Taking a mid-year break-without breaking the bank.

A mid-year break provides the perfect opportunity to get away from the stress of your everyday life and  spend valuable time with your family. Even if you've saved up enough money to forgo a staycation this year, there are  several tips you can follow to save even more while your away.

Not only is taking a vacation enjoyable, it’s also good for your health. Did you know that the average person takes 12 days of vacation per year? In 2010, 65% of American employees failed to use their vacation time, according to the Bureau and Labor and Statistics. Traveling doesn’t have to mean accumulating debt, try these money saving suggestions for a guilt free vacation.  

As with anything else you spend money on, it’s important to create a budget. Begin by evaluating your finances and figuring out how much money you can comfortably afford to spend.

When booking your flight, take advantage of websites that allow you to compare prices from various airlines. Some sites allow you to bid for your room. Often times you can book a four star room at a price that you feel comfortable paying.

When searching for the best airfare deal, don’t rule out alternate airports. Secondary, smaller airports are usually cheaper to fly to, even after you factor in the cost of having to pay for transportation to your final destination.

Shop smart when looking for lodging. Check out online websites such as Expedia, Orbits and Travelocity for deals on hotels. Don’t neglect to check out the hotel websites themselves as they can sometimes offer a better rate. Remember that the time of year you choose to take your vacation will affect the cost of your stay. Booking during the hotel’s off-peak season will help you score a lower rate. Get the most out of your money by asking for a discount if you’ll be staying for more than seven nights.

Make sure to take advantage of hotels that offer free meals for kids if you’ll be traveling with your family. You can easily save $100 or more over the course of just one week.

Taking that much needed time away from your day to day routine doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Follow these simple money saving tips to enjoy your well deserved break without getting into debt.