Zorkler is pleased to introduce our readers to a wonderful lady by the name of Anjie who has more information rolling around her head about saving money than anyone he knows. Read on for a wonderful guest article she has written just for Zorkler subscribers.

STAYCATIONING? I am VACATIONING!

First of all I want to start by thanking Zorkler.com for having me! I get asked all of the time, “what is your number one tip for saving money?” or “what is it exactly that you do to save money?”

The #1 trick that I have for saving money is to THINK OUTSIDE the box. This goes for anything you need to save money on. If you have ever taken an economy class, and you understand the laws of “supply and demand” you will know why this is the way to go….. If not then just read on and you will see how easy it is to do!

In this economy and time I have been hearing a lot about “STAYCATIONS.” This appears to be the “vogue” thing to do, stay home and do things around your geographical location in order to save on gas, lodging, food etc…. In theory this sounds great and will save you money but My “live lavishly for less” motto doesn’t fit the bill for “staycations.” I like to travel and look forward to my vacations and I am not talking resorting to hitch-hiking either!

Here is a quick breakdown of some ideas that may save you and your family money on your next vacation which hopefully will cost close to the same amount as a “staycation.”

• Mix business with pleasure! Start a business (buy a license and make it legit) that involves travel. Hint: RESEARCH for business, books, brochures, etc often involves travel. Example: DOG SHOWS are considered a business expense if you have a grooming business, or something related to DOGS……… this makes at least part of your travel expenses TAX DEDUCTIBLE. SAVE YOUR RECIEPTS and log them in your accounting software for future savings!

• Coupons: use local coupons at your destination. Entertainment books (bought off season of course at a discount) are a great source for them. Also you can look for Coupon booklets at visitor centers, hotel lobbies, local newspapers etc. Having a KEEN EYE is imperative for finding coupons that will make your trip less costly. Example: my trip to PA included an impromptu visit to the renaissance faire because we found out about it in the newspaper complete with B1G1F coupons. Restaurant.com often can provide you with great meals for 80% off of the cost with coupon codes that you enter online! They are everywhere, you just have to find them and use them!

• Off the beaten track: find things that are not on the “strip” or “tourist circuit” to enjoy. Example: we found a campground that offers all you can eat Fish Plates complete with Sweet Tea or Lemonade in Myrtle Beach…… total cost $8 a plate. We also like to enjoy Krispy Kreme donuts in our hotel room for breakfast (if they don’t offer a free one – many do)

• HOTELS / MOTELS: for hotels and perks for hotels. This is such a great tip! Go to all of the main hotel sites: Marriott, Hilton, Best Western Etc…… sign up for the VIP CARDS that earn you perks and offers for using them. We are signed up with them all and RIGHT NOW most of them have summer offers. COMBINE this with CREDIT CARD OFFERS. (make sure your credit card gives your some type of reward for using it – sometimes you can redeem for FREE NIGHTS) For Rent by Owner vacation homes is another resource you may want to look into. Right now you can find vacancies where you never found them before and if you go to PRICELINE.COM you can usually get a discounted price! I am a member of several online newsletters that also give me the “heads up” when there are major discounts.

• GASOLINE: yes you can save money on gas. There are many ways! SHOP for best gas prices (AAA website offers you a travel guide for this) USE and COLLECT free Gas Cards (yes there is a lot of ways to do this!) use REWARDING credit cards to purchase, get rebates.

• ENTER CONTESTS that have trips as prizes. Make sure the prizes / trips etc are ones that you can take advantage of in case you really do win. (dates and conditions are such that fit your schedule /abilities) Please remember your wins are taxed, so they are not completely free, but the taxes on trips are usually much less than the actual value. One of my local friends here just enjoyed a free white water rafting trip in West VA, due to an online contest win! DON’T STOP THERE, listen to radio stations too, they often give away tickets to events and trips as well!

• Souvenirs when you go on a trip you like to have “things” to remember your trip by. DON’T go to the tourist traps that are located in almost every destination, especially if you have children! Buy them online BEFORE the trip and pack them in your suitcase. Example: go to disneyshop.com and buy your Disney shirts, ears etc online with coupons pack them in your suitcase and save 75% and more! I like to get a magnet (under $5) and some type of Christmas Ornament from the places I visit, these are reasonable and do not break the bank! I also like to take PHOTOS and get them FREE & DISCOUNTED (printed online with coupons).

• Cruises, Resorts all inclusive vacations if you can find an “all inclusive” vacation within your budget, discounted etc this is a great way to enjoy a vacation without any hidden expenses, that is ……….. IF you stay self disciplined. There are always extras that can be bought…….be prepared for the extras and keep within your budget. Remember to use a Credit card on all of your expenses that rewards you without a fee.

• Visiting Friends & Family: don’t forget the obvious! Visiting your friends and family members often provide you with money saving opportunities!

• CAMPING: is a great way to travel without spending as much money. I love to take advantage of camping that offers B1G1F nights, free entertainment nights etc

My lifestyle of saving money involves positive thinking “where there is a will there is a way!” The list above is not all inclusive by any means. There are many other ways to save money and enjoy other parts of the country. I firmly believe that the cost of a STAYCATION can be matched by the cost of a VACATION, if you will think creatively with available resources.

I hope that I have inspired you to think positively about saving money and thinking outside of the box!

Anjie, Savings Specialist @ www.thefrugalfreelancer.com