Save Money with an Insulated Cooler
Cooler
Buy yourself an insulated cooler (or dig that one out of the closet or garage) and you can save some serious money, especially during the summer months when we tend to travel more.
As funny as it may sound a nice cooler is actually an investment. You will also want to get a few of those reusable ice packs depending upon the size of your cooler. When we get ready to take a trip, even a short one we usually throw some drinks into the cooler along with some ice packs from the freezer.
Later on when we are out on the road and the kids start saying “I’m thirsty!” you can give them what you already have, chilled and in the cooler. No need to stop at a “convenience” store and pay those ridiculous prices ($1.89 for a cold drink?) and for those who have several children a stop for refreshments can be an expensive one.
Insulated Cooler
Of course you can also pack in some lunch meat, condiments or even candy bars. If you shop wisely you can be out on the road and have candy bars or other snacks, often at less than 20% of what it would cost in a “convenient” store. How did the world get to the point where people seem to be willing to pay more for a 20 ounce drink than they would for an entire 2 Liter or nearly a 6 pack; of the same exact brand and flavor to boot.
When you go to the grocery store and your are making plans for those dinners also consider family trips. It doesn’t just Think about how often you stop at a convenient store to get snacks and drinks. Or when you pay for your gasoline – do you also grab yourself a treat?
Take a few minutes of preparation and bring that stuff along with you in a nice insulated cooler or ice chest!
Written by D Slone, Copyright 2010 SaveMoneySpot.com
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- Vacations On A Budget
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Vacations On A Budget
Well, you’ve done it. You’ve cut costs at home, the office and everywhere that it can possibly be trimmed…and you have actually saved enough for the family to go on vacation!
It is a thrill to be able to enjoy some extra money..and some time away from the hustle and bustle of every day life. However, don’t forget the good habits you have learned by keeping a budget and sticking to it. There are many ways you can save money while you are on vacation..and still enjoy the time you have.
If you are planning on traveling by plane, always comparison shop..and look for any deals that involve connecting flights. Sometimes it is a little extra time..but a lot of money can be saved if you are willing to take a connecting flight rather than fly straight through. Also remember to pack as little as possible…and the more bags you have, the more you will be charged.
If you plan on eating out, check some of the out of the way places…some of these are hidden treasures and can be a much better deal than the high priced restaurants. Lunch specials abound in many eating establishments, so consider having your big meal then.
Rather than going to expensive tourist attractions, just explore the town you are visiting. Often the places that you don’t hear about can offer more of the town’s culture and cost a lot less than the expensive tours. Walk through the neighborhoods and check out some local shops. Get a feel for where you have traveled to by really experiencing it.
Whether it’s an exotic vacation to a foreign country or a weekend at a B&B…it doesn’t have to take all of the extra money you have saved to have a great time!
By Angela Sangster Copyright SaveMoneySpot 2010.
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Categories: Travel Tags: airlines, Entertainment, Family, Travel
Airfare On A Budget
As we all strive to save money, it is rewarding to have something to save that money for. One thing many people budget for is a vacation. Whether it is to a tourist spot or to visit family who live far away, there are many times when it is actually more feasible to take an airplane rather than a car…especially if time is a factor.
First thing to remember is flying in the middle of the week will be cheaper. Business travelers are often on board for beginning and end of the week, and with the larger volume of passengers, the rates go up. Consider planning your flight for a Tuesday or a Wednesday.
Check around online…and not just the major airlines. Some of the smaller airlines that aren’t at the top of the search engine list often have deals that are much cheaper than the major commercial ones. Go to their websites directly for information and do some comparison shopping.
There are sites for bidding on last minute flights…this can be very inexpensive, however you won’t know what airline you will be using until the bidding is completed. So if you don’t mind being adventurous, this is an alternative to consider.
Shopping around and getting on mailing lists for different airlines can get you the first look at many deals, so look into doing this as well. This way, when you get to your destination…you will have more money to enjoy your time with!
By Angela Sangster, Copyright SaveMoneySpot 2010
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