Minnesotans Vacationing this Winter – Tips to Save Time and Money

About this time of year, Minnesotans start thinking about booking a mid-winter vacation.  Winters can be hard in this state, but it's a lot easier to tolerate if you can escape to somewhere warm for a week or so in January or February.

Flights and hotels can be so much money.  Everyone would probably want to save money for other fun things to do on vacation and not just blow all of your available cash on just "getting there".  You want to be able to enjoy yourself without feeling like you're having to limit yourself because of the extra cost for the actual travel.

So, if you are flying somewhere, here are some tips on how to save some money.

CHOOSE TO FLY ON EITHER A TUESDAY OR WEDNESDAY

For some reason, the flights are generally cheaper to fly on these days. Recently I booked a flight and wound up staying an extra day because the cost to fly back on a Sunday was about $100 more than to fly back during the week.  Less demand.

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WEAR MORE ON THE FLIGHT

This way you don't have to pack it and run the risk of your luggage being overweight.  Or, get away with just using a carry-on instead of paying the extra amount to check a bag.

BRING AN EMPTY WATER BOTTLE

You can't go through the TSA check with any liquids.  But, you can bring a water bottle with you and fill it up after the security check point.  Now you don't have to buy that $5 bottle of water.

SIGN UP FOR TSA PRECHECK

This is such a nice feature. It's much faster. Plus, you generally don't have to remove your shoes either.  I have such a hard time with that. I just think it's gross having to walk on the floor barefoot.

TAKE A PICTURE OF YOUR PARKING SPACE

If you are doing a park n fly, or just parking at the airport, it's a good idea to take a picture of where you parked.  That way you aren't wasting time when you get back looking for your car.  It's a good idea to do that at the hotel too.  Especially if you are in Vegas.  I may or may not have tried to get into a room that wasn't mine.  Same place, just the wrong floor. Vegas is hard.

SIGN UP FOR VIP AIRPORT LOUNGE

Generally there are some perks for doing this.  Free drinks? Discounts on food? It's at least worth exploring.

REUSE TRAVEL SIZE TOILETRIES

I do buy the travel size shampoo, conditioner, etc.  But, I save the bottles and refill and reuse them with the normal size things that I use at home.  Definitely a money saver.

CHECK FLIGHT BEFORE HEADING TO THE AIRPORT

Make sure to sign up for online alerts or the airline app.  That way you will know ahead of time if your flight is delayed for some reason.  Also, you can check in early to save time at the airport.

FLY EARLY MORNING OR RED EYE

First, there is less turbulence and second of all there is a lot more peace and quiet on those flights.  That right there is gold!

If you would like more tips check out this website.