10 Tips for Finding Great Travel Deals

I'm getting excited as my husband just placed reservations for our 5th anniversary getaway! As you know, travel can be very expensive. By the time you pay for gasoline or airfare, lodging and food, there's not much left over for spending money!

Here are a few tips on how to save on those travel expenses:

• If you can, plan your family getaway for a time other than peak season. Your lodging rates will be incredibly lower because hotels and resorts are desperate for business. Travel to the beach sometime around October. Most of the time it's still warm enough (at least at the southern beaches) to enjoy the water. You won't have to compete with a swarm of tourists, but you can still enjoy everything you would in the summer. Perfect! If you're traveling during the warmer months, check out a ski resort. You might not be able to ski, but the rates will be incredible, and you'll be able to enjoy scenic mountain views.

• Search price comparison sites like Kayak.com for the lowest airfare rates. You can search up to 140 travel sites at one time for the lowest price.

• Skip the expensive tourist "must haves." I saw on someone's blog that they purchased Disney themed clothing before they traveled to Disney World. They knew their kids would want it once they got there, but they got it ahead of time at a much lower price.

• Invest in a Roadside Assistance program if you're traveling by car. Hopefully it won't happen, but if you happen to break down or have a flat tire, you won't have to pay exorbitant rates for a tow truck. Many times you can enroll in these programs just for the duration of your trip and cancel when you return.

• Plan ahead. You won't have time to search for cheapest airfare and lodging rates if you're booking at the last minute.

• Pack your own food for car trips. Even if you're eating off the fast food dollar menu, 2 or 3 items per person adds up quickly.

• When traveling by car, plan your route carefully or use a GPS. You'll waste a lot of gas (and it's expensive these days!) if you get lost.

• When you arrive at your destination, stop by the chamber of commerce (or write to them ahead of time.) You'll receive an abundance of coupons for attractions at your vacation spot.

• If your hotel room has a kitchenette, go the local grocery store and buy your own food instead of eating out. Eating out is a huge expense on vacation, and you'll save a bundle by making your own food. If you feel like it, you can even bring your coupons with you and save more at the grocery store!

• Remember that fun comes in forms that are FREE! You don't have to go to every amusement park, museum, or aquarium there is. Just enjoy spending time together - play games, take walks, talk and laugh!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Alamo blogging program, for a gift card worth $25. For more information on how you can participate, click here.