Key Ingredient, Inc.

New Discount Travel Service

You may notice a few changes around my blog over the coming week or so.  First, and most importantly I think, over on the right hand side over there is a new heading that says "Good Deal Alerts".  Under that heading I'm going to be posting new pages with special hot deals.

I'm very excited about what's posted over there today!  It's information about a new discount travel site that I am now representing. Check it out and email or call me if you have any questions. 

Travel Cheap, Part 2

Yesterday I talked about stay-cations.  Today, I'll tackle how to save money if you do go out of town.

Tip #33

So you've decided to go out of town on vacation.  How can you do it without breaking the bank?  A few suggestions:

• Set a budget before you go.  If you can put that money in a separate bank account with a separate debit card.  Only use that money for your trip.  That way you won't overspend.
• Try to negotiate with the hotels when you are booking.  Find a couple of different ones in the area you are staying.  Find out what they offer and for how much.  Now call them and see if you can get them to come down in price, throw in breakfast for free, etc. 
• Food - the best way to save money on a vacation is to plan ahead in terms of food.  If you are driving to your destination, take a cooler in the car and pack sandwiches, fruit, salads, breakfast items, and snacks.  This will keep you from having to stop for snacks or lunch.  Also take along a bag of food that doesn't need to be refrigerated for snacks and breakfasts. 

How do you save money on vacation?

Travel Cheap, Part 1

So the time of year where most people are starting to make their summer travel plans are upon us.  Last year with the skyrocketing gas prices most of us were introduced to the concept of "stay-cations".  Today I'm going to talk about that and tomorrow you'll find some tips for traveling inexpensively.

Tip #32

Stay-cations and their variations are actually a fun way to discover fun things in your own backyard.  You have to approach it like a tourist would.  Go to or call your local visitor's center.  Find out what is going on in town.  Are there art shows, parades, gatherings at a certain time of year?  You have the advantage of knowing what the weather is like and not having to worry too much if you have an activity planned that has to be changed. 

Take your vacation and commit to re-discovering the cool things about the place you live.  Maybe there's a field of pick-yourself flowers, or an antique train station you can tour, or a cider mill that is open to the public.   Go visit those places that you tell people who come to your town to go.  Stroll through your downtown.  Pack a picnic lunch and go to the nearest pond or lake.  Go eat brunch at the fancy hotel in town. 

The point is not where you go.  The point is taking a break from your daily routine and re-connecting with the people who are important to you.  Maybe this means that you take a few days off work and even if you don't do anything else, you have a glass of wine on the porch with your spouse and enjoy looking at the stars.  Take your everyday perspective and try to shift it, even if just for a couple of days.

Check back tomorrow for tips on traveling inexpensively.