We all know that taking time off can be a serious boost for our mental health and can let us come back to our normal lives refreshed and recharged. But it’s also common knowledge that vacations can be expensive, and running up more debt while you’re trying to unwind can have a seriously negative impact on your finances and your stress levels.

So what’s a stressed-out debtress to do? Consider following these tips for a no-debt vacation (adapted from this article at USNews.com):

• Planning is king. Whatever your intended destination, thinking ahead can save you serious dough. If you book well in advance, you may be able to take advantage of steeply discounted offers and even offers that include perks you wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford. When possible, reserve travel and lodging accommodations ahead of time to get the best prices.
• Consider all your options: The size of your posse will in part determine where you can stay, but don’t restrict yourself to hotels or motels when you travel. Lots of popular destinations offer houses that rent by the week and even apartments that individuals or families rent for certain periods of the year. If you’re really adventurous, try arranging a housing swap or sharing a rental house with another family.
• Make a schedule: While sticking to a rigid plan may ruin a good session of relaxation, knowing your options ahead of time can eliminate the stress of last-minute decision making. Research your destination and figure out what activities you’re interested in. Then, find out what weekdays are cheapest or least crowded. Search local Chamber of Commerce sites for coupons or deals, or simply call and ask individual vendors what sorts of discounts they offer. When you have your options mapped out, choosing your entertainment can be fun and exciting.
• Talk to the locals: Even if you don’t know anyone who lives in the area you’re visiting, talking to shop owners and other residents can give you an insider’s scoop about what’s going on in town (and where the best and/or best priced activities and restaurants are).
• Make a budget: Take the stress out of spontaneous purchasing decisions by mapping out a budget for your trip before you leave. Part of planning for your vacation should be saving money for specific expenses you’ll encounter. If you have children, let them know they have a set amount of money to spend and after that, the parent bank is closed.
• Have an emergency plan: One of the easiest ways to spend more than you plan to on vacation is for something to go wrong. So pack a First Aid kit, read up on local resources (like poison control, the fire department, and the hospital) and make sure you have a credit card in case of unexpected (necessary) expenses.

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