Cancellation Deals

If you decide to take a last minute fun in the sun get-a-way (or any other get-a-way to a popular vacation spot), be sure to check on cancellation specials, in area condo's and resorts.

You can often find deals at only a fraction of the regular cost, and usually even cheaper than getting a hotel.

After all, when someone cancels a vacation rental, the company who manages the rentals would much rather give a deal to someone else, vs. have the unit empty.

Build your Vacation Spot

This idea requires an initial investment but since I've done it I KNOW it saves money. Find a spot in your area to build a cabin on. I found a cheap piece of land on a nearby bayou that connects to the lake in our area. For about $5000 total I built a 24 foot by 24 foot cabin that has a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.

Our cabin can be hooked to a generator (when it's extremely hot here in the summers) or used just like it is (in the winters). Now, anytime we want we can pack the family up, drive to our cabin and spend as long as we like there for very little cost.

Some good ideas to Build Your Own Cabin: A Practical Guide for Turning Your Cabin Dreams Into Reality.

Vacation Nearby

You don't have to travel 1000 miles to have a vacation. The wife and I live about 100 miles from a beach (lucky us). We drive to the beach once a year and make a vacation of it. We sometimes bring a tent and sleep out on the beach, combining some camping with a beach experience.

Look around you where you live. Live close to a historical spot? Take a trip there with the wife and kids. Live close to museums? Go there. Be creative and vacation in your own home state or even home city!