What are the easiest things to do to cut back on money spent on vacation?|164485

my family is planning a vacation to disney, we dont have much cash right now and we need to cut back on the amount of money we end up spending there. can someone suggest some ways to cut back? we dont shop for many souvenirs as it is, maybe a sweatshirt or a tee shirt, and my mom buys a coffee mug. so we need other ways to cut back. we are planning on driving. (were from NY)

Here are some ways I plan on cutting back money spent on our future Disney trip:

- Bring a refillable bottle of water.
- When thirsty, go to any counter service restaurant and ask for a glass of ice water which you will get for free. Take some crystal light envelopes or koolaid and add to it for free beverage.
- Bring snacks into the park. They are allowed if they have no glass and no alcohol. Even a soft cooler (no hard ones) is okay.
- When at Disney, take advantage of buses from your hotel to the parks to save on gas.
- Eat at counter service places and not sit down places since those cost much more. See all menu prices for counter service places here:

http://allears.net/menu/menus.htm

- Fill your car up with gas just before you cross into Florida. The gas prices hike up there.
- Eat breakfast in your hotel room. You can always bring your own toaster or coffee maker to use. Just unplug it before you leave to the parks.
- If you are doing any programs for points cash them in now to get your rewards. We cashed in our mypoints for gas gift cards to pay for our road trip there.
- Visit the budget board at disboards.com to see how to get free supplies such as toothpaste to take with you.
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.ph��

You might want to consider the now famous _staycation._ Find a fun spot closer to home that will be as much fun (maybe a different kind of fun from Disney but still fun). Travel expenses, lodging, dining, and amenities are cut dramatically!

We are terribly biased but we recommend that you look at the Catskill Mountains and stay in a vacation rental home rather than a hotel/motel. Our area is only about 2 1/2 hours from NYC so your gas is cut by.... A LOT!

A vacation rental is like going to visit someone only they are not there and neither is their stuff! Think family meals together (another big savings!!!); grilling on the back deck looking at the mountains. You get the picture.

There is plenty to do in the Catskills... and rather than spending money a T-shirt that will become a rag in three years, go to one of the many country auctions and get something valuable for cheap that will be a great memory for a long time!

What to do: Hiking (LOTS of state land), Skiing (slopes are open until mid-April), antiquing, ride down the Esopus River in an inner tube (wicked fun), golf, yoga, and more.

hope this helps.

they have a ton of food packages that you can get with your park tix-totally worth it.

Email me and I_ll give you the info for my friend who is a Travelocity partner travel agent- she_ll have AWESOME suggestions and can get you a great price on tickets and hotel... you just might have more spending money than you thought after she puts something together for you!

Angela

The food there is REALLY expensive. You could easily spend $20/person on ONE meal. I would suggest packing lunches and bottled waters.