Travel budgeting
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Book an Airbnb within a two-hour drive that has amenities like a hot tub.
This avoids plane ticket costs.
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Buy season passes to theme parks if you live within a short drive.
They pay for themselves after a few visits.
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Cut down on lodging costs by camping in national forests or using low-cost campsite rentals.
- requires having gear already to keep costs down to just gas and food
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- Budget for initial camping costs by comparing them to the price of one or two nights at a hotel.1
- Check county parks for cheaper camping rates compared to state parks.1
- Camp at national or state parks during the off-season for fewer crowds and lower costs; call ahead to check campground availability.1
- View camping as a frugal vacation option after making initial investments.1
Practice frugality to stop mindless spending and gain freedom to spend on things you truly want.
Saving on items gives more freedom to do things you enjoy.
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- Practice frugality in daily life so you can spend freely on travel without guilt.1
Look for early September cruise deals if you do not have children.
These cruises are cheap.
- This recommendation applies specifically to people without kids.
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camping, costs, travel, within26
Camp at Fort Wilderness and cook most meals yourself to reduce costs.
Cooking most meals yourself makes it not that expensive.
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Use a Disney travel agent to find current discounts and promotions.
The service is free.
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Use single-rider standby lines when available.
It is probably the shortest line.
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Research camping locations and timing on forums rather than travel agency sites.
Advice from people who have been there is far better.
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Give children a fixed amount of cash on the second-to-last night to spend on souvenirs as a reward for good behavior.
Teaching deferred gratification
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Purchase ferry tickets for attractions like the Statue of Liberty early online because they sell out quickly, even in winter.
limited space
- do not wait to buy from random vendors near the attraction
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Ensure the military member is present to use military discount tickets.
Staff may ask for ID every time.
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Do not cook inside your tent to avoid attracting animals.
You'll attract animals
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Book day trips and local excursions after arriving at your destination.
You are often better off booking 'on the ground' once you have arrived.
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Contact Costco about issues with partner hotels to potentially receive credits or compensation.
They may give you a credit for the inconvenience.
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If camping equipment is too expensive, skip overnight stays and do national park day trips instead, packing lunch and cooking simple dinners.
camping supplies may cost a lot
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Use a travel agent to help avoid major booking errors like forgetting rental cars or hotel reservations.
Travel agents know all the necessary details to check so you don't forget something major.
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Shoot for January-February flights, especially right after New Year traffic wears down, for dirt cheap fares.
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Look for laid-back areas further south that offer numerous ocean-front house rentals.
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Try borrowing a tent or camping gear from someone or online before making a big financial commitment.
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Link frugality to benefits for children so they adopt the habit.
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Expect daytime temperatures in the 80s on the desert floor in November.
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Understand that roof-top campers attached to your car require packing up the entire site to leave for daily sightseeing.
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Follow strict public land rules for vehicle camping regarding distance from trails, rivers, and roads.
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Be aware that off-road camping requires finding legal spots and lacks amenities.
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Visit New Orleans to enjoy its food, music, culture, and activities.
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Seek out camping for the opportunity to disconnect from society.
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Use volunteer business cards or museum memberships to get free or discounted entry to historical or amusement parks.
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Do not treat camping as a substitute for vacation if you prefer modern conveniences, as camping is defined by stepping away from them.
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Visit areas that offer both fancy and very affordable hotels within minutes of each other.
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Consider visiting San Diego or southern California beach cities for a pleasant experience.
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Wait until children are aged 6-8 before taking them to theme parks, as younger children may not appreciate the experience.
Babies won't appreciate it.
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Bring your own sandwiches and snacks to the park instead of buying overpriced food or water inside.
Disney allows you to bring in food and water; items like bottles of water, coffee, beer, and pop really add up in cost.
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Avoid getting drunk in amusement parks.
It can lead to dehydration, passing out from heat, or vomiting in lines.
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Dress children in costumes so employees address them by titles like 'princess' instead of using name tags.
Some people have concerns about wearing name tags.
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Arrive at the park immediately at opening and rush to the most popular ride first to avoid lines.
Crowds are lighter early
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