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PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, May 14, 2009
CCCS of Greater Dallas Offers Recession Friendly Vacation Tips
Dallas - May 14, 2009 - Vacation season is upon us, and consumers facing job loss, lower credit limits and increasing debt may feel that traveling is not an option this year. Instead of forgoing a fun family tradition, Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Dallas (CCCS of Greater Dallas) offers suggestions for developing a financial plan that will allow you to take that summer trip without breaking the bank.
"With the economy a constant source of stress, a summer getaway or day to your favorite amusement park could be the ticket to helping your family take their minds off daily struggles. It is possible, with careful planning, to fit a vacation or 'staycation' into your budget and give your family something to look forward to this summer," said Todd Mark, vice president of education for CCCS of Greater Dallas. "Working from a vacation budget not only keeps you from worrying about being able to pay bills on time, but will also teach your children how to have fun without spending too much."
Consider these money saving tips when planning your next vacation:
Develop a vacation savings plan. Consider the destination before determining the monthly savings amount. Try to get an idea of the total cost by researching airfare or gas, lodging and entertainment fees, and commit to pay into your vacation fund every month.
Stay in accommodations with amenities. Choosing lodging with free breakfasts, swimming pools and free passes to local entertainment venues will save money on food and recreation.
Pack groceries. Taking sandwiches, fruit and beverages rather than eating at a restaurant can save a family of four $50 or more per meal.
Eat out for lunch instead of dinner. Restaurants have lunch menus with less expensive options than dinner, so treat yourself to the best restaurants at noontime.
Road trip it. A family can save cash otherwise spent on airline tickets, checked bag fees and rental cars by driving to your destination - especially while gas prices are low.
Limit souvenir shopping. Put money aside for small gifts, and make a list of people who must have souvenirs, like the house or pet-sitter. If you are simply looking for a way to share your vacation experience, upload your vacation photos and videos to an online sharing site for family and friends to have easy viewing access.
Research Internet rates first. Look for and compare Internet-only discounts and specials for transportation and lodging while identifying fun, affordable events and attractions for your family. There are several excellent sites for vacation reviews and comparing costs on hotels, flights and rental cars.
Book tickets months ahead. By purchasing airline tickets or booking cruises in advance, you typically receive cheaper rates. Check on departing and returning flights on slower travel days to find savings each way.
Sign up for consumer advantage programs. Preferred customer programs, frequent flyer miles and hotel rewards increase future savings and generally have no membership fees.
Use coupons for staycations. There are several online coupon sites that feature coupon codes for some of the most popular entertainment destinations. "The Entertainment Book" is also a great place to find coupons on several family fun spots. Spending a day at an amusement park or safari adventure nearby will allow your family a quick get away without all the travel expenses.
About CCCS of Greater Dallas
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Dallas, Inc. is a nonprofit, community based credit and housing counseling and debt management service. Established in 1974, CCCS Dallas and its affiliate offices provide free financial education and counseling to consumers in-person, by phone, or Internet through their 24 locations in four states. CCCS Dallas is a HUD approved housing counselor and serves as one of 10 counseling agencies supporting the 888-995-HOPE Hotline. The agency is also a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), the nation's largest and longest serving national non-profit credit counseling network. To learn more about CCCS Dallas' free budget and credit counseling and education, or the agency's full range of service offerings, visit www.cccs.net.
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