10 tips on cheap vacations

Read this article to find out our Top 10 Tips on Cheap Vacations

Are you ready for a great holiday in a sunny, warm, and possibly sandy area?
Knowing the ingredients for a cheap vacation you will remember for a lifetime are easy to plan plus our tips will help you avoid that post holiday headache.
Here are our list of top 10 tips on cheap vacations.

First, make sure your rooms at the resort are booked in advance.
Many of the best vacation resorts are fully booked ahead of time and having reservations will make sure you have a roof over your head.
In fact some of the best destinations are booked months in advance so do your planning early.
Also remember that you may get cheaper rates on your hotel by paying in advance or by checking out the cheap vacations available online.

Our second tip is very important. Make sure your money is safe.  Use traveler checks rather than carrying cash.
If traveler checks are lost or stolen they can be quickly replaced.  Even better is using a credit card.
Most resorts take the major bank cards.  You will have a record of your holiday purchases and the ability to dispute any inaccurate charges.  If your card is lost or stolen, it can also be quickly replaced and you have insurance against fraudulent purchases made with it. Keeping track of your budget is essential for a cheap vacation.

Third, Make sure your kids are taken care of.
If your children are traveling with you, make sure the resort has adequate play areas and hopefully a daycare service so that you can enjoy a vacation without chasing the children through the sand all the time. If you think that sounds lame to be in our top 10 tips then you could be in for a surprise. Some destinations offer cheap vacations by cutting costs. That could mean cutting back on supervising staff for kids activities which could put your children at risk.  Many resorts have activity directors for the children's events so check the availability of activities for children and the kids will have a great time.

What is the nightlife like?  If you and your significant other want to dance the night away...
Make sure that the location you pick has a reputation for quality nightlife.  Warm vacation spots that pride themselves on good nightclubs include Key West - a favorite of Ernest Hemmingway; Miami the home of Gloria Estefan; Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Diego, and if you do not mind skipping the beach, Las Vegas has some of the most exciting night life on earth.  And remember to take along some cab fare.  Definitely do not drive when you have been drinking.

Next think comedy.  Are there good comedy clubs in the area?  Nothing beats a good stand up comedian.  And if stand up is not your bag, what other entertainment do you prefer.  Magicians and musicians are always popular with many resorts offering entertainment as part of the deal. Some resorts often have sister hotels nearby where you can use the facilities so check out their entertainment too. You might be able to see different artists at no extra cost.

Water sports and excitement go together, and most warm, sunny vacation spots include plenty of both.  How about parasailing or hang gliding?  What about Scuba diving, snorkeling, or swimming with the dolphins.  If you like the water but do not want to get wet yourself, check out the deep sea fishing if you are ocean side.  If in Florida, remember all the inland lakes and the trophy bass they hold. Prices for these activities can vary so be sure to find the lowest cost operator. They are all competing for your business so be a shrewd negotiator by asking for a discount. After all, you are supposed to be on a cheap vacation.

Number seven in our list of top 10 tips on cheap vacations is a practical matter.  Make sure that either you speak the language of the natives, or they speak English.  That makes Jamaica a great hot spot, as well as Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.  Also Bermuda, Tahiti and the Dominican Republic are waiting to provide you with a wonderful vacation in paradise. Speaking the language can help you barter at the markets for those little keepsakes or presents for the friends you left at home.

Number eight is rather simple.  Is transport in and out of your vacation paradise easy?  Do they have a quality airport?  Maybe you will be driving or taking a taxi.  Make sure the transportation needs are taken care of. A taxi transfer from the airport to your hotel can take a significant amount of your holiday budget before you even get started.

Shopping is always a hit with the ladies.  Does your warm sunny vacation destination have adequate shopping facilities?  Nothing makes a woman happier than a chance to shop but you might have to remind her more than once that this is supposed to be a cheap vacation.

Finally we come to the last of our top 10 tips on cheap vacations. Bring along the video camcorder and still photo camera so that you can record the memories of your vacation. Not only can you spend much of your time walking around capturing the fantastic sites for free, you can enjoy them for years to come.

Cheap vacations need not be a disappointment if you spend a little time thinking what you will do. Our top 10 tips will save you money while making sure you still have the key ingredients for a memorable holiday. Enjoy your budget break.