Comments on: Ask DSM Readers: Vacationing for Less http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-vacationing-for-less/ Thu, 23 May 2013 22:21:39 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2 By: Alicia http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-vacationing-for-less/comment-page-1/#comment-636442 Alicia Sun, 13 Jan 2013 10:56:14 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48030#comment-636442 If you're headed for Disney, know that Disney has an (unadvertised) policy that any food place in any of their parks will give you cups of ice water for free, if you ask. This saves you having to buy drinks or running back out to your car or a locker at the front of the park to get stuff from your cooler. If you're headed for Disney, know that Disney has an (unadvertised) policy that any food place in any of their parks will give you cups of ice water for free, if you ask.

This saves you having to buy drinks or running back out to your car or a locker at the front of the park to get stuff from your cooler.

]]> By: Amy http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-vacationing-for-less/comment-page-1/#comment-622640 Amy Wed, 07 Nov 2012 04:46:03 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48030#comment-622640 We went to Cape Cod (Dennis Beach) this past summer (July) with a toddler. We rented a 2 bedroom stand alone cottage that was walking distance from the beach for $800 for the week. It was lovely. We did grocery shop, ended up eating out for 1 meal a day. Went to Capecoddailydeal.com (I think?) and bought a groupon-like deal for one of the restaurants before we arrived. Also picked up their tourist like magazines in a gas station when we arrived and used lots of coupons from there as well. It was a long drive from PA (9 hours 1 way), but an easy one. I think we'll probably go back again :) We went to Cape Cod (Dennis Beach) this past summer (July) with a toddler. We rented a 2 bedroom stand alone cottage that was walking distance from the beach for $800 for the week. It was lovely. We did grocery shop, ended up eating out for 1 meal a day. Went to Capecoddailydeal.com (I think?) and bought a groupon-like deal for one of the restaurants before we arrived. Also picked up their tourist like magazines in a gas station when we arrived and used lots of coupons from there as well. It was a long drive from PA (9 hours 1 way), but an easy one. I think we'll probably go back again :)

]]> By: casey http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-vacationing-for-less/comment-page-1/#comment-539621 casey Sat, 26 Nov 2011 12:41:56 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48030#comment-539621 I have learned to use VBRO.com to find cheap condo's direct beachfront. Just found one for 7 nights on the beach in panhandle of FL for 525 for 7 nights. I like a condo because I prepare simple meals and we can make our own salads, etc. We eat out for lunch a few times. I can take my 2 girls for a 9 day trip for under 1200$ total. I have learned to use VBRO.com to find cheap condo's direct beachfront. Just found one for 7 nights on the beach in panhandle of FL for 525 for 7 nights. I like a condo because I prepare simple meals and we can make our own salads, etc. We eat out for lunch a few times. I can take my 2 girls for a 9 day trip for under 1200$ total.

]]> By: Pudding http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-vacationing-for-less/comment-page-1/#comment-421937 Pudding Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:15:08 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48030#comment-421937 I do not think is bad idea. First if people choose to have kids its not grandparents fault. Its ok to do some babysitting but get something in exchange. About they guy you know I do not think he is doing something wrong really. First, kids barely eat in restaurant and second is anoying trying to get a nice dinner with your spose and have a crying babies next table. Restaurant.com certificates are awesome. I do not think is bad idea. First if people choose to have kids its not grandparents fault. Its ok to do some babysitting but get something in exchange. About they guy you know I do not think he is doing something wrong really. First, kids barely eat in restaurant and second is anoying trying to get a nice dinner with your spose and have a crying babies next table.
Restaurant.com certificates are awesome.

]]> By: Jane http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-vacationing-for-less/comment-page-1/#comment-377979 Jane Sun, 21 Nov 2010 21:00:40 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48030#comment-377979 I looked at vrbo.com too for our trip to Quebec City this summer. Most were booked for the week we wanted, but I found a great studio rental on Craigslist.org. They were asking $450 for the week and we got a 15% discount for booking right away. I later found their listing at vrbo.com as well for the same rate. It was good to be able to eat in once in awhile, I hadn't realized how expensive food was in Canada. I looked at vrbo.com too for our trip to Quebec City this summer. Most were booked for the week we wanted, but I found a great studio rental on Craigslist.org. They were asking $450 for the week and we got a 15% discount for booking right away. I later found their listing at vrbo.com as well for the same rate. It was good to be able to eat in once in awhile, I hadn't realized how expensive food was in Canada.

