I have written about my friend Sophie before. She is the Queen of Bargains! She is willing to take risks and has the greatest adventures.
Sophie is the one that hit the BEBE Friends and Family Sale with hilarious result:
http://www.budgetsavvymag.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=130&Itemid=66.
Last weekend, she took her son Brian to LA for a three day weekend. She rented a car for three days, stayed at the Crown Plaza for two nights and visited Disneyland AND Universal Studios. The total cost of their trip, excluding food: $308.80.
How did she do it?
Air Fare
Using SouthWest Airline's DING! tool, Sophie managed to get flights for her and Brian at just $39 one way each (flying out of Oakland, CA). Total for flights - $156.
Car Rental
Sophie rented a compact car through Orbitz.com with a company called Fox for $19.60 per day. She had the car for three days. Total for car $58.80.
Universal Studios
A friend of ours used to work at Dreamworks and managed to get Sophie discount tickets for just $38 each, normally $59. Total for Universal Studios $76.
Hotel/Disneyland
For just an hour and a half of her time, Sophie managed to get two nights hotel stay at the Crown Plaza AND two tickets to Disneyland for just $18. How did she do it? She was willing to sit in an hour and a half long timeshare presentation by Shell Vacations Club. After firmly saying no six or seven times to the timeshare offer, she was given the two tickets to Disneyland and sent merrily on her way. Bonus: There was a free shuttle from the hotel to the park. Total for hotel and Disneyland tickets $18.00.
With a little creativity, Sophie was able to take her son on a fun filled weekend for just a little over $100 per day! Sitting through an hour and a half timeshare presentation may not be worth saving approximately $500 in hotel and Disneyland tickets for you. However, her ingenuity gives you an idea of what you can do to afford the vacation you desire.
If you have a story like Sophie's, I'd love to hear about it. You can email me at melissa@budgetsavvymag.com.
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