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.
