Travel Smart - Money Saving Travel Tips!

These are challenging times and one of the first cuts to be made in an individual’s or a family’s budget concerns travel.  But people aren’t going to stay home for long.  And much travel is combined with a visit to family and friends, something many of us need more than ever these days.

Good news:  There’s no shortage of bargains out there, so if you are considering going away, know that there are more travel deals available to you now than just a few months ago.  I hope the below recommendations will help you save a few bucks. 

Research
Scour national and local publications as well as the Internet for great deals on airfare, hotels, car rentals, tours, cruises and a variety of other travel products.  Nearly everyone is discounting their prices right now.  Packages that include air, land and car offer some of the best value.  Calling hotels, car rental companies and airlines directly should be part of your research since you can often obtain better discounts and upgrades (particularly with places of lodging and car rentals) by speaking with someone directly.  Be sure to consider the fees airlines charge when comparing prices.  Southwest Airlines, for example, does not charge luggage supplements, but although their prices are highly competitive, they are not always the cheapest.  Be flexible with your dates and remember that some of the best fares are offered during the week.  You’ll also save more all around if you decide to visit a destination during its off season.

Plan Picnics
Eating at least one meal in (in your place of lodging or in a park perhaps) is not only highly pleasurable but also more economical.  Whether you’re traveling in a car, train or plane, prepare a stash of healthy snacks for your journey.  And always carry a refillable water bottle (preferably aluminum) with you so you don’t have to buy bottled water.  You’ll save money and be kinder to the environment in planning ahead.  If you’re traveling by car, of course, you’ll want to have a cooler in tow.

Lovely Lodging
Consider renting a house, apartment or cabin especially if you’re doing a bit of “togethering” with family or friends.  Often this turns out to be a more affordable route, especially since you won’t have to go out for every meal.  And what about camping?  I’m not much of a camper, but it is a great way to experience many destinations.  Or you could plan to do a few nights in a hotel and a couple of nights car camping in between.  Make sure you go to safe, designated areas.

Car Rentals
Sometimes it makes more sense to rent a vehicle at an airport instead of taking a shuttle to your destination, especially if you’re not traveling alone.  This can also provide great flexibility throughout your stay.  Don’t forget parking costs though!

Minimize Extras
Of course you’re not going to gorge yourself on the minibar but what about the whole laundry list of activities you rack up on most vacations?  Maybe you don’t have to do so much.  Enjoy the amenities offered where you’re staying by spending more time at the pool or just checking out the neighborhood.  Remember kids most want to connect with you whether it’s in a big, rambling amusement park or alongside a stream.  Have your “list” consist of many free and inexpensive activities.

Minimize Even More Extras
Bring your own stroller with you in order to avoid the cost of renting one.  Maybe you want to bring grandma, too, for some occasional babysitting!  Everyone should be aware of a budget; distribute a little money to each older child for him or her to spend on his or her whims, but make it understood you’re not kicking in a penny more.

Buying Vs. Renting
Sometimes it might be better for you to buy clothing or equipment, other times it might be more appropriate to rent.  Avid skiers and boarders, for example, should buy their boots and rent the rest of their gear.  It makes more sense in the long run, plus you don’t have to put on any stinky boots that others have worn.  Inversely, if you don’t have much need for a heavy outdoor jacket and you don’t want to buy one that your child will grow out of next year, know that many places rent winter clothing in addition to gear.  Attending a special soirée and you have nothing to wear?  Many large cities offer evening and cocktail rentals for both men and women.

Multi-Day Passes
Special combined tickets for sightseeing, museums, ski mountains and more often save you good money.  Plan in advance so you don’t have to buy a bunch of one-offs.  And if you think you’re going to visit three or more National Parks in a year, buy an America the Beautiful Pass.  Did you know that most of our National Parks are totally underused?  Why not plan a trip around a few of them?  It will help to support them and you’re sure to discover some of the finest parcels of our country.

Bring the Pup Along
With more and more pet-friendly places of lodging emerging every day, it has become easier to travel with four-legged loved ones.  The extra fee you might have to pay at a hotel is noticeably less than if you were to leave your pooch in a kennel.

Go with a Guidebook

Here I go again, giving my totally biased opinion on guidebooks, but they really do enhance a trip and save you money.  How many times have you ended up in a pricey restaurant, hotel or store simply because you didn’t know where else to go?   Guidebooks also help you to slow down and notice the little things around you that you might not have discovered on your own.  To me, that’s one of the best parts of travel.

By: Maribeth Clemente