| 1. |
Comparison shop on the Web for your airline tickets,
car rentals, hotel rooms, cruises and resort packages.
Be sure to visit multiple sites for price quotes
and information.
|
| 2. |
Book your own travel arrangements
for the quick familiar trips. Use a travel agent
for complicated travel arrangements, such as honeymoon,
package tour or cruise. |
| 3. |
Agents typically charge
a per-ticket booking fee. If you can bundle up services
and buy more than one ticket, ask to have the booking
fee waived. |
| 4. |
Travel to destinations
during their off-season: Europe in the winter; the
Caribbean in September and October; Hawaii in May
or September. Do your research. |
| 5. |
Be flexible with travel
dates and times. By changing your travel dates even
a day or two, you can save hundreds of dollars. |
| 6. |
Work with a travel agent
who is a cruise expert. The agent can save you money,
plus get more free perks, such as upgraded cabins,
shore excursions and even cruise insurance. |
| 7. |
Cruise lines offer many
early-booking specials, plus you'll save on air
fare if you book early to get to the port city.
|
| 8. |
You can book a rental
car in the low season for less, even if you'll be
using it in the peak season. |
| 9. |
Rent the smallest car
practical for your use. Not only will you save on
the rental, but on gas, too. |
| 10. |
When you're at the rental
counter, ask for a free upgrade. |
| 11. |
If you are visiting
a large city, use public transportation instead
of renting a car. |
| 12. |
Avoid renting a car
at the airport. You'll find more competitive rates,
plus avoid extra surcharges at car rental agencies
away from the convenience of the airport. |
| 13. |
Fill the rental car
up yourself before returning it. But don't fill
up at the gas station nearest the car rental return
lot -- you'll pay more than at a station a couple
of miles away. |
| 14. |
For special equipment
such as a car seat or a bike or ski rack, deal with
the individual rental company's Web site or phone
reservations line. Prices vary greatly among rental
companies. |
| 15. |
If you're a member of
any organization, such as AAA or AARP, ask about
travel discounts. |
| 16. |
Always explore the possibility
of lower hotel rates. Once you arrive at your hotel,
inquire about upgrades or special offers. |
| 17. |
Some hotel chains offer
perks to repeat customers. Inquire about upgrades,
free night's stay, free continental breakfast or
access to the concierge lounge. |
| 18. |
Hotels in cities are
usually cheaper on the weekends when business travelers
aren't staying there, but hotels in resort areas
or other places that are popular with leisure travelers
are often cheaper during the week. |
| 19. |
Travel with the principle
that it never hurts to ask for a little more. You
can always ask for upgrades, whether it's a hotel
or transportation. Save your negotiating for those
in management. |
| 20. |
Rent a house, condo
or efficiency, so you can cook or barbecue. Your
meals won't eat away at your budget. |
| 21. |
Check out an all-inclusive
resort for savings. One price includes your accommodations,
meals, snacks and entertainment. |
| 22. |
Avoid using your hotel
long-distance service, as up to $3 to $4 can be
tacked on to each call. |
| 23. |
Research places of interest
to visit before your trip or visit the local visitors'
center. By traveling off the beaten track, you'll
avoid the expensive tourist traps. |
| 24. |
Budget for the day's
adventure. It cuts down on spontaneous purchases
and guards against putting too much on your credit
card. |
| 25. |
Travel with a cooler
so you're not purchasing drinks and snacks at every
rest stop. |
| 26. |
Sample local fare from
a farmer's market and enjoy a picnic dinner at a
peaceful stop along the way. |
| 27. |
Tourist spots sell everything
from film to sunscreen, bottled water and aspirin
for prolonging your fun -- at a higher cost. Purchase
these items before and save. |
| 28. |
Make lunch your big
meal of the day with the prix-fixe -- a fixed-price
menu. This meal includes up to four courses for
one price, lower than meals on the regular menu.
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-- Posted: Aug. 20, 2004
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