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3 Ways to Save Money on Your Winter Getaway


We’re now comfortably into November, which means most of Canada is either underneath a layer of snow or can expect to be soon. As soon as the snow starts to fly, millions of Canadians start planning their winter vacations, dreaming about leaving the cold for a much warmer climate -- at least for a little while.

Here are three ways to get away without breaking the bank.

First of all, be flexible. There are dozens of southern tourist attractions that each offer the same important amenity -- warmth. Tickets to Phoenix might be far cheaper than Hawaii. Is the beach really worth hundreds of extra dollars? Or better yet, consider somewhere that isn’t so touristy. The internet has made it easy to compare airfare.

You might even think about driving or even taking the bus if cost is that big of a deal.

Next, take a close look at accommodations. I’m a big fan of Hotwire for saving money on hotels, but there are other steps you can take to save, including looking at alternate choices like Airbnb. The big advantage to staying in a vacation home is you can easily cook meals there. Eating out every meal can add up.

Finally, consider public transportation. It’s easy to get around places like Las Vegas without a car, although other destinations will pose a little more of a challenge. There are also many hotels that include free shuttle rides to nearby attractions as a free perk to guests.