#1 Budget Stretcher

Here it is-my favorite vacation budget stretcher.

#1 Go out with a Gang!

Next time you plan a trip, invite some friends or family members to go with you. Twice the people can equal twice the fun, but did you know that you won't have to pay twice as much?

You can snag discounts with groups as small as 10 people for many aspects of your trip.  Most airlines offer discounts and group services when you buy 10 or more tickets.  Hotels also follow the 10:1 rule, usually offering one free room for every ten you use. Cruise lines have a more generous policy, offering group discounts when you purchase 8 or more cabins.

Don't forget to ask about group discounts on transportation, entertainment, and activities.  New York's subway saves you money with groups of 15.  Twenty or more people can save up to 20% on Amtrak.  Head to Noah's Ark, the largest water park in the US, with just 15 people and ticket prices drop more than $10.  At Six Flags, groups earn discounts AND free admissions.  Or get a great discount at the Adventure Dome at Circus Circus in Las Vegas. 

Some venues barely discount ticket prices for groups, but offer other perks instead.  Want to catch a show in New York or LA?  Groups can often purchase tickets before individual tickets are available to the public.  Taking a group to a Giants game?  They'll waive the per ticket surcharges and give you a welcome message on the scoreboard!

Don't have quite enough people to meet group minimums? Consider buying the group minimum anyway.  Discounts are often so steep that you will still save money even if the extra tickets go unused.  Adventurous souls can try selling the surplus tickets on eBay, StubHub or Craig's List.  Just make sure reselling tickets doesn't violate the group sales policy for that venue.

 

To receive group discounts, many places require registration or advanced notification.  At events and attractions, you are usually required to pay for the entire group in one transaction. Always inquire about group discounts even if you can't find one advertised. And when making group reservations, don't be afraid to ask "Are there any other group perks I should be aware of?"  You never know what you'll get!

So next time you head out on vacation, have fun with friends and save money at the same time.