Taking a vacation doesn’t have to cost every last cent you have saved, (or every last dollar you can charge on a credit card), spending a little time researching online deal, and planning ahead can save you hundreds, or even thousands of dollars.

Planning ahead but remaining flexible is probably the best way to save on vacation costs.

Cruises, airfare, hotel accommodations, tickets for theme parks and many other vacation related expenditures sometimes cost 20%, 30% or even 100% more when you book them at the last minute. On the other hand, there are some great last minute deals.

Do as much research online as you can. Here are some questions you can ask yourself before you start:

Does your vacation have to occur at a predetermined time? (e.g.- if you work ful ltime and must schedule your vacation time and can’t easily change plans at the last minute, the answer is “yes”… If you have a boss who understands that if since you found a deal for a cruise at 50% off what it normally costs — but you have to leave in 48 hours — and the boss is cool with that, you can answer “no”).

Do you care exactly where you go for vacation? (If you have always wanted to see New England in the Fall, and that’s the only type of vacation you want to take, then answer “yes”. If you see a travel deal for a week of kayaking and snorkeling in the Florida Keys or a week watching the Iditarod in Alaska, and you open to whichever one is the best deal — answer “no”).

Once you figure out when and where — the next thing to do is shop! Comparing airfares, hotel rates or “package deal” for the same week, in the same location makes it easy to spot the best deal. If the prices are close from two different companies, maybe one includes first-class travel or complimentary tickets to local attractions. You work hard to earn your money — time spent bargaining for the best vacation package deal will save more per hour than most people earn! Check for reviews from real people.

If you’re surfing the net researching vacations, adventure travel, low cost airfares or cruises, please share any PROMO CODES or other discounts you discover.

Take the train!  Amtrak offers many types of discounts on train travel including Weekly Specials, Weekend Getaway packages, Rail Passes and programs for seniors, students, children, veterans, AAA members and members of other groups.

With the high cost of gasoline, and the stress of fighting traffic, parking and other costs involved in driving a car — taking the train might just be the most relaxing part of your day.

To see what Amtrak has to offer, visit their website at: www.amtrak.com

Once you are at the site, click the Hot Deals link located at the top of the page.

If you find any specific PROMO CODES for Amtrak that are not advertised on their website, please let us know!

NEW YORK, NY – If you’re planning a trip to New York City, (or live there and want to see the sights), the New York Pass saves you money on admission to over 40 attractions — it’s easy to buy, easy to use and easy on your wallet!

The pass makes your vacation more enjoyable and simplifies planning your trip. Buy the card, go and do stuff! It’s that easy. Instead of waiting on the phone for ticket info, or waiting in lines to pay admission, simply swipe your card and go!

Visit NYC Museums, zoos, aquariums, parks and gardens. Go on sight-seeing tours and even the Seaport Liberty cruise and Harbor Lights Cruise.

Admission to over 40 of New York City’s best attractions: New York Pass

You’ll breeze past the ticket booth and spend more time enjoying your vacation — and less time waiting in lines! Simply look for the New your Pass sign, scan your card, and enter at many attractions. Enjoy discounts on regular ticket prices at others.

Click the ad (below) to get complete info and pricing for The New York Pass.

Besides museums, cruises, tours and other attractions, you’ll also save on shopping, restaurants and more!