Free Vacations and Getaways.... Beware!!

We would all love to win the next big European getaway or Bahama Cruise, but the reality is that they just aren't out there unless it is from a trusted source such as a company gift, family member or friend.

I've been all over the internet searching for vacation giveaways and nearly all have some sort of catch, usually it is sitting for most of your "vacation" listening to a real estate pitch.

If you truly are looking for a 'cation value, there are many ways to have fun, relax and spend less.  Notice the key word here is "less" not "free".  Many mid-grade hotels will discount your stay if you are a student, military servant, retired, or are members of certain organizations.  I have even received up to 20% off because I have a commercial drivers license.

Many of the four star hotels will offer package deals, so if staying in luxury is your cup of tea call ahead and see if they are offering any package specials.  This can be tricky though, you will want to know what their normal nightly fees are to be sure that you are getting a good deal.

Remember to always budget your 'cation according to how long your stay will be.  Normally, your lodging will be approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of your budget.  Sounds like a lot, but unless you are planning a primitive camping trip where your stay will cost you somewhere around $10 a night, it will be costly.

The best advice is that if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  Stay away from free vacation offers that require sitting through hours of seminar, unless you are interested in purchasing a vacation home.

You can find great coupons for hotels at roomsaver.com, hotelcoupons.com and travelcoupons.com .  Look for other offers for deals on food, shopping and other such things from the place that you intend to visit.  For instance, on our playcation to Louisville we researched events and tourism for the dates that we would be planning to be sure that hotels would be plentiful and we could get the best price at GotoLouisville.com.

You can save money on any vacation, playcation or staycation but to expect it to be free is not very realistic. Save having your head in the clouds for after the details are worked out.

Louisville Playcation

My husband, Jason and I returned home from a two day playcation in Louisville, Kentucky celebrating our one year anniversary this past weekend.  Before we embarked on our short journey, we done a little research to see what Louisville had to offer two crazy and wild kids like ourselves who were in search of a little rest and relaxation, romance and fun on a very tight budget.  When I say tight budget, I'm talking about under $300.00 here.

We left Friday afternoon and drove the two hour journey to Louisville.  On our way we picked up a RoomSaver magazine from a rest area near Seymour, Indiana to see what the midgrade hotels were offering in lines of discounts.  RoomSaver can be picked up at any rest area across the country and I have found that many offer up  30% off their normal room rates for walk ins.  www.roomsaver.com

We traveled down I-65 to the airport area, following the directions from our RoomSaver Discount mag to the Red Roof Inn.  Upon entering the lobby, we found a very courteous young man who was happy to see our coupon and gave us a smoking room on the second floor with a king size bed.  We usually ask for a smoking room for two reasons; one is that I do occasionally smoke (especially when partaking in adult beverages) and two, smoking rooms tell a lot about a hotel. 

The room did not smell of stale smoke like some often do.  Instead, it had a very pleasing clean aroma to match the very clean and tidy area.  The king size bed was nicely made with fresh, clean linens and was one of the most comfortable beds I had ever lied upon.  The tub and shower combo was thoroughly clean as was the toilet and floor.  Though the room was small, there was plenty of room to move.  Room $42.00 per night after discount and taxes.  

After checking into our room and getting settled, we decided to check out the specials at the Waffle House next door.  Though the Waffle House isn't one of my favorite places to dine, they do offer a variety of menu items for a good price.  This particular restaurant is not one that I would recommend.  The service was mediocre at best and though the place was clean, we really should have left and chose another location to eat.  After our "waitress" finished telling her co-workers about her night out, she did apologize for our wait before taking our order.  I felt a bit uncomfortable with the staff who were covered in tattoos, didn't seem very congenial and seemed very distraught about being there.  We quickly ate our food and left vowing to never visit there again.  Waste of food budget, $19.00.

Furlongs taste of Louisiana has coupons for 1/2 off dinner with purchase of one dinner at regular price or Free Lunch with purchase of one lunch of equal or lesser value which I also found on line at www.valpak.com .  Great service and great food.  Enough said.  $28.00.

We made our way to 401 West River Road to buy tickets for the Moonlight Cruise on the Spirit of Jefferson.  The cruise began at 11:00 p.m. and ended at 1:00 a.m. down the Ohio River.  The evening was hot and humid, but once the boat began her journey it was very comfortable.  With a temperature controlled bar and dining cabin, you definitely will not regret the $32.00 per couple spent for this short adventure.  It is an adult riverboat party sure to get your rest and relaxation factor started.  www.belleoflouiville.org

While you are in the area, check The Kentucky Center for the performing arts to see what shows are available.  Pure entertainment at a value price cannot be overlooked.  Most recently, The Marriage of Bette and Boo sold for $16.00 a ticket.  An excellent show and great atmosphere.  www.kentuckycenter.org

There are several other sights and venues that Kentucky has to offer and with any luck I will be reviewing them here for you in the near future.  As for our weekend getaway, our total spent was approximately $198.00.  A great weekend of rest and relaxation for a small budget!!