What I Want

I so badly want to take a vacation.  For those of you who don't know or don't know me at all, I had the wonderful chance to go on vacation this summer and it was fantastic.  We took a Carnival Cruise and had a wonderful time! We went to Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; Roatan, Honduras; and Costa Maya, Mexico.  So today we are going to discuss traveling and all of the amazing ways to save on a vacation.  

Let us start with booking the vacation.

Little Story Time:  My parents are getting ready for a vacation to San Fran and Napa Valley, CA next week.  And when my dad was booking the flights, I mentioned to him that I am sure he wouldn't have to pay full price for a ticket.  And guess what?  My mother-given ability to be frugal made this true.  On Facebook, that very same day, Southwest Airlines had a customer appreciation deal of up to 50%- yes, 50% off tickets!  Timing couldn't have been more perfect and he booked same day and saved about $300 beautiful dollars.  

So let me just say this: Bargain hunt- and do it like it is going out of style.  These days, airlines and hotels are willing to give discounts, because a half price seat brings more money than an empty seat and the same is for hotels.  

For our cruise- I watched the company website and checked on the price maybe once a week.  Because of doing this, the price dipped and I called for a price adjustment and it was granted.  I also kept an eye out on another website (retailmenot.com) for coupons for our excursions and was able to find ten percent off.  Though 10% doesn't seem like a whole lot, we saved about $40 a person.  That was enough to cover our hotel room for the night before we left.  

For a hotel- My boyfriend and I went to Charleston this summer to visit my brother who is in the Air Force.  We were able to stay in the hotel on base luckily and that only cost us $40 a night.  But on our way home, we decided to stay the night in Charlotte, Nc.  We waited until late to start calling hotels because we theorized they would be more likely to feel the need to fill the room for the night.  The rate at the hotel we stayed in I believe was $200 a night.  Then I asked for a discount. $160.  Then I said- I think we are looking for something a little less because we will be getting in late.  Booked for $112- Manager's special.


Just asking can go a long way and kindness can go even further. 


Have you ever saved big on a vacation? I'd love to hear from you and how you did it!  

Happy Savings 
Kales