Ten Ways to Save Money on Summer Holiday Travel

It's the height of the summer travel season and gas is nearing an all-time record price. Whether your family is getting away for July 4th, a week's summer vacation, or Labor Day weekend, here are some tips to help you keep your vacation from breaking your budget:

Stay close to home. It may sound obvious, but has your family explored all of the attractions near to your home? I know I haven't. Sometimes we ignore the sights that are right in our backyard. I live five miles from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and I didn't visit it until it had been opened almost ten years.

Plan ahead. Contrary to popular belief, most of the best prices and most desirable hotel rooms, flights, cruise cabins, and rental cars go to those who plan well in advance of their departure. This is especially true if you are traveling over a holiday, like July 4th or Memorial Day.

Ask for a better price. Always ask for a lower rate when you check into a hotel or pick up a rental car. Hotel front desk and car rental counter personnel usually have the authority to change your rate and often will if it's a slow period. (Note: getting a lower rate doesn't mean your travel agent or your husband or whoever booked your reservation is inept. Situations--and rates--change.)

Make use of cards and coupons. Are you a AAA member or an AARP member (you only have to be 50)? Make sure that you show your card(s) when you check into your hotel, rent a car, buy museum or attraction tickets, or pay for a meal. Many business offer unadvertised discounts. If you are staying in one city for your vacation, consider purchasing an Entertainment book. For around $25 you'll get hundreds of (mostly) two-for-one coupons.

Stay and eat for free. Kids eat free promotions are increasingly popular at hotels and restaurants. Many Applebees, Denny's, and Champps Americana restaurants offer free or under $1 meals for kids under 12. In addition, Holiday Inn offers free meals for kids 12 and under when an adult eats at a Holiday Inn restaurant (limit four kids per adult).

Consider alternatives to traditional hotels. Before you book that standard hotel room, consider a condo or a hostel or even a house rental. Having a kitchen will help you save on meals. Another growing trend is house swapping, where you and another family swap houses for vacation. There are some obvious drawbacks to this, but if you know people in a city you'd like to visit, it doesn't hurt to propsoe this.

Voluntourism. Teach your family about civic responsibility while sharing a summer vacation. Voluntourism means combining "good works," such as building a house for Habitat for Humanity or cleaning up an urban lot and planting a garden, with a vacation. There are a dozen or so operators that specialize in such trips and they are generally more affordable than a traditional vacation.

Seek out free activities. Every city has things to do for free, if you know where to look. Enjoy free concerts in the park, free museum days, free outdoor movies, and free festivals, among other activities. Do your homework on the Internet before you depart or contact your destination's convention and visitors bureau for ideas. For instance, there are more than 60 free things to do in my hometown of Cleveland.

Buy your gas away from the highway. Gas is generally more expensive at turnpike rest areas and at gas station right off of the highway. You'll save ten to twenty percent by driving a mile or so away from the interstate.

Eat and drink locally grown products. Save money and learn more about the area you're visiting by shopping for food at local farmers' markets. In addition, you'll save by drinking local beer and wine. Take it a step further and plan picnic lunches in local parks.