]]> By: Tara Kuczykowski http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-vacationing-for-less/comment-page-1/#comment-373992 Tara Kuczykowski Wed, 10 Nov 2010 22:20:38 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48030#comment-373992 You might want to check out these posts and the comments on them, Dana: http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-how-do-you-save-money-at-disney-world/ http://dealseekingmom.com/how-to-save-money-at-disney/ You might want to check out these posts and the comments on them, Dana:

http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-how-do-you-save-money-at-disney-world/

http://dealseekingmom.com/how-to-save-money-at-disney/

]]> By: Dana http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-vacationing-for-less/comment-page-1/#comment-373947 Dana Wed, 10 Nov 2010 22:15:59 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48030#comment-373947 trying to plan a trip to Disney, the least expensive way possible. Not sure of the month, tossing up May, but afraid it may be too hot. Other option is beginning of March. Any tips on best time, best deals? Any other great tips? trying to plan a trip to Disney, the least expensive way possible. Not sure of the month, tossing up May, but afraid it may be too hot. Other option is beginning of March. Any tips on best time, best deals? Any other great tips?

]]> By: Jen http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-vacationing-for-less/comment-page-1/#comment-300207 Jen Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:24:50 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48030#comment-300207 If you were out in less than 15 minutes or 30 minutes (can't remember which) it was free. We hurried and bought less than we would have otherwise. Cape May also charges for beach passes to go on the beach and the place we stayed The Montreal Inn charged for extra people over the amount of 2. So we had to pay extra for our children. It was very nice there and we like to go to that beaches you can walk everywhere (except the somewhat near grocery store in Cape May) and not have to drive the entire visit. We thought Rehoboth Beach was expensive, but compared to Cape May it was much more affordable. Rehoboth dosen't charge for daily beach passes either. The only downside to Rehoboth (for the parents) is the amusement park on the boardwalk next door to the condos. Our kids constantly are wanting to go back. But it is good memories. If you were out in less than 15 minutes or 30 minutes (can't remember which) it was free. We hurried and bought less than we would have otherwise. Cape May also charges for beach passes to go on the beach and the place we stayed The Montreal Inn charged for extra people over the amount of 2. So we had to pay extra for our children.

It was very nice there and we like to go to that beaches you can walk everywhere (except the somewhat near grocery store in Cape May) and not have to drive the entire visit.

We thought Rehoboth Beach was expensive, but compared to Cape May it was much more affordable. Rehoboth dosen't charge for daily beach passes either. The only downside to Rehoboth (for the parents) is the amusement park on the boardwalk next door to the condos. Our kids constantly are wanting to go back. But it is good memories.

]]> By: Tara Kuczykowski http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-vacationing-for-less/comment-page-1/#comment-298071 Tara Kuczykowski Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:35:26 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48030#comment-298071 Oh my goodness -- they charged to PARK?!?! Oh my goodness -- they charged to PARK?!?!

]]> By: Jen http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-vacationing-for-less/comment-page-1/#comment-298063 Jen Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:02:11 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48030#comment-298063 I'm considering doing the same thing. When we grocery shop at the beach we spend a fortune between the 4 of us. We tend to get the attitude "well it's vacation, we may as well buy this". Last year we went to Cape May, NJ. The grocery store we found charged to park and the prices were horrible. I'm considering doing the same thing. When we grocery shop at the beach we spend a fortune between the 4 of us. We tend to get the attitude "well it's vacation, we may as well buy this".

Last year we went to Cape May, NJ. The grocery store we found charged to park and the prices were horrible.

]]> By: Jen http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-vacationing-for-less/comment-page-1/#comment-298062 Jen Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:53:58 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48030#comment-298062 If driving and want to fly a kite, pick one up at Dollar General or some place similar before leaving. Much cheaper than at the beach. If driving and want to fly a kite, pick one up at Dollar General or some place similar before leaving. Much cheaper than at the beach.

]]> By: Jen http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-vacationing-for-less/comment-page-1/#comment-298061 Jen Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:51:26 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48030#comment-298061 Your joking about the grandparents, I hope. I know a guy (jerk) who has his wife make the kids generic mac and cheese or hamburger helper in the condo then they sneak out and eat at a nice restaurant. Father of the year nominee. Your joking about the grandparents, I hope.

