In today's economy, vacation travel can be expensive. . . but if you’ve been bitten by the "travel bug", there’s no way you’ll be happy staying home in order to save money. Savvy travelers know that there are bargains to be found. So prepare yourself to think creatively, do your research and follow a few simple guidelines on how to reach (and enjoy) your destination in the least expensive way possible. 1. Consider avoiding the most popular vacation travel spots in "high-season." In other words, don’t go somewhere when everyone else is going. You’ll just end up paying much more for everything, including airfare and accommodation, as well as battling the crowds.
2. Consider how you can lower air travel expenses. As we all know, air travel can consume a hefty chunk of your budget. If you can’t travel off-season, here are a couple of ways other bargain hunters are finding to fly cheap.
. . . Book your flight on less popular travel days and times. Fly in the middle of the week (maybe on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday), in the middle of the day, and on a holiday (like on Christmas day) when less people are likely to be flying.
. . . Research budget airlines instead of commercial carriers or consider flying from out-of-the-way airports for discount fares.
. . . Search online for auction sites or even airline consolidators (sometimes fares go down after midnight on these sites, so look for a good price at different times of the day).
. . . Quite a few budget-minded folks find ways to travel free by allowing airplanes to "bump them" off of overbooked flights; by using a credit card to earn frequent flyer miles; or by acting as an international courier.
3. Consider alternatives to international air travel. While airplanes can be fast, convenient, and almost a necessity for international travel, it’s time to get creative when traveling on a budget and consider airplane alternatives. Cruise ships and cargo ships offer one method of getting across the sea and some exciting deals can be found online and through travel agents for water journeys.
4. Consider several different modes of transportation for domestic travel.
Bus: When traveling within the United States, taking a Greyhound bus is a surprisingly inexpensive, although time-consuming, way to travel, and you’re sure to meet a lot of interesting people on your journey.
Train: Rail passes in Europe and North America can also be purchased before your trip to save money if you plan to stop in multiple locations.
Automobile: Even with skyrocketing fuel prices, automobiles can still be an inexpensive way to travel if you learn about different ways to save money.
One way is to carefully figure out when and where you will need to fill up your gas tanks. In the U.S. for example, different states have different fuel prices. Perhaps you can chart a route that will allow you to take advantage of lower prices by stopping to refuel before or after you cross state lines. Also, avoid getting trapped into price-gouging in rural areas where a gas station may try to charge even more because it’s the only place around for forty miles.
Remember. . . other expenses incurred by driving can involve emergency repairs. So it's a good idea to have your car serviced before going on a road trip (including an oil change). Have a mechanic take a look at your tires, belts, hoses, brakes, fluid levels and windshield wipers. Improper maintenance coupled with poor weather conditions could cost you money for sure but even more importantly, your safety.
5. Consider all the alternatives to "traditional" hotel accomodations. Once you’ve flown, sailed or driven to your destination, you’ll need a place to stay.
. . . Business hotels will often offer deals on the weekend when they're more likely to have vacancies.
. . . Extended stays at hotels at weekly rates are an affordable option.
. . . In some cities, a 'Bed and Breakfast' is likely to be less expensive and more charming than a hotel.
. . . Other cheap accommodation alternatives for the adventurous spirit include home exchanges, house sitting, dormitories at universities (when school is out), hostels, retreat centers and yes, even monasteries.
All in all, every alternative has its own advantages and disadvantages, so make your choices based on your own specific needs and budget requirements. Just remember. . . traveling doesn’t have to be cost-prohibitive if you are willing to be creative and do your research.
Safe Journey,
Dee Gallemore
