by Barb Hopkins

Created on: June 14, 2009   Last Updated: July 10, 2009

When money is tight and times difficult we crave escape. A summer getaway is the perfect way to enjoy a break from routine while relaxing with friends or family. To avoid falling further into debt, it is important to plan and prepare for a summer vacation. With a little knowledge and some advance planning, anyone can save money on any style of summer getaway.

* Save on lodging

Book your hotel in advance and save cash. Many hotels offer as much as a fifteen percent discount to guests that book on-line and at least fourteen days prior to check-in. Take advantage of the point guest cards that are offered by chain hotels and reward with discounts for multiple stays. For example, by staying three nights at the hotel you earn enough points to stay a fourth night free. Use on-line booking like Priceline or Expedia to save about twenty to fifty percent on rooms.

Consider other alternatives to hotels like camping or sharing a rental property with another family. Cabins and rental condominiums can easily be shared by two families. Larger families can also benefit from the same, as they can be a less expensive and even safer alternative than attempting to sleep six or eight children in multiple hotel rooms.

If possible, consider staying with friends or family but be sure to repay their hospitality by cooking meals for your host family, taking them out for a nice dinner, and remembering that maid service is not provided by friends or family.

* Save on food

Book your stay at a hotel that offers a free, continental breakfast each morning. Purchasing breakfast at a fast food chain like McDonald's can cost a family of four about twenty-five dollars. That adds $175 to a vacation budget for a seven-day trip. Save the $175 and your waistline by eating a healthy breakfast at the hotel. Hotels that offer breakfast usually have fruit, yogurt, oatmeal, cold cereals, milk, coffee, tea, juice, and sweet rolls or muffins. Several chains like Holiday Inn Express, Hampton, Comfort Suites, or Drury Inn offer hot breakfast foods including waffles, eggs, sausage, bacon, and omelets.

Eat where the locals eat. Ask for dining recommendations from the hotel staff and the local office of tourism. Locals can often direct you to independently owned restaurants that serve generous and delicious meals at a fraction of the price of national chain restaurants.

When visiting amusement parks or similar venues, pack a cooler filled with bottled water, snacks, and even sandwiches. Food at parks

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