Cabo San Lucas Travel - Smart Money-Saving Tips

... if you're in the midst of planning a trip to Land's End, but don't want to break the bank, then you'll want to read this article. In it, I give many tips for saving money on your vacation to Los Cabos, Mexico.

Before I give you my best money-saving tips for vacationing in Cabo, you should know that I first started traveling there in 1986, back when Los Cabos was nothing but a sleepy little fishing village with a bumpy dirt road that took an hour to traverse from the airport in San Jose del Cabo. Since 1986, my husband and I have vacationed in Cabo every year (sometimes twice per year) and as of this writing, this is still our favorite vacation spot.

Throughout the years, our family has grown and the cost of airfare, hotel rooms, food, taxis, rental cars, etc. has gone up, until planning our vacation within our means became difficult. About that time, I started researching the internet for the best Cabo San Lucas travel deals and money-saving tips which I share below.

Money Saving Cabo San Lucas Travel Guide

• Twenty years of comparison shopping for airline flights has allowed me to figure out which online service regularly offers the best deals. I use CHEAP CARIBBEAN VACATIONS to book my airline tickets. In the drop down list, just look for the location that reads Los Cabos.
• You can save a lot of money on Cabo San Lucas travel by booking an all-inclusive vacation package. Doing so, means that you've already paid for your hotel, drinks and meals. This is an excellent way to make sure that you stay within your budget as far as these expenses are concerned. To find out just how cost-effective an all-inclusive Cabo San Lucas travel package can be click on All Inclusive Getaways from $389 + Kids Stay & Eat Free. Again, select Los Cabos as the destination from the drop down list.
• Invest in learning spanish before your trip. This is a fun way to build the anticipation for your trip. Since the spanish-speaking population is the fastest growing group in the United States, learning spanish will increase your value as an employee and widen your perceptual lens. If your husband and kids learn along with you, it can make for even more fun. And nothing makes a vacation to a foreign country more educational and enjoyable than the experience of conversing with the locals in their language.
• When you arrive at the airport in San Jose del Cabo, make sure to pick up the current coupon book. In it, you'll find 2-for-1 dinner offers, free appetizers, discounts and more. Make sure to pick up the local free papers, which are also full of coupon offers.
• If you plan to rent a car, book it in advance. This way, there will be no miscommunications due to the language barrier and you will understand all the rules and restrictions because you'll be dealing with someone who speaks your language. We consistently find the best rental car deals by booking ahead with www.dollar.com
• Be willing to attend some timeshare presentations. As soon as you go through customs, you will be solicited by salespeople who try to get you to attend a timeshare presentation. Although there is some pressure to buy, there is no obligation. During the presentation, you and your family will be served a meal (usually breakfast or lunch), get to tour the property of a luxurious timeshare and will be given a gift in exchange for your time. The gifts vary, but are usually worth quite a bit. Some examples are a half-day fishing trip, an outback excursion, a free dinner cruise and more.
• When purchasing items from a merchant on the beach, you are expected to haggle. Inquire about the price and make an offer that is 20-15 percent below what you are quoted. If the merchant shakes his head, offer a little bit more. Although you can haggle on the beach and at the outdoor markets, generally, you cannot haggle in the stores.
• Tips are mandatory at restaurants, but do not tip taxi drivers, unless you have received exceptional service. Taxis are unionized, so their fees are standard. Be careful of the airport taxi drivers, though. We have had a couple of experiences where airport taxi drivers have tried to rip us off. Make sure you understand the taxi fees before you get in the taxi.
• Cabo San Lucas travel can be reasonable if you plan to do some things that are free. A walk on the beach at sunset or sunrise may be much more enjoyable than some expensive activity.
• Get a room that has a kitchenette so you can cook most of your meals, reducing the costs incurred by eating out. At the beginning of your trip, go to Costco, where you can enjoy the same low prices you enjoy at home. Of course you can't buy condiments and things you'll use in small amounts at Costco because the bottle size are too big. But you can stock up on enough fresh fruits, vegetables, snacks, and drinks for the entire week.
• There are some small hotels that are located in downtown Cabo that are nice places to stay. Although they may not have the amenities of the big resorts, they are within walking distance of the beach and all the shopping. For more information, read my article on top 3 affordable Cabo hotels

Or use the box below to make hotel reservations based on your budget, number in your party and your Cabo San Lucas travel plans:

I hope that you've found these Cabo San Lucas travel tips helpful. If you have some money-saving tips of your own, please share them by using the Contact Us link on the navigation bar to the left.

Cabo San Lucas Travel - Cabo San Lucas