After surviving the past two years, many of us have a relaxing getaway to the Carolina coast on our minds! Unfortunately, some of those vacation plans face a whole new challenge these days: rising prices.
We’ve all felt pain at the gas pump (and the grocery store, and the hardware store) in recent months. With prices seeming to be on the rise everywhere you look, it’s understandable that many of us are looking for ways to cut costs and save money. Ditching the family vacation doesn’t have to be one of the things you give up to save costs, however. By taking advantage of some money-saving tips, you can still enjoy that amazing getaway. And you won’t miss that chance to make life-long memories.
That’s exactly what many savvy travelers are doing - and they’re using vacation rentals to do it. Booking your stay in a vacation rental allows you to be flexible in your finances, so you can cut costs where you choose and spend where it’s needed. By taking advantage of the options and amenities a vacation rental provides, you can actually save money while still making those priceless memories that all great vacations are made of.
Check out these ways your fellow travelers are using vacation rentals to save money and still enjoy an amazing family vacation.
Book Direct to Save on Fees
Have you ever wondered why the final cost of your reservation is so much more than the per-night price? Platforms like AirBNB and VRBO charge service fees for the “convenience” of booking rentals through their site, and they don’t show you those fees until the end of the process. Some booking sites have service fees as high as 20-30 percent!
On the other hand, when you book directly with Sweetgrass, you eliminate much of the added cost . By cutting out the middleman, you can secure the best rate and book your rental without paying costly fees. Sometimes these savings can add up to hundreds of dollars! That’s more money in your pocket for fun activities, dining, and souvenirs!
Dine In to Save on Meals
Everyone enjoys eating at a new restaurant, but doing so for every meal can be expensive. Booking a vacation rental means you’ll have a private kitchen where you can prepare your own meals…for less money. Even if you dine out for dinner, choosing to have breakfast and lunch in your property can add up to big savings by the end of your trip.
Our kitchens are fully stocked with all of the needed appliances, cookware, plates and utensils, and almost everything you’ll need to cook with ease. You’ll also have pantry space for storing snacks, drinks, and other daily items you may need. When grocery shopping, focus on cost-effective items that are easy to prepare and can feed your whole group – things like bread and deli meat for sandwiches, cereal, fruit, and assorted chips.
Pack Lighter to Save on Baggage Fees
If you plan to fly, you know packing that extra outfit can make a big difference in your baggage fees. Luckily, you can pack lighter when staying in your vacation rental that includes laundry facilities. Instead of packing a big suitcase with clothes for every occasion, you can pack just a few items and wash them during your stay. You may even be able to skip checking your bag altogether for a fee-free flight! Laundry may be the last thing you want to do on vacation, but it will really pay off in the long run with some big savings!
Use Amenities to Save on Activities
Activities and attractions can really add up, but the right vacation rental can even help you save money on family fun! Many of our properties have great amenities like swimming pools, gaming areas, nearby playgrounds, and things that can take the place of more expensive activities. Some waterfront rentals also offer on-site activities like fishing, hiking, swimming, and kayaking for guests to enjoy.
Of course, there are likely some must-do activities or attractions on your trip itinerary – and that’s totally fine! Taking advantage of rental amenities on other days means you’ll have more to spend on the adventures you really want to do.
So don’t fret about things this season or cross that unforgettable vacation off the list. You can still have the getaway of your dreams. Just plan smart, like so many savvy travelers are doing, and head over to SweetgrassVacationRentals.com to pick out the perfect place for your getaway!