by Silva Payne

Created on: December 20, 2009

Unless you have a big win on the lottery, saving a little money here and there while on vacation is always welcome. It is not so much the thought of spending as little as possible and having a miserable vacation, but just knowing a few tips for saving money, that will make what you have go that bit further.

You can start before you travel, by making sure you get the best exchange rate if you are vacationing overseas. Check up on two or three different foreign exchange outlets and compare their rates before you hand over your cash. Getting the best deal can mean spending a few days watching the markets, but it is worth it to be able to afford an extra ice cream when you reach your destination. Only change your money at the airport if you absolutely have to, as you will not get such a good deal on foreign currency there.

When planning your budget, work out how much you will need to spend for each day of your vacation on essentials such as food and accommodation. Then work out how much more you would like to spend on entertainment and souvenirs. When going out, only take that day's allowance with you. If you do not spend it all, you will have extra for the following days, so work your budget out again for the remainder of your vacation.

Accommodation costs are usually fixed before you travel, and there is little you can do to influence the amount you will need to spend. However, arranging your vacation to take advantage of special deals is a good tip. If you are only planning on being away for a couple of days, then you will get slightly cheaper room rates for Mondays through Thursdays. You may also get one night free if you book a long weekend. Never be afraid to contact the hotel direct and ask if they have any promotions for when you wish to travel.

If you are flexible with the dates you want to take your vacation on, then waiting for last-minute deals on flights and accommodation can save you a lot of money. However most people prefer to book in advance, but you can still make savings by waiting for the airlines to have their sales. It is sometimes possible to save as much as 20% on flight costs this way.

Eating out can be an expensive part of your holiday. If you can book accommodation that includes a breakfast, you will be able to save a little money by not having to find 3 meals each day. There is the added bonus of being able to fill up first thing in the morning, and then perhaps not need to eat another full meal until the evening. In general, people's

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