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and student discounts if you are eligible to receive them. A lot of hotels also offer discounts for AAA-membership as well.

DESTINATIONS & ATTRACTIONS

Regardless of whether you're flying or driving, if your destination is a popular theme park or attraction, chances are you are in for high prices unless you think ahead. Traveling in the off-season is always a good idea. Hotels often cut their room rates during off season and you are almost always guaranteed discounted ticket prices as well.

If you have young children, bring your own stroller. Though the convenience of renting one is easier than lugging a bulky stroller, if cash is what you want to save, don't do it. You can save as much as $8 to $10 per day on stroller rentals.

And speaking of young children, we all know how much they love those high priced souvenirs. To save yourself a bundle, have a pre-set limit on what each child can spend. Not only will you save money, but you will put the kibosh on the never ending "gimmes" that young children are so highly skilled at.

If the hotel you're staying at offers shuttle service, use it. You can not only save on gas, but expensive parking fees. And with the extra energy you conserve by avoiding the trek from the parking lot to the attractions, you can pat yourself on the back and say you've gone green.

Multiple-day passes save money upfront by essentially cutting ticket prices in half, but you can also choose the hours you wish to be at the park saving even more money on the backend.

Swim at the pool in your hotel during morning hours, eat lunch in your room and spend the afternoons in the park. By avoiding expensive and overpriced theme park food, you can save upwards of $100 or more. Be sure and leave by dinner hour and you will be amazed at the cash you save.

In addition, be sure and bring our own refillable water bottles rather than filling up on expensive sugary drinks. Or better yet, ask the park attendants for a free cup of water. All amusement and theme parks are required to offer free water to its patrons and it sure beats $3.50 for a bottle of water or soda.

And finally, remember to apply the old standard....."Do I really need this" to all your potential expenses and you may find many other ways to cut costs as well. Yes, we all want to enjoy ourselves on vacation, but spending unnecessary money and incurring mountains of credit card debt is not the way to do it. Use your head, not your wallet and it's possible to have a good time and not go bust in the process.

Learn more about this author, Magnolia Miller.
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