Every year, there always seems to be those families who vacation in warm, tropical places during the holidays. They post everywhere on social media, making sure everyone knows that they are absorbing high UV rays while you are jumping your car.

This reality for some seems unreachable for many, due to both high prices and planning as well as conflicts with work and school schedules. Despite what some think, there are easy ways to cheat the typical vacation planning. It just takes a little bit of extra thinking and time. 

The first way to make a trip cheaper is to research places that all-around cost less. There are destinations all throughout the country and world that offer plenty of activities, they just may not be as typical and well-known. A quick Google search can pull up a list of destinations that range from beach fronts all the way to mountain tops.  It just depends on what type of get away you want to have. 

Another way to save a few dollars is by comparing various airlines and travel websites. With plenty of options for airlines, rates can vary in price, providing a range of flight costs. Travel websites can seem a bit over the top, but they often times have cheaper prices and can provide bundles that may interest those who would like to spend less time planning. When comparing flight dates and prices, flying on weekdays is almost always the better option. By leaving in the middle of the week instead of the end, rates can be less than what they would be on the weekend. Another way to save is by flying out on days further out from the actual holiday. It can lower prices and save a good amount of money that can be used elsewhere on the trip.

An area that tends to cost the most on vacation is the hotel stays. By looking beyond hotels at AirBnBs and other rentals, costs can be cut immensely. With the rental, amenities such as kitchens, bathrooms and living rooms are typically part of the package, which can serve a greater purpose than a hotel. A trip to the grocery store to buy food to make in the kitchen can also save money while on the trip.

All around, keeping up with the Joneses is possible. It can take more time and effort, but you too can vacation on the holidays for cheap.