Travel Blog 
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Apr 17
2008
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Want to save some money on your summer vacation this year. Let’s face it; with the high cost of gas, we’re all looking to get the most out of our vacations. When it comes to travelling, weather domestic or abroad, you can’t go wrong with these tips for saving money on your vacation.
10. Complimentary Breakfast + Internet
More hotels are offeringcomplimentary breakfast and Internet, and this is a great way to save money. Always double check to make sure that it is free Internet access, as some hotels charge a nominal fee for their Internet access. It’s a great way to keep in touch for less and with free breakfast you can start the day off full without paying a dime more.
9. Hit the Beach
In Nova Scotia you are never more than an hour from a beach, oftentimes much less than that. From the cool waters of a lake, to the surf of the ocean, hitting the beach is fun, and inexpensive. Pack some sunscreen, toys, some snacks and beverages from a grocery store, and you’re set for a day of fun in the sun.
8. Take the Scenic Route
You burn more gas on the highway, and you see little while whizzing by that fast. So take out a map and go for the scenic routes. Known as trunk routes, or carrier highways, it is a more pleasant drive with more to see and do. By doing the “old road” in the Annapolis Valley you’ll pass by oodles of farm stands, with inexpensive farm fresh berries and produce. Plus, you’ll get to see the small towns that make Nova Scotia so special.
7. Book Early, Direct Website
I’m not saying that you need to book weeks in advance, unless you are travelling during a holiday period. Often a few days to a couple of weeks are sufficient. However, you should know that by booking on the hotel’s direct Web site is where the best rates are, period. As a destination site, our hotel listings are direct to the hotel’s Web site, so you’ll be getting the best rate.
6. Don’t Back Track
Nothing wastes more fuel that back tracking. Plus, it is a big time killer. So, plan scenic loops in your planning. For example, a great way to see more in Nova Scotia is by starting in Halifax and going down the Annapolis Valley Highway 101 to Yarmouth, and returning the next day via the Lighthouse Route, and Highway 103. You’ll see a diverse range of sites, in the shortest possible way. And, going back to point #8, the scenic route is always an added option, specifically Highway 1 from Halifax to Yarmouth and Highway 3 from Yarmouth back to Halifax via the South Shore.
5. Do Walking Tours
When you do a walking tour you can really take your time and appreciate the surroundings. Many tiny details add to the ambience, and make your experience memorable. Plus, walking costs nothing, so you’ll be stretching your vacation dollar. Many of the Maritime’s towns and cities have stunning downtowns brimming with history, friendly people, and terrific places to eat. Some of my favourites on a summer day: Charlottetown, Pictou, Amherst, Truro, Wolfville, Lunenburg, Fredericton, and Sackville, New Brunswick.
4. Enquire About Packages
Ask your hotel if they are offering packages with nearby attractions. Oftentimes they do, if you enquire. When you book a package with bundled accommodations and tickets to a theme park, museum, or theatre, not only do you have the convenience of one purchase, you’ll also save money compared to making separate purchases. It’s a no brainer, an easy way to save, so ask for packages the next time you reserve.
3. Tourism Information Kiosks
With free tourism literature, brochures, maps, tide timetables, and friendly assistance from visitor information staff, don’t miss out on these valuable resources. Just follow the standard question mark directional sign, and you’ll find that pretty much every town and city in Atlantic Canada has a source of tourism information.
2. Shop Locally
Rather than picking up souvenirs at gas stations and museum gift shops, why not shop locally for something really special. Plus, when you shop locally your tourism dollars have the most impact. From small boutiques, to crafter and farmers markets, you’ll save money, support the local economy, and meet more local people. Hall’s Harbour, Nova Scotia is a great place to shop locally, with a photography store, old-fashioned general store selling delectable dulse, and the world-famous Hall’s Harbour Lobster Pound, serving traditional lobster suppers at an onsite restaurant and outdoor covered dining area overlooking the highest tides in the world. And, I promise you, lobster tastes the best when you can smell the salt air all around you.
1. Plan a Picnic
And what better way to use the locally-purchased farmer markets goodies, like breads, fresh produce, sweets (every farmers market in Nova Scotia sells fudge and squares, sweet tooth beware), it’s a great way to save money and again, make more vacation memories. Provincial Parks often feature picnic tables, and some even have pits for folks that like to barbeque. Beach picnics are such a symbol of summer that you simply can’t resist.
