Whether it's a summer getaway, flying home for the holidays, or just a weekend jaunt to Vegas, the more you save on your travel arrangements, the more money you'll have for fun things. Here are a few tips to get you started saving.
1. Schedule your trip during the off season
This isn't always possible for things like Christmas, but if you go to Hawaii in March instead of the summer months when the rush is on, this can reduce by half the price of hotels and airfares as well as food and entertainment. Off season does not necessarily mean bad weather...just children in school or other national timetable problems.
2. Book early or wait for last minute deals
This can be hard if you have kids or a rigid schedule, but the more flexible you are, the more savings are at your disposal. If you're adventurous, look for packages (air, hotel) a week before you are to leave. This can be a great family game, too. You'll be amazed at how far package prices can fall when the travel agent has unsold seats in the package and he needs cash flow.
3. Do your research
Ask friends who have been where you are going, and read travel books and information online. (By the way, there's no need to buy a travel guide, as the library has hundreds of recent ones in stock.)
4. Book into hotels that include free breakfast
Eat a serious breakfast. Buy some fruit on the street and bring it back to the hotel for a good wash...and you have a great lunch. Or go to the local grocery and buy groceries you can keep in your hotel fridge and prepare a sandwich. An in-house picnic can be fun for the family, too. Fight the urge to go to an international chain restaurant. Eat local...what a price difference!
5. Travel AND shop light
You don't need very much with you. How many times have you packed 9 outfits, only to use 4? Also, in shopping during your trip, resist the temptation to buy every little nick knack that displays the city's name. Pick ONE souvenir worth keeping and make sure it is good value for money, i.e. a work by a prominent local artist or sculptor which is light and you can easily carry without paying that extra luggage fee.
6. Watch for money exchange and bank fees
Use credit cards with advertised (and lower) forex (foreign exchange) rates. Don't take money out of the ATM every day...it's a new charge each time.
How To Save Money At
While remodeling your house, you would generally find yourself spending tons of money to do so. To avoid such a situation, you could take a few simple steps which could save a lot of money.
Try taking as little Personal loans, Second Mortgages and Credits
When you go for remodeling, it becomes almost impossible to carry out the work without go for a second mortgage or personal loan if the money requited is substantial. In case, it is a small project which does not require much money, avoid taking these or using your credit card. May be, to fit French doors it would be prudent to use cash rather than taking a long term personal loan.
Use of Structural Elements as Finish Surface
It would be prudent to use interior walls, ceiling beams, concrete and wooden floors for refurbishing as far as possible, without going for making new finish surfaces.
Additions may be built up or in
If you want to build outward, you would have to go for making foundation for this expansion. This may turn out to be quite costly. Building up would not entail making those foundations. If you have some spare space available, you could think of building in by using the space for different purpose.
Avoid plumbing work
Avoid any extra plumbing work to be carried out, because it is quite costly. But, sometimes, such plumbing work could be unavoidable like when you are remodeling the kitchen floor.
Try to do it on your own
If it is possible, try to explore the option of doing those modifications by yourself. Many a times, it would not possible to do so, when you would require the expertise of experts or you may not be having the tools required to carry out those works. But, if you could do so on your own, it would turn out to be much cheaper.
Use existing Electrical work as far as possible
As has been said about plumbing, rather than completely redoing, you should try to carry out Electrical work by modifying the existing electrical wiring as far as possible.
Live at worksite
Instead of moving out of your house, while the remodeling work is going on, you may consider staying back. It would save the rent you have to pay for the apartment you would be moving to during the remodeling work. If you are building out, it would not disturb your existing living spaces. Otherwise, you may use dust barriers to keep your living area clean.
Avoid using Big Contractors
It is better to engage smaller contractors, because big contractors would cost more because they have higher overheads as they pay different statutory dues. Smaller contractors might also provide better service. But, you should ensure that these small contractors are licensed. There is also a possibility that they are not of good character. To avoid such a situation, you should look for references before engaging them for work.
Both Ada Denis & Jessica Thomson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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