By Marilyn Jones

Travel can be expensive, but with careful planning, you can save a significant amount of money on your next adventure. After determining where you are traveling to, talk as a family about expectations and then go online to begin your planning.

Transportation

Transportation is your first big expense. Compare flying versus driving. If you fly, you’ll probably have to rent a car when you arrive. On the other hand, it depends on how far you plan to drive. Gas, wear and tear on your vehicle, and the time you are taking away from your chosen destination should all be factored in.

If you do decide to fly, start monitoring flight costs. Booking too early or last minute is usually the most expensive. Studies show it’s best to book at least 21 days before your day of travel for domestic flights and 34 days for international flights. Flights on Saturday are consistently cheaper, and booking on weekends offers slightly better rates.

Also factor in airport parking and baggage fees; each airport and airline are different.

Accommodations

Check all discounts when booking a hotel. Ask hotels about discounts for military members; many offer them, even if they aren’t advertised. Keep in mind, a government or military rate isn’t always as low as, say, AAA or AARP. Also check hotel special packages that often include area attraction admissions and meals.

If you choose to fly to your destination, many online reservation sites offer bundling. This means adding items like rental cars and hotels to your flight reservation. This can save you hundreds of dollars.

Find out what is included, like a pool, fitness center, or free breakfast. Eliminating one meal a day from your budget is great value-added. If you fly and the hotel offers complimentary shuttle service from the airport and to local attractions, you might not even need to rent a car.

Meals

Visit a grocery store and stock up on snacks, soda, and water. Vending machine costs add up fast. Many hotel rooms have refrigerators and every hotel offers free ice.

If your hotel doesn’t offer free breakfast, also stock up on breakfast bars or other easy-to-serve items.

Make lunch the big meal of the day. Many restaurants offer cheaper lunch menus; up to 30-percent less that the equivalent at dinner.

Dinner can be more casual. If your hotel room has a microwave, visit a grocery store and let everyone pick a frozen entrée. You already have soda and water in the room and snacks for later in the evening.

Stay on budget

By planning as a family, everyone is on the same page. Make a day-to-day itinerary with free time for the pool, naps, or exploring. Plan what every child will be able to spend on souvenirs. Contact local convention and visitors’ bureaus where you will find free and often discounted attraction admissions. And order free brochures so everyone will get excited about the upcoming trip and be in on the planning.