I know a guy (jerk) who has his wife make the kids generic mac and cheese or hamburger helper in the condo then they sneak out and eat at a nice restaurant. Father of the year nominee.

]]> By: Rachel W http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-vacationing-for-less/comment-page-1/#comment-298050 Rachel W Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:13:10 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48030#comment-298050 This may sounds crazy, but I refuse to go to the grocery store on vacation. So I make a tentaive menu before we go and pack everything into a cooler. Yes - it means a BIG cooler that's loaded, but it forces us to be creative with our meals if we run out of something. The best part - NO GROCERY STORE on vacation which saves us tons from buying impulsive things! This may sounds crazy, but I refuse to go to the grocery store on vacation. So I make a tentaive menu before we go and pack everything into a cooler. Yes - it means a BIG cooler that's loaded, but it forces us to be creative with our meals if we run out of something. The best part - NO GROCERY STORE on vacation which saves us tons from buying impulsive things!

]]> By: Chelsea http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-vacationing-for-less/comment-page-1/#comment-298049 Chelsea Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:55:05 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48030#comment-298049 Have fun! We vacation down in Avon every year! I love it there! If you renting a house, check with the realty company, the one we use offers great perks. They have a pool, tennis courts, and putting free to renters. They also have story telling in telling in the evenings which is fun. The lifesaving station in Rodanthe has hisorical reinactments which I always think is cool. The food lion in Avon has a shoppers card which is aweome. Ocracoke is always a blast. Especially if the water is rough on Hatteras. Take the free feery ride over to Ocracoke, swim in the afternoon, go for lunch at Howards pub. They have a wild pony pen on the way into town thats free to visit. Then after the feery ride back, stop at one of the marinas to see the charter boats bringing in their catches. And if you decide to go out on a headboat, we always go on the Miss. Hatteras. The captain is great, he entertains everyone on board, the deck hands are there to take care of everything. They are the least expensive as well. He also has nightly pirate cruises, and sunset dolphin cruises! Have fun!! Have fun! We vacation down in Avon every year! I love it there! If you renting a house, check with the realty company, the one we use offers great perks. They have a pool, tennis courts, and putting free to renters. They also have story telling in telling in the evenings which is fun. The lifesaving station in Rodanthe has hisorical reinactments which I always think is cool. The food lion in Avon has a shoppers card which is aweome. Ocracoke is always a blast. Especially if the water is rough on Hatteras. Take the free feery ride over to Ocracoke, swim in the afternoon, go for lunch at Howards pub. They have a wild pony pen on the way into town thats free to visit. Then after the feery ride back, stop at one of the marinas to see the charter boats bringing in their catches. And if you decide to go out on a headboat, we always go on the Miss. Hatteras. The captain is great, he entertains everyone on board, the deck hands are there to take care of everything. They are the least expensive as well. He also has nightly pirate cruises, and sunset dolphin cruises! Have fun!!

]]> By: Tricia http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-vacationing-for-less/comment-page-1/#comment-298040 Tricia Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:50:07 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48030#comment-298040 I always check the tourism websites- they often list free community activities , days that are free at museums, etc. We also look for parks where we can enjoy a walk. I always check the tourism websites- they often list free community activities , days that are free at museums, etc. We also look for parks where we can enjoy a walk.

]]> By: Stacy V http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-vacationing-for-less/comment-page-1/#comment-298000 Stacy V Fri, 23 Jul 2010 04:50:16 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48030#comment-298000 We just got back from a week in California visiting San Francisco and Yosemite National Park. It was a blast! Ways we saved money: 1. National Parks/Beaches - great fun and the cost to enter the parks is a one time fee valid for 7 days - free to hike, picnic lunches, great family fun time and UNIQUE expericences. Ex. As we were leaving the park we almost hit a bear as it ran across the road. This was exciting for use since we live in Texas. 2. Hotel - I will look for the best deals on hotels.com or orbitz but unless I have a promocode for that site I will find the best deal and reviews off those sites but then book at the hotel's main website for an even better deal. Camping is also a great way to save money. Sometimes we will take weekend trips, loading the car with ice chese full of food/meat and another with drinks and go camping!!! Our only expense is usually gas and maybe a camp fee. We usually buy a state park pass that allows you to get into the state parks free and camping discounts. 3. Food - hotel continental breakfast, Picnic lunches, and we used restaurants.com certificates for eating out and coupons for fastfood. My family of 6 was able to eat out pizza for only $18.66 including tip using our gift certificate and another restaurant for only $28.00. We just got back from a week in California visiting San Francisco and Yosemite National Park. It was a blast!

