Arizona : 2 People - 7 Days - Under $4000

 Here is the cost breakdown for my daughter and I's week long spring break trip to the Sedona Area.  

DIRECT FLIGHTS  - $490
   Cleveland to Phoenix - 2 people - SouthWest $450  - $0 (voucher from previous flight)
                                                              Luggage $    0
   Phoenix to Cleveland - 2 people - American Airlines - $320
                                                                         Luggage - $  70

LODGING - $1,372
    ARBNB 2 bedroom condo in Oakcreek Village for 7 nights 

RENTAL CAR - $668
    AVIS Preferred Member SUV rental 

GAS - $120
   Miles driven - 680


GROCERIES - $150
   Snacks, beverages, breakfast and lunch


RESTAURANTS - $525
  We had a full restaurant meal once a day.


ENTRANCE / PARKING FEES - $244
  Grand Canyon (NPP), Wupatki (NPP), Montazuma Castle (NPP), Sunset Carter (NPP), Red Rock Trail Head Parking (NPP), Wolf Sanctuary, Riordan House - $354 

     DISCOUNTS National Park Pass - $110

10 Money Saving Tips for Travel

1. Make a Budget and work within it.
     Our budget was $4500.
2. Visit a tourist destination point on the shoulder season which spring break isn't it. 
     With my daughter's university schedule this is the window of travel time we had.
3. If visiting National Parks purchase the $80 Annual National Park pass. 
     Entry to 3 parks covers the cost. 
4. Buy groceries to limit meals out.
     We find snacks, breakfast and lunch fixins and beverages cover us well.
5. Make reservations during happy hour to take advantage of food and drink discounts.
6. Sign Up to be a  Preferred Rental Car Member.
7. Research Discount programs.
    Rental cars such as AAA and AARP. 
    Check credit card points to apply to rentals.
8. Use your loyalty programs
    Research cash back on lodging and car rentals through Rakuten and other loyalty programs.
    Use your gas loyalty gas card for fueling.
9. Choose a central location within 2 hours driving time to excursions and sites to have as a home base for lodging.  
   Stay out of the larger touristy areas and choose a location just outside of town.
10. Stash some cash.
   When you know you are going to be taking a trip, start saving your jingling change and other cash to  use on your trip and avoid trips to the ATM.
    We take $200 - $300 cash for a 7 day travel week for tips and souvenirs.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Just Breathe

Image
  Allegheny National Forest, Pa July 2025 "Just Breathe" has been my mantra since I have returned from Disney World in July. I returned home to an MS infusion, anniversary trip, bad family health news, hopeful opportunity, more bad health family news, preparing for move, cancelled trips, a couple unscheduled trips out of state, yet another family health emergency, beginning a new weekly schedule, planning and hosting a going away party and a 2 day drive and relocation. This all occurred within 1 month's time. Just Breathe.  I am not even sure where to start.  My infusion twice a year infusion treatment was the third week in July a few days prior to our scheduled camping trip to the Alleghany National Forest.  I am uncertain why, maybe the hot week long trip to Disney World that I returned from the week before, but I was struggling to bounce back after this infusion.  I guess I looked so poorly after my treatment, that my husband reached out to my eldest daughter...
Read more

An August Poem

Image
Allegheny River, Pennsylvania 7/27/24  What Do I Need GRACE when I say the wrong words or they come out harsh. QUIET so that my head can stop pounding until my thoughts can be sorted through. NO JUDGEMENT  as I grapple with grief my way, not your way. PRAYER so that my soul can be hugged as my physical body feels bruised and battered and painful to the touch. PATEINCE as I create opportunities to create order and boundaries to gain assemblance of control. UNDERSTANDING that I am emotionally and physically exhausted at a level the sleep can not replenish. COMPASSION it is all too much so I am doing ALL I can to handle and do what I can. ACCEPTANCE I can not do it all, but let me decide what I can do.   FORGIVENESS I may not say or do the right things for you to know that I love you and I know you are grieving too.
Read more

Legend-ary Travels: The Unexpected

Image
  Bruce and I were ready to unwind after a busy couple weeks.  Though it seems we camp a lot (and we due in the Spring and Summer). Camping offers us a great respite from business calls and paperwork, as well as household chores and projects.  After several days of heavy rain and a tornado warning, the weather had settled and we were packed and headed out the door by 2 p.m.  As much as I want to think it is a turn key operation, I don't think we will ever fully be able to have that experience.  Tying everything up with the business with a nice neat bow never happens.  The calls always come in between noon and 3 as we are preparing to leave, but I want to make notes when a call comes in so we don't forget about it upon our return.  It is purely a me thing.  I am that person who wants the house completely clean and laundry done before I head out on a trip. As Bruce made a left turn onto Rt. 87, I questioned whether he was going the right way.  ...
Read more