First of all, I want to thank Kacie for giving me the opportunity to do an ‘online coupons’ feature on Sense To Save. I hope to provide some useful information and online coupons that can help you save some money and maybe put on a smile on your face in the process. 

Who the heck am I you might ask? My name is Kyle James, I live in northern California with my wife and 3 young kids. I operate a web site called Rather-Be-Shopping.com which specializes in online coupons organized alphabetically and by category. I have coupons for around 500 online stores. I also have a blog where I write about frugal living, tips on saving money, and other musings about life.

Since this article is going to be posted while Kacie is away on vacation, I thought it would be fitting if I gave some frugal tips on how to keep your costs as low as possible when not only planning your trip, but also while you are away. My wife and I have developed these strategies over the past few years and they have saved us a ton of money.

~ Plan Early. By putting together your vacation plans at least 1-2 months in advance, it not only gives you more options, but also allows you to get a much better price on airfare and hotel rooms.

~ Stay With Friends and Family. Avoid the hotel altogether and try and stay with friends or relatives when possible. We have done this quite a bit, and it not only saves money, but allows you to spend quality time with your hosts. Take them out to dinner one night as a way of saying “Thank You”.

~ Become A Haggler. When quoted a price on airfare, hotel room, or rental car, don’t accept it at face value! Ask if they have any unadvertised specials, ask it they have a AAA rate (if you are a member), and ask if they would consider taking some fresh tomatoes from your garden in exchange for a better rate. That last one might be a stretch, but you gotta remember that they want your business, especially in a tough economy. Hotels and airlines don’t make anything off empty rooms and empty seats. You are in the driver’s seat and you should use your position to negotiate the best deal possible!

~ Eat-In As Much As Possible. Meals in restaurants on a family vacation can kill your travel budget! Many hotels now offer a free continental breakfast, take advantage of it. Also, when you book your room, look into getting a room or suite that has a small kitchenette. My wife and I have done this several times and used it to prepare lunch and sometimes dinner for us and the kids. We would just stop by a grocery store after we arrived at our destination and stock up. This is also a great way to save on the impulse snacks as well. Bottom line, if you can limit your spending to one meal out in a restaurant, per day, you will save a lot of money.

Now here are some online coupons that may be able to help you save some money on your travel plans or family vacation this summer. Happy trails!

Orbitz.com
Save 15% OFF your next Hotel Booking at Orbitz
Coupon Code: EMSAVE15
Expires: 5/26/08
See All: Orbitz Coupon Codes
 
Expedia.com
California Travel Sale: Save up to 30% Off hotels, rental cars and fun stuff
Coupon Code: None Needed
Expires: 6/30/08
See All: Expedia Coupon Codes
 
Travelocity.com
Save $50 Off your Vacation Package to New York City
Coupon Code: NYC50TVLY
Expires: 5/31/08
See All: Travelocity Coupon Codes
 
Cheap Tickets.com
Nice Vacations Packages for under $500, Worth a Look!
Coupon Code: None Needed
Expires: 7/31/08
See All: Cheap Tickets Coupon Codes
 
Priceline.com
May Sale - Save up to 40% or more Off Last-Minute Airline Tickets
Coupon Code: None Needed
Expires: 5/31/08
See All: Priceline Coupon Codes
 
Irv’s Luggage.com (In case you need some luggage)
Save 10% Off your Entire Online Order
Coupon Code: DAD10
Expires: 5/31/08
See All: Irv’s Luggage Coupon Codes
 
Eddie Bauer.com (Nice coupon for travel gear)
Save 20% Off your Entire Online Order
Coupon Code: SUMACQ8
Expires: 5/26/08
See All: Eddie Bauer Coupon Codes
 
Maps.com (In case you get lost)
Save 5% Off your Entire Online Order
Coupon Code: VACATION5
Expires: 5/31/08
See All: Maps.com Coupon Codes