Ways we saved money:
1. National Parks/Beaches - great fun and the cost to enter the parks is a one time fee valid for 7 days - free to hike, picnic lunches, great family fun time and UNIQUE expericences. Ex. As we were leaving the park we almost hit a bear as it ran across the road. This was exciting for use since we live in Texas.
2. Hotel - I will look for the best deals on hotels.com or orbitz but unless I have a promocode for that site I will find the best deal and reviews off those sites but then book at the hotel's main website for an even better deal. Camping is also a great way to save money. Sometimes we will take weekend trips, loading the car with ice chese full of food/meat and another with drinks and go camping!!! Our only expense is usually gas and maybe a camp fee. We usually buy a state park pass that allows you to get into the state parks free and camping discounts.
3. Food - hotel continental breakfast, Picnic lunches, and we used restaurants.com certificates for eating out and coupons for fastfood. My family of 6 was able to eat out pizza for only $18.66 including tip using our gift certificate and another restaurant for only $28.00.

]]> By: Lynda G http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-vacationing-for-less/comment-page-1/#comment-297845 Lynda G Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:00:35 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48030#comment-297845 I purchase an Entertainment book for the area I'm going to and save using these coupons. I purchase an Entertainment book for the area I'm going to and save using these coupons.

]]> By: Deb http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-vacationing-for-less/comment-page-1/#comment-297759 Deb Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:47:21 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48030#comment-297759 Our fav has to be Oahu. We've been 3 times-each visit saved a bundle getting a CHEAP flight deal from listening to consumer advocate Clark Howard here in Atl. We've used Hale Koa (military hotel), VRBO and Parc Hotel on Waikiki. LOVE IT! Our fav has to be Oahu. We've been 3 times-each visit saved a bundle getting a CHEAP flight deal from listening to consumer advocate Clark Howard here in Atl.
We've used Hale Koa (military hotel), VRBO and Parc Hotel on Waikiki.
LOVE IT!

]]> By: sara http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-vacationing-for-less/comment-page-1/#comment-297726 sara Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:00:55 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48030#comment-297726 Well, I've only been to Virginia Beach once and just for a short trip so I'm not much help there. I've spent more time in the Outer Banks (in North Carolina, a few hours south of VA Beach and a major vacation destination for Virginians as well as all over the eastern edge and midwest, too!) so I have growing knowledge of that area. The one tip I can give you about VA Beach is to, if possible, avoid coming or going on a Fri, Sat or Sun. Traffic is TERRIBLE on all of those days. We were bumper-to-bumper for about 50 miles- thank god we didn't have kids yet!!! Well, I've only been to Virginia Beach once and just for a short trip so I'm not much help there. I've spent more time in the Outer Banks (in North Carolina, a few hours south of VA Beach and a major vacation destination for Virginians as well as all over the eastern edge and midwest, too!) so I have growing knowledge of that area. The one tip I can give you about VA Beach is to, if possible, avoid coming or going on a Fri, Sat or Sun. Traffic is TERRIBLE on all of those days. We were bumper-to-bumper for about 50 miles- thank god we didn't have kids yet!!!

]]> By: sansan http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-vacationing-for-less/comment-page-1/#comment-297721 sansan Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:46:17 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48030#comment-297721 not sure what time you're coming into the beach, but there's a fun event from 10-5 saturday called Chalk The Walk ARTxplosion. here's the link : http://www.beachstreetusa.com/events/ChalkTheWalkARTsplosion the aquarium is also lots of fun for kids... my 3 yo loves it. we're members so i'm not sure what the cost is to get in but it is worth it and not too far from the oceanfront. the city also has lots of entertainment along the boardwalk throughout the day and evening and that's all free. Have a great time... va beach really is a great family fun place! not sure what time you're coming into the beach, but there's a fun event from 10-5 saturday called Chalk The Walk ARTxplosion. here's the link : http://www.beachstreetusa.com/events/ChalkTheWalkARTsplosion
the aquarium is also lots of fun for kids... my 3 yo loves it. we're members so i'm not sure what the cost is to get in but it is worth it and not too far from the oceanfront. the city also has lots of entertainment along the boardwalk throughout the day and evening and that's all free. Have a great time... va beach really is a great family fun place!

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