10. Complimentary Breakfast + Internet
More hotels are offeringcomplimentary breakfast and Internet, and this is a great way to save money. Always double check to make sure that it is free Internet access, as some hotels charge a nominal fee for their Internet access. It’s a great way to keep in touch for less and with free breakfast you can start the day off full without paying a dime more.
9. Hit the Beach
In Nova Scotia you are never more than an hour from a beach, oftentimes much less than that. From the cool waters of a lake, to the surf of the ocean, hitting the beach is fun, and inexpensive. Pack some sunscreen, toys, some snacks and beverages from a grocery store, and you’re set for a day of fun in the sun.
8. Take the Scenic Route
You burn more gas on the highway, and you see little while whizzing by that fast. So take out a map and go for the scenic routes. Known as trunk routes, or carrier highways, it is a more pleasant drive with more to see and do. By doing the “old road” in the Annapolis Valley you’ll pass by oodles of farm stands, with inexpensive farm fresh berries and produce. Plus, you’ll get to see the small towns that make Nova Scotia so special.
7. Book Early, Direct Website
I’m not saying that you need to book weeks in advance, unless you are travelling during a holiday period. Often a few days to a couple of weeks are sufficient. However, you should know that by booking on the hotel’s direct Web site is where the best rates are, period. As a destination site, our hotel listings are direct to the hotel’s Web site, so you’ll be getting the best rate.
6. Don’t Back Track
Nothing wastes more fuel that back tracking. Plus, it is a big time killer. So, plan scenic loops in your planning. For example, a great way to see more in Nova Scotia is by starting in Halifax and going down the Annapolis Valley Highway 101 to Yarmouth, and returning the next day via the Lighthouse Route, and Highway 103. You’ll see a diverse range of sites, in the shortest possible way. And, going back to point #8, the scenic route is always an added option, specifically Highway 1 from Halifax to Yarmouth and Highway 3 from Yarmouth back to Halifax via the South Shore.
5. Do Walking Tours
When you do a walking tour you can really take your time and appreciate the surroundings. Many tiny details add to the ambience, and make your experience memorable. Plus, walking costs nothing, so you’ll be stretching your vacation dollar. Many of the Maritime’s towns and cities have stunning downtowns brimming with history, friendly people, and terrific places to eat. Some of my favourites on a summer day: Charlottetown, Pictou, Amherst, Truro, Wolfville, Lunenburg, Fredericton, and Sackville, New Brunswick.
4. Enquire About Packages
Ask your hotel if they are offering packages with nearby attractions. Oftentimes they do, if you enquire. When you book a package with bundled accommodations and tickets to a theme park, museum, or theatre, not only do you have the convenience of one purchase, you’ll also save money compared to making separate purchases. It’s a no brainer, an easy way to save, so ask for packages the next time you reserve.
3. Tourism Information Kiosks
With free tourism literature, brochures, maps, tide timetables, and friendly assistance from visitor information staff, don’t miss out on these valuable resources. Just follow the standard question mark directional sign, and you’ll find that pretty much every town and city in Atlantic Canada has a source of tourism information.
2. Shop Locally
Rather than picking up souvenirs at gas stations and museum gift shops, why not shop locally for something really special. Plus, when you shop locally your tourism dollars have the most impact. From small boutiques, to crafter and farmers markets, you’ll save money, support the local economy, and meet more local people. Hall’s Harbour, Nova Scotia is a great place to shop locally, with a photography store, old-fashioned general store selling delectable dulse, and the world-famous Hall’s Harbour Lobster Pound, serving traditional lobster suppers at an onsite restaurant and outdoor covered dining area overlooking the highest tides in the world. And, I promise you, lobster tastes the best when you can smell the salt air all around you.
1. Plan a Picnic
And what better way to use the locally-purchased farmer markets goodies, like breads, fresh produce, sweets (every farmers market in Nova Scotia sells fudge and squares, sweet tooth beware), it’s a great way to save money and again, make more vacation memories. Provincial Parks often feature picnic tables, and some even have pits for folks that like to barbeque. Beach picnics are such a symbol of summer that you simply can’t resist.
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