Family Budget Travel Tips
If you're on a tight budget this season but don't want to miss out on a vacation, there are plenty of ways to save money on warm weather getaways. Check out these great ideas for cutting costs and saving money when traveling:
1. If you have flexible travel dates, consider booking your trip at the last minute-one to two weeks before departure. Many hotels and airlines post open reservations online to fill rooms or planes because of traveller cancellations. Consider reworking your schedule so that you can take advantage of these deals at a fraction of market cost. Pay attention to the day of the week you're traveling, too. Departures on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically priced lower than those near the end of the week.
2. If you've been racking up frequent flier miles from holiday shopping, use them up for your getaway. Visit various airlines' websites to find out how to redeem your frequent flier miles for the upcoming trip, then scour hotel deals offline to put together your own low-cost package. This is a great way to save money during this peak travel season.
3. Consider booking your break at an offbeat destination that's in its low season. Ski resorts and exotic locales far from beachfront party territory are two great options.
4. Look for locations where you can stay with friends.
5. Mix business with pleasure. Save on airfare by booking a vacation around business travel and stay a few extra days with the family.
6. Find a hotel where with a mini kitchen so you can make your own meals and treat yourself to a restaurant occasionally.
7. Bring diapers, baby food, sunscreen, etc… – it will be more expensive to buy at the site.
8. Bring an empty water bottle to re-fill. You will save loads on water costs.
9. Skip bag fees. Pack less and rinse out swim suits, socks, etc in the sink or tub.
10. Find deals from top travel sites, airlines, cruise ships and others . Coupons include big discounts and freebies.
Of course, for ways to save in these areas and more money-saving ideas online throughout the year, visit SuperCoolCoupons.com.
April 17th, 2010 at 9:03 am
Carry On Bags: I just saw the news piece on the carry on bag fees and I have just done my very first flight across country. I was insulted to see that most fliers were quite comfortable ignoring the size limit on carry on bags. The waiting time while they secured their carryon suitcase and carryon bag and purse were nothing more than rude. I followed the requirements and paid to have my bags checked and had a carryon bag that had all my essentials and my purse fit quite comfortably inside of it. The airline did nothing to enforce the size limit and I felt impose upon while the passengers were packing the plane with their baggage. The attempt to charge for excessive carryon is a great idea. The comfort of the flight includes the boarding process which ended up being the worse part of my flight.