Are you on a Tight Budget? Save Money on your next Trip
By Kathy Steinemann
| Travel is getting more expensive every day as the price of fuel increases and transportation carriers raise their fares. Here are a few tips that can help you to make ends meet. Travel is getting more expensive every day as the price of fuel increases and transportation carriers raise their fares. Here are a few tips that can help you to make ends meet. Bottled Water It is prudent to avoid the local drinking water wherever you travel – however, bottled water can be expensive. If you are a frequent traveler, buy some reusable water bottles and fill them with water from home before you leave. Pick up a supply of bottled water as well from a local department store like Wal-Mart. If you plan to travel by plane or a carrier with weight restrictions on luggage, be careful to stay under the maximum limit. Water is heavy. Exchanging Money When abroad, never exchange money in local stores. Go to a bank – or use your credit card or bank card. You will get the best exchange rates that way. Purchases made with a credit card will also result in an easy-to-reconcile statement of charges when you return home. Baggage Weight Allowances It can be very expensive to go over your baggage weight allowance. Airline regulations vary. Do your research and weigh your luggage carefully – twice – before you leave for the airport. Travel Timing Flights and accommodations always cost more on weekends and at peak travel times. Arrange your travel for mid-week and off-season whenever possible. If you’re not exactly sure when ‘off-season’ is at your destination, find a few bed and breakfast websites. They usually post off-season rates with a date range. Saving on Meals While you’re investigating off-season dates at a bed and breakfast website, why not consider staying there instead of at a hotel? Bed and breakfasts provide breakfast as part of their rate structure. Not having to pay for one meal every day can save you a considerable amount of money. Save even more on meals by purchasing nutritious food for lunch at a local grocery store. If you like McDonald’s, you can get an inexpensive supper as well – in over 100 countries around the world. Taking the Kids Along? Look for hotels with ‘kids stay and eat free’ programs or bed and breakfasts with meal plans for the kids. Many bed and breakfasts don’t welcome young children. Check on their policies before you book a room. Save on Air Travel Do your research on the internet to find the cheapest airfares for your intended destination. Make printouts of what you find. Then, pick the most economical website or call the airline directly and ask them to match the price. Corporate, Student and Cash Discounts If you can submit valid proof to a hotel or inn that you are a student, salesman, city employee, corporate executive, business owner, etc., they may offer a corporate discount. Typical discounts range from 10% to 15%. Paying with cash at smaller lodging establishments may result in a cash discount because the innkeepers don’t have to deal with credit cards or checks. Always ask what discounts are available when you make your reservations. Be proactive – and make your money work for you! (c) Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author’s note below (with active links) are included. |
