Living It Up on Vacation Without Breaking the Bank

Most people look forward to taking a big summer vacation every year. It's easy to let the white sandy beaches and fruity drinks get the best of you and overspend, but it doesn't have to be that way. Whether or not you're headed for a Jamaica resort or a Caribbean beach rental, here are some helpful hits to make the most of your money on your next vacation.

Know your budget before you pack the first suitcase. Whether or not your are traveling alone, as a couple, or as a family sit down and figure out what your overall budget is for the trip. Most often hotel and airfare have been paid in advance, if you're staying at an all inclusive to Jamaica resort you won't have to figure in the cost of food and drinks while you're on property. Do you want to scuba dive every day? Have a Swedish massage on the beach? Look for a great piece of local art? Figure in your splurges and then come up with a daily budget.

Bring your own snacks on the plane. Very few airlines offer much in the way of in-flight food or beverage, so bringing your own snacks and drinks is a great way to save money and start the trip off on a health kick. You will also feel guiltless when you check into one the Jamaica resorts and want to enjoy some of the great local food.

Buy some basics for in-room snacks. You don't have to buy out the local grocery store, but having water, juice and a few of your favorite light snacks in your room always makes good money sense. If you decide to sleep through breakfast, then at least you have a banana in your room to tide your over until lunchtime.

When you wake up in the morning, get the cash out that you need for the day. This is a great way to stay within your budget. You will also want to make sure that the ATM or bank where you are taking out your money doesn't charge high fees. Another good travel rule is to let your bank back in the United States know that you're going to be traveling abroad. Bank activity outside of your usual haunts might trigger your bank to freeze your accounts.

During mealtime, stick with water and share. Of course you should enjoy island drinks, but by sticking with water most of the time and splitting larger portions you will reduce your meal tab dramatically over the course of the week.