How To Save Money On Vacation!

Picture Courtesy of: goyourownwayvacations.com

Finding the perfect vacation package that best suits your interests and expectations at discount prices can be a daunting task. There are however, some fast and easy tricks that can help you save big bucks while on your vacation that don't require a lot of planning and can be lots of fun too!

Excursions

Excursions are usually offered on every resort. These are adventure filled trips that allow tourists to discover the country first hand and learn about various local products, sights and attractions.

Although fun and incredibly interesting, these excursions can also be very expensive! The adventure ones like snorkeling, diving, swimming with dolphins, national parks, deep sea fishing and catamaran cruises tend to be the most expensive ranging from $80-$140 per day, per person! If you are really adamant about taking part on one of these excursions, perhaps opt for a half day instead of a full one where possible, or choose less expensive, less elaborate excursions like the dune buggies, which offers great sight seeing at much more affordable prices.

Resort VS. Local Markets

When it comes to shopping, avoid shopping on the resort. The hotel stores and boutiques will definitely charge more on local products like booze and cigars than the local markets. Everything on hotel premises will be over priced therefore, going a little bit out of your way to find local tourist markets will not only be a great opportunity to venture out in the city but also to find great, unique local products at amazing prices!

Ask your hotel management where the closest market is. Usually, these markets are situated right next to the resort or at least in very close proximity because after all, they do cater mostly to tourists.

Local markets are also great fun. You never want to buy anything at asking price. The great thing about these markets is that merchants actually expect you to bargain and are happy to negotiate fiercely with you. Make it into a competition and see who can find the most for the least. An extra bonus is that to lure you into their shop, the merchants often offer free incentives like beaded jewelry, cigarettes, cigars and if you're really lucky a miniature bottle of local booze! Remember, courtesy and politeness are always your best assets.

Also, by shopping locally, you are in fact encouraging the local economy and helping locals profit from the tourism industry directly and that's important. Being a good tourist is about being conscientious and aiding the country in it's development. For more information, check-out this site where you will find a list of products available as well as fun tricks and tips on how to bargain and negotiate.

Small Stuff
There are plenty of small things you can do that will save you cash on vacation.

For example, I always bring a small amount of snacks in my luggage so that whenever I become bored with the food, I have a little taste of home with me. This also helps avoid having to buy goodies at the hotel boutique where the average cost of a bag of chips is about $10 US.

Avoid buying pictures taken by resort photographers as they tend to be costly, from about $15-$40 US per picture.

Try to pick activities that are offered for free versus activities that are offered at a cost. Pick non-motorized aquatic sports rather than motorized which require payment.

Last but not least, be easy on the tips. Tipping is good and you should definitely tip but don't over do it. $5-$10 bucks daily should be more than enough!