. This will reduce the costs of medical bills that could accrue if you get sick on a cruise ship or flight and prevent you from going into debt.

7. Use restraint. Use restraint while on vacation. Don’t buy everything you see in the tourist stores or malls. If you know you will be tempted don’t even go into the store. Buy items or souvenir gifts at flea markets or only buy items that are on sale.

Harrine Freeman is a speaker, personal finance expert and the author of, “How to Get Out of Debt: Get an “A” Credit Rating for Free Using the System I’ve Used Successfully with Thousands of Clients. She is the CEO of H.E. Freeman Enterprises, a personal finance services company. She is a member of the American Association of Daily Money Managers, SPAWN, Toastmasters, AAUW, National Association of Women Writers, IEEE and the Women Network.

For more information on how to get out of debt or to buy her book please visit http://www.hefreemanenterprises.com She can be reached via email at hfreeman@hefreemanenterprises.com.