Save Money on Travel
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Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Between rising gas prices, travel challenges and the high cost of living you may wonder if you’ll ever get away for your much needed vacation. To help you start planning here are 7 ways to save money on travel.
Below are 7 ways that travel insiders use to get the best deals. Learn to navigate these and you will be able to reap the savings and enjoy travelling once again.
1. Avoid Hyped Up Discount Deals
Discount deals are found on the internet but they’re not always the best. Shop and compare. Some websites collect a volume discount by booking up blocks of seats and rooms. All of this can affect the price of your ticket. Instead of saving you money these may drive up the price of your trip.
Whenever possible go online and shop around. Never fall the the words ‘sale’ or discount’ as they are often just words. If you have a few destinations in mind, and can be flexible on dates you will often find better deals.
2. To Fly or Drive? (Consider Gas Prices)
Flying can still be cheaper (and faster) than driving even with soaring gas prices. This is particularly true of longer flights when you consider the cost of gas to drive, food and possibly hotels. Put a pencil to the numbers before you make a decision.
3. Mix and Match to Save Money on Travel Plans
Use alternate airports and save. Many large cities have two or even three airports. Some are cheaper to fly into and out of than others. In smaller cities it may pay you to drive a few miles (even a hundred miles) to another city and utilize their airport. This practice can save you hundreds of dollars. The smaller airports are usually more user friendly and offer cheaper or even free parking.
On a recent trip to Mazatlan, Mexico I booked my all inclusive hotel directly, and used 2 different airlines. One to go and another to return. All said I saved $245 by doing a little leg work versus booking the exact same package deal. My savings covered tips for the locals I love.
4. A Two Way Ticket May Save Money on Travel
Two round-trip tickets can be cheaper than one way. So there may be times that even if you are going one way to actually buy a round ticket. This practise is called back to back ticketing and may be frowned on by the airlines, however it is legal in most cases. Check the legality of this method before using and of course the cost savings.
On the other hand I have had big savings when booking one way tickets for a round trip and saved a few hundred dollars even though I booked with 2 different airline. Take a little extra time when booking your flight and it is possible to save when flying.
5. Deal With the Hotel Of Your Choice Directly
Just because a company has the name that eludes to ‘cheap hotels’ doesn’t mean it does. Nor does it mean you will get a decent room. Where you book and buy your hotel room could determine the quality and location of the room you get.
A hotel determines the room you receive based on what you paid. If you got a deep discount you could be placed in a less desirable location such as near the ice machine or elevator. They will never admit this but to avoid the situation deal directly with the hotel’s website.
Instead of booking through a commision agency, it is often better to deal with the hotel directly. This way you can explain what you are looking for and ask for the best rates. And if you feel you got the short end of the stick when it comes to your booking, politely ask to change the room. In addition once you get their best rate, then ask if they offer a discount for card such as AA (Automobile Association) discounts.
6. Is Car Rental Insurance Necessary?
One way to save money on travel is by familiarizing yourself with car rental insurance. Many rental companies offer a variety of rates. And though you want to have enough coverage, you need to make sure you are not overpaying for things you do not need.
If you are a car owner with insurance then ask your insurance company if you have coverage if you use a car rental service. In addition you want to talk to your credit card company. As many automatically cover the car insurance if you use a credit card to pay for the rental car insurance. Take a little time to check this out, and it may turn out to be a good way to save money on travel.
7. Last Minute Travel Deals
Last minute deals on airlines and hotels can save you a bundle but you must be flexible. Empty seats or vacant rooms bring no revenue so it’s a win-win situation for both parties. Keep tabs on these by signing up for e newsletters or search the web.
Concluding 7 Ways to Save Money on Travel
There are few travel services today that save you money. Almost every bag will cost you money, each drink, in fact, very little is complimentary. So it is important to use all the ways to save money on travel wherever possible. The more you know and the more you’re able to do for yourself the more you’ll save.