If you're low on cash but still looking to take a vacation this year, there are ways to make it happen! All it takes is a bit of creativity and willingness to compromise on some luxuries - then you can have an amazing trip while also saving money.

Try these cost-saving strategies:

  1. Stay in an extended stay hotel. Sure, you won't get the same luxuries that you would from a regular hotel, but most extended stay hotels offer weekly housekeeping, attentive staff and a secure environment - all at an incredibly affordable price.

    • Enjoy not just immediate savings, but with extended stay hotels, you can also get cozy suites with efficiency setups. You'll be able to save money eating every meal out by having a kitchenette available with a stove, sink, cabinets and refrigerator.

    • Many extended stay hotels require a minimum stay of 7 nights, but their discounted rates can save you an incredible amount of money. It's definitely worth considering!

  2. Veer off the beaten path. Avoid the hotspots and you'll be able to find cheaper places to stay and eat. Just head off 10-15 miles away from the usual touristy spots – it'll make a big difference!

    • You might not get picturesque views, but you can save your cash for activities you really want to do.

    • Plus, you'll likely get better service as the staff won't be overwhelmed by visitors like they tend to be at tourist-heavy hotels.

  3. Cook your own meals. If you're staying in an extended stay hotel, you'll have access to a kitchenette. However, you can still prepare your own meals even if staying in a standard hotel room.

    • If you're looking to save on food costs while on vacation, microwavable meals are a great option. They don't come with the same sophistication of eating out, but they are much more affordable than dining out three times a day. Grab microwavable pizzas, single-serve meals and other items to reduce your expenses.

    • If you're looking to save some money, you can whip up breakfast in your hotel room! Head to the grocery store and get cereal, milk, pop tarts, or oatmeal packets and have a tasty breakfast at half the cost.

  4. Travel in the off-season. If you don't have kids, there's more flexibility around your getaways since you don't necessarily need to take a trip in the summer. You can save tons of money on airfare, activities and lodging if you travel during the off-season - like going to summery spots in the fall.

  5. Groupon.com. A few months out from your vacation, hop on to Groupon.com for some great local deals on fun activities - restaurants, cruises, spas, shopping and even hotels! You can have a blast without breaking the bank.

    • One thing to note about Groupon is that there're not a lot of deals available in small towns and cities. If you're going somewhere off the beaten track, it's unlikely that Groupon will be able to offer much help.

  6. Into the wild. Instead of spending money on a hotel room, try camping with a tent or get a popup camper from an RV rental place and save some money. For those staying local, you'll likely get a discounted rate.

    • Camping is an amazing experience for kids and makes for great memories. During the day, you can enjoy all the tourist attractions, and at night, gather around a campfire to roast marshmallows.

As you can see, there's no shortage of ways to cut down on costs while on vacation: from driving to the store for groceries, to camping instead of staying at a hotel. It just takes some willpower and creativity to make a vacation happen even when you're working with a tight budget!  Download our free Vacation Budget Checklist to help stay on track.  Happy Planning!