10 ways to save on vacation

23 June, 2022 • Par Dominique Lepine

Ah, the holidays, a time for relaxation, laughter and creating precious family moments!

To make your vacation a moment of pure happiness and, above all, economical, here are our tips:

Think flexibility in choosing your dates

Of course, we know that construction holiday weeks are very busy and more expensive, so avoid this period if possible.

When considering booking an activity or chalet, consider the possible variation in costs for weekdays and weekends. You might be surprised at the possible savings.

Focus on free activities

Check the calendar of events of the municipalities you are going to visit. Who knows, your visit might coincide with an outdoor show, fireworks or a family day of celebration. Don't forget to take a look at the festival schedule. They often offer interesting activities at a lower cost.

Bet on the outdoors

Summer vacations are a great time to do outdoor activities: hiking, biking, fishing, beach, etc. Quebec is a big playground, whether you are more of a contemplative or sporty type, and whether you are with toddlers or teenagers. There is something for everyone, and these activities are often free or offered at a cost that is often very affordable.

Trade or rent equipment

Do you want to do an activity that requires equipment? Before thinking about buying anything, assess your real need. Are you going to reuse this equipment? How many times? Is a purchase really necessary? In addition, to save space and to protect our planet, renting or buying second-hand equipment could be considered. 

Stock up on snacks and drinks before you set off on your beautiful journey

The impressive hunger of the little ones always makes itself felt after only a few kilometers. Buying drinks and snacks when filling up the tank can then be very expensive. So before setting off, stock up on snacks and drinks, and leave some in the car at all times.

Talk to locals and avoid tourist traps

You have finally arrived in this beautiful corner of the country. Find out about the city's must-see attractions. Listen to restaurant suggestions. You might find some great finds at a reasonable price. All these little gems are not necessarily found in a tourist guide, due to lack of means to cover advertising costs. Word of mouth and social networks can be a goldmine of information.

Subscribe to newsletters and buying groups

These might offer great deals on hotels, restaurants, etc. Make sure to read the terms and conditions. You don't want to find out that the discount isn't applicable during your vacation!

Take advantage of activity packages or passports

If they meet your needs, packages or passports often offer very interesting savings. Grouping several services (hotels, activities, meals) often allows the reduction of the bill.

Exchange your home

Most of the time, accommodation represents the majority of the cost of your vacation. So why not exchange your home during your vacation? There are several platforms that support these exchanges. You don't have to use the services of a specialized company, talk to your friends and family about it. Who knows, your cousin from Gaspésie might dream of coming to spend a week in Montreal in your house while you fish for cod with your family?

Pay with a credit card

Credit card rebates mean extra dollars in your pocket. Instead of paying with cash or your debit card, pay with your credit card. You may be eligible for great rebates, depending on your card type and the rebates offered by your banking institution.

Plan

Whether you're going grocery shopping or going on vacation, a little planning will save you money and prevent impulse purchases.

Take a breath and enjoy these beautiful moments to recharge your batteries, and have a great vacation!

This blog post is part of our special “On the Road” feature. To see all the content in this feature, which offers tips and advice to make your next nature getaway easier, check out this article !