by S.Stillwell

Created on: February 13, 2009

Saving money and sticking to a budget while traveling can seem an impossible task, particularly when you are vacationing. Here are three painless and easy tips to help you save money and stick to your budget while traveling.

"Make" Your Own Breakfast

You can save a great deal of money by eating breakfast in your hotel room rather than a restaurant. Some simple breakfasts that don't require refrigeration include granola bars and apples; bananas with peanut butter; or english muffins with jam or fruit spread. If you prefer something chilled, you can purchase a disposable Styrofoam cooler, fill it with ice from the hotel ice maker, and chill dairy or juices in it. Remember to replenish the ice once or twice a day to prevent spoilage.

Ask For Coupon Books

When you check in, ask the Front Desk if the hotel has any coupon books available for guests. If you are traveling in a popular vacation destination, the chances are very good they will have at least one - and perhaps many more. These coupon books will have discounts and freebies for restaurants, attractions, and even shopping.

If the hotel doesn't have one, keep your eyes open for coupon book displays when you are out and about. I've seen them at souvenir shops, gas stations, and grocery stores. These can also be a great resource for smaller (and generally less expensive) attractions in the area you may have otherwise missed.

Use A Cash Envelope System

This method of saving money and sticking to a budget works particularly well when you are traveling with children. Before your vacation, decide how much you can afford to spend each day on food. Do the same for all other spending categories you anticipate having during your trip, such as souvenirs or optional side trips. Label envelopes for each day and each category (i.e. "Day 1 - food, Day 1 - souvenirs, Day 2 - food, Day 2 -souvenirs..."). Make envelopes for your children for each day for their spending money. Explain that the money is theirs to spend - or save - any way they like (or within whatever limits you wish to set).

Once you are on your vacation, you may ONLY spend the amount in your envelope for that day and that category. You can decide what to do with any leftover funds at the end of the day. Some people roll it over into the remaining envelopes, while others deduct it completely from their vacation budget and put it back in their household budget.

One word of warning - This method requires using cash only. If you are uncomfortable about traveling with all of your cash on you, you could opt to visit an ATM and fill the envelopes each morning instead.

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