Summer Travel: It's Cheaper Than a Hotelby Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 28 Jul 2008 06:20 PM I love sharing hotel deals with readers almost as much as I enjoy taking advantage of them myself. However, no matter how good a lodging's deep discount it doesn't compare to the money you can save by staying at a friend or relative's house while on the road. The rising cost of gas and airfare, and a lackluster economy has some families ditching their vacation plans all together. However, July is not over and August hasn't even started so there is still a lot of time to get out there and explore this great country. If you are cash strapped you will just have to get creative. If you have a friend or family member willing to donate their couch, basement, or guest room to accommodate your family while you are in town visiting an amusement park or other attraction then take them up on it. Doing so will undoubtedly stretch your vacation budget. However, there is a fine line between visiting and mooching. You don't ever want to be thrown in the latter category so it's important to keep a few tips in mind. For starters, you need to mind your manners at all times. I'm sure you've dealt with an irritating houseguest in your lifetime--just do the opposite. This is especially important if you want to be invited back in the future. Other tips to keep you on the good side of your host or hostess include: Give Proper Notice. Don't show up unannounced or call from the driveway and say you just so happened to be in town and wondered if you and your five kids could crash there for the night. Don't Overstay Your Welcome. Leave when you said you were going to leave. Don't squeak out an extra few days if you promised you were only spending one night. Bring a Gift. Don't arrive empty handed (dirty laundry doesn't count). Bring a legitimate hostess gift or volunteer to make a meal or take everyone out for dinner; walk the dog; clean your hostess' house, etc. Be Clean. Tidy up after yourself. Make the house look better before leaving than when you first arrived. Follow the Rules. If the house rules include no smoking, no drinking, and no cussing make sure you follow them. Send a Thank You. When you get home send a short thank-you note or gift to show your hostess how much you appreciated the accommodations. Related Articles: Creating Your Own Backyard Water Park Red Hot End of the Summer Travel Deals Texas-Sized Travel Deals for $2 Sizzling Savings During the Dog Days of Summer Summer Family Road Trip--Indiana and Georgia Saving Money on Summer Escapes Family-Friendly Summer Travel Bargains Summer Travel 2008-Gas Tank Getaways Part 2 Summer Travel 2008--Gas Tank Getaways Summer Travel: Unique Ways to Save Money on Gas Saving on Summer Travel-It is Possible Part 2 Saving on Summer Travel--It is Possible Kid-Friendly Hotels Getting Friendlier Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevanttravel tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags accomodations, family travel, houseguest, Travel Discuss this article
|
Travel categories |
