I want to plan now for 2 vacations that I want to do in a few years.

1. In 2-3 years go to Disney World in FL (2 adults, 1 child)
2. Resort type place, romantic but with activities for our 10 year anniversary (4 years from now)

What I want to know is how should I approach this in the most frugal manner? I figure I have plenty of lead time to get the best possible deals.

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This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
http://HomesteadInTheCity.blogspot.com/

I don't think you will be able to book something this far out. Most places will do it a year in advance - especially the airlines, some are only booking one to three months ahead because of the gas prices.

You could start putting money in a seperate "vacation" account that earns interest. Have lots of fun planning and going on your trips!

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PLEASE go to http://mommysavers.com/boards/mommys...ncer-walk.html to learn about preventative measures for all women - cancer does not discriminate!

My best advice is to use those as solid goals to save money towards. Start saving now. I agree, you won't be able to get a great deal more than a year in advance. But you can get lots of research done into what you want to do and find out which companies are cheaper to go through in general.

good luck!

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It's not what you make; it's what you spend.

Thanks! I will start saving and look for deals about a year out.

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This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
http://HomesteadInTheCity.blogspot.com/

Don't hesitate to consult with a travel agent about your two trips. Sometimes they can find outstanding deals for you.

Also, start signing up for e-newsletters. Look up the airlines that go in and out of your local airport. Sign up for the travel e-letter for all those airlines. Also sign up for e-letters from travel sites. My favorite is Frommers but you can Google "discount travel websites" and find tons of others, too. Of course, you'll also want to sign up to get the news releases from Disney.

Start taking note of discounts you get from other organizations. For instance, it might be worthwhile to become a AAA or Costco member. You bank, insurance company, or employer might have access to other deals.

Also look into getting your passports - and save up for those.

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"I've been rich and I've been poor but independently wealthy is where it is at."

You CAN buy Disney tickets in advance. They don't begin to expire until after the first day you've used them. So you could buy one or two at a time and get them at a cheaper rate in case they go up on the prices before you're ready to go.

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Life is what you make it. So make it dessert and extra sweet.

We are planning to take our kids to disney in about 3 1/2 years. I know that seems like a while away to have it planned. but it's expensive Plus our kids will then be 10,8 and 5. Young enough to still enjoy the magic, old enough that they dont need to be carried and are potty trained.

I would just start looking around for deals. also look at forums.