How to Reduce Debt Before--and During--Spring Break

AUSTIN, Texas, March 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- There's no time like springtime to catch a case of wanderlust. In fact, according to recent RetailMeNot research, 35 percent of people are planning to take a trip this spring. But regardless of the destination of choice, a getaway can cost a pretty penny. Of the group setting forth for an adventure, 22 percent plan to spend more than $1,500 on spring or summer travel, which is nearly a $350 increase from last year.  

After all the legwork required to find the lowest airfares, cheapest hotel rates and best travel-reward promotions, a vacation is well-deserved. Plus, tourists should also keep in mind that the savings don't have to stop once they reach their destination.

RetailMeNot Shopping and trends expert, Sara Skirboll, says: "As someone who is constantly traveling for work, I am hyper aware of the costs that can add up quite quickly. From snacking at the airport to taxi cab fares, it is important to keep in mind that it's easy to save money while simultaneously spending it."

Keep reading for the top under-the-radar travel hacks to save money. Be sure to visit the RetailMeNot blog, The Real Deal, for the full list of tips.

What to Bring:
RetailMeNot research shows that travelers think the top-five essential items to purchase and bring for a spring getaway are:

• Snacks (62 percent)
• Clothing and footwear (60 percent)
• Sunscreen (56 percent)
• Toiletries (56 percent)
• Camera (38 percent)

"While all these items are important for travel, a tip I cannot share enough is to bring your own empty water bottle with you on every trip" says Skirboll. "Travelers shouldn't be forced into buying overpriced bottles of water at airports and hotels."

Save money and keep drinks hot or cold for long periods of time with a YETI, Corkcicle or this Vapur Collapsible Water Bottle (starting at $7) from Amazon.

What Not to Buy:
Think twice before making the ultimate traveler no-no and buying that ashtray, keychain or snow globe at the souvenir shop. Instead, use vacation time to take pictures that create lasting memories that can be turned into a keepsake like a Snapfish photo album (starting at $12.99). Bonus: Save 40 percent off sitewide at Snapfish now.

Prepare for the Unexpected:
Planning for the unexpected with basic supplies can be a lifesaver. Travelers should think ahead by packing a small Ziploc with aspirin, pain relievers, motion sickness pills, bandages and first-aid ointment.

Amazon has this trusty First-Aid Kit ($18) stocked with everything from cotton swabs and sting-relief pads.

Skip the Car Rental GPS:
Unless a vacation takes place in a region with poor cellular coverage, travelers can save money by skipping the rental car option with the built-in GPS. The navigation is no different from most mobile phones, and Google maps can be utilized without cellular or Wi-Fi connection.

Eat Like the Locals:
Although it might be easier to walk downstairs from the hotel room and have a plethora of food options from the buffet, there is a cost for that convenience. Scope out the surrounding area and neighborhood because eating like a local often means better food at an even better price. Save even more with discount gift cards from RetailMeNot.

Befriend the Local Tourism Offices:
It's always worthwhile to see what specials are going on in the city you're visiting. Head to the local tourism offices, which often offer discounts or free passes to must-see attractions within the city. Use the power of social media as well to scope out local activities.

Download the RetailMeNot App:
Travelers in the United States should download the RetailMeNot app for iPhone or Android. It's free and will notify you when a nearby deal to a store or restaurant is available.

About RetailMeNot, Inc.
RetailMeNot, Inc. (https://www.retailmenot.com/corp/) is a leading savings destination connecting consumers with retailers, restaurants and brands, both online and in-store. The company enables consumers across the globe to find hundreds of thousands of offers to save money while they shop or dine out. RetailMeNot, Inc. estimates that $4.8 billion in retailer sales were attributable to consumer transactions from paid digital offers in its marketplace in 2017, more than $560 million of which were attributable to its in-store solution. The RetailMeNot, Inc. portfolio of websites and mobile applications includes RetailMeNot.com in the United States; RetailMeNot.ca in Canada; VoucherCodes.co.uk in the United Kingdom; ma-reduc.com and Poulpeo.com in France; and GiftCardZen.com and Deals2Buy.com in North America. As wholly owned subsidiaries of Harland Clarke Holdings, RetailMeNot and Valassis, a leader in intelligent media delivery, are partnering to connect retailers and consumers through meaningful digital, mobile and print promotions both online and in store.

Media Contacts: 
Hillary White
RetailMeNot
[email protected]  
(832) 278-5615

SOURCE RetailMeNot