Traveling is expensive. Saving money on travel can allow you to travel more frequently or to spend your money on other things during your trip. This is a guide about saving money on travel.
There are hundreds of ways to cut costs while traveling. Save a dollar here and there and pretty soon you've saved enough for a second vacation! If only you had the time, right? Here some simple (and some secret) ways to save a few bucks on your next vacation.
Traveling by Airplane: If you're planning to travel by air, shop online for seats that have been reserved but not paid for. They're cheaper. Try this right after midnight-the time when airlines usually update their computer databases.
Purchase e-tickets to avoid the extra fee airlines charge for printing and mailing paper tickets.
Traveling by Car: Before you head out on the open road, have you car mechanically inspected and serviced. Car repairs done at home are cheaper than having them done on the road where options are limited.
Auto dealers (and individuals) often need cars delivered from one city to another. In some cases, you only need to have a valid license, insurance and a clean driving record to qualify. For a list of U.S. and overseas agencies arranging car transport, visit www.movecars.com/toc/find/index.htm Count on paying for your own gas.
Utilize Public & Non-Motorized Transportation: Taking the bus, the subway or the trolley can often be an adventure in and of itself. Still, public transportation is cheap, saves on parking fees at ramps and attractions and lets someone else navigate unfamiliar streets while you sit back and enjoy the ride. Bikes and walking tours are another inexpensive and healthy way to become acquainted with your destination. Some cities even offer tours on Segway scooters.
Alternatives to the Mainstream: If you're willing to try some unusual accommodations you can expect to save 20-30% on lodging costs. Check with the visitor's bureau to find local university dorms, hostels or convents. The same is true if you are willing to stay in a hotel 20 or more miles away from your destination.
Beware of Hotel "Extras": Some hotels charge a fee just to open the guest room's mini bar. If you remove anything you don't use, make sure to replace it before leaving for the day or housekeeping may charge you for the missing items. Some hotels also charge a fee for using the guest phone, even if your call is toll-free. Use prepaid calling cards while traveling and bring your calling card in case of emergencies.
Bring Your Own: The easiest way to save money on food while traveling is to bring your own. If you're driving, pack a cooler and purchase food and liquor along the way. Picnics provide you with time to sit, relax, and enjoy the surroundings and give the kids time to run off extra energy. It's also a great time to clean up and organize the car.
Eat Lunch for Dinner: You can save a lot for money at restaurants by eating there for lunch. The dinner menu is sometimes more extensive, but often more expensive.
Eat With the Locals: Find out where the local crowd does to eat. The food is likely to be more authentic, less expensive and you'll get a taste of the local flavor.
Ask Ahead for Coupons: Ask the visitor's bureau or chamber of commerce to send you free maps, coupons and a list of special events. If no visitor coupon books are available, ask if area schools are selling coupon books locally and how you can buy one. Even if you have to pay $10-$15 dollars to purchase a local "happenings" book, you'll save big on hotels, restaurants, attractions and local shopping.
Whether an airline ticket or a hotel room, never take the first price your quoted. Always attempt to negotiate for a better price. Ask about any available discounts (senior citizen, auto clubs, late arrival, extended stay, public radio member, etc.)
Skip the souvenirs and start a postcard or refrigerator magnet collection.
Be a flexible traveler. If you're willing to give up your seats on a flight for someone flying standby, you'll be rewarded with a free ticket. Set aside the dates you want to travel and then watch for last minute deals.
By Ellen Brown
If you are renting a car while on vacation, you will almost always be asked by the rental agency if you wish to rent a navigation unit, or a GPS. While it is tempting to take that offer, especially if you are visiting an unfamiliar place, that will often cost about 5 or 6 dollars a day, which is pricey. Instead, take your own unit from home if you have one. It's small and easily packed, plus there is no learning curve trying to figure out a new gadget. Additionally, you will be able to program it ahead of time with all of the pertinent addresses for your trip, such as the hotel, places to visit, the airport address, even the local discount stores for those forgotten items.
Source: My own idea from personal experience.
By Ginny from Murrells Inlet, SC
You can have an inexpensive getaway weekend or mini vacation just by trading spaces with a friend or family member. For example, my brother lives in the city and I live in the country about 45 miles away. If he is going out of town, he lets me know and then I can go spend the weekend in his apartment and experience city life. It is so much fun just to sleep in his bed; sit on his back deck with a cup coffee, etc.
Although my daughter lives in the same town as I, I enjoy staying at her house while she is gone because she has satellite TV, a whirlpool bathtub, and an in ground pool, and I get to enjoy it all for free!
By Margaret from Carrollton, GA
When traveling take all of your older underwear (the ones your mother warned you about in case you were in an accident) and as you wear them throw them away, thus allowing for room in your suitcase for the souvenirs.
By Joanne from WI
we find some little town we can get a room in. Then we stay overnight and "poke" around the next day. I always pack snacks and drinks so that saves us money and when we do eat out we split meals. We have taken expensive cruises in the past and I have decided that taking a few "road" trips instead are much more fun as well as less money!
By MammaTenor
We often check in, shower and sleep 'till mid afternoon. This leaves plenty of time to check out the town we are in, have dinner, indulge in whatever local evening fun we can find, pack up everything we won't need in the morning, and leave a wake-up call for an hour before checkout. It feels like you are getting two nights for the price of one. You'll actually have about 28 hours of hotel time, and get plenty of sleep before resuming your travels. Hampton Inn usually offers a nice breakfast buffet, (complete with fresh make-it-yourself waffles) which will save two people the time and money of a breakfast stop. : )
By Doggy
Trish Hart from Memphis, TN
By Linda from Oceanside, CA
By Terri from NV
By Bobbie G from Rockwall
I have found out the hard way that some touristy things to do, aren't all they're cracked up to be and a big waste of money. Really think about the things you want to do and see so you aren't disappointed and wasting money!
By Debbie
I have learned that you can hop on the Internet and get information and mailings from Chambers of Commerce in nearly every town there is. Something cool like a Strawberry Festival or an Avocado Festival is fun, especially if you're a big fan of strawberry shortcake or guacamole, as I am.
Dog trials and shows, parades, all kinds of interesting activities you never knew existed that got along without you all these years exist in profusion.
Because these places aren't at ground-zero-Disney, the costs of rooms, food and everything else is usually a lot less. Plus, you have interesting photos for your friends, who missed the really good times that were right under their noses. Tulip festival, what a sight!
So, search for nearby cities' websites or the websites of their Chambers. Sign up for regular mailings. Colleges have lots of activities, too, like theater and one-week classes, such as Art and Senior hostels on Vancouver Island. Indiana University has a Madrigal in early winter--unforgettable. The Tiki Society had a Tiki Pub Crawl, including a bus, in SFO, no less.
PHD
Tips to help you save money while you are on vacation. Post your ideas.
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By LOU (Guest Post)
