Top 10 Tips to Cut Travel Costs
1. Cut out Cookies: No, we aren’t talking those gooey goodies. We’re talking the files stored in your Internet Browser that record you’re every move. Unlucky for you, these little blighters allow websites to know where you went and how much you spent right down to the last penny. What this means is that if you purchase a plane ticket for $100 from Paris to St. Tropez and go back to the same site for the return ticket, the website could check out your history and raise your next quote.
2. AAA All the Way: If you are an American and travel frequently, join the American Automobile Association pronto. Not only can will they act as your own little private concierge, booking hotels and helping with vacation planning, they also offer deep discounts depending on where you are headed.
3. Honeymooners Beware: Since many honeymooners are young and new to travel, companies will try to take advantage of this and the fact that you’ve probably just encountered a large sum of wedding money that you’d like to splurge with. Don’t share the good news until after you’ve finalized all of your plans. You still might get that complimentary upgrade, just at a cheaper price.
4. Newsletter Noise: Although some can’t stand junk mail, newsletters make good noise in your inbox! By subscribing, you can save time and money since most offers are discounted and come in package form. You can even find one focused on your own needs whether you are a student, senior or large family.
5. Plan Ahead with Your Passport: Do not wait until the last minute to apply for or renew your passport! For the most part, they take roughly six weeks and in the USA cost $67 for renewal or $97 for a passport virgin including all fees. Don’t get stuck in a jam where you are paying an additional $60 for a two week turnaround plus overnight delivery costs. Plan way ahead when it comes to your passport. Heck, get it before you even have a glimmer of where you’re going so that its one less thing to worry about while planning your trip!
6. Plan Ahead with Your Vacation: It’s as simple as the early bird gets the worm. Book six months to a year in advance and reap the benefits.
7. Go Off Season: Travel companies aren’t stupid. They know most people travel during the summer months; therefore they raise prices to make a little extra profit. Even just a week past summer will see a significant difference in prices. So spare yourself the extra change and travel off season.
8. It Never Hurts to Ask: Once you’ve arrived at your hotel, be sure to ask about special perks such as upgrades and complimentary eals or services. Save the asking for management who will want to make you happy enough that you’ll come back for more sans extra fees.
9. The Road Less Traveled: Most of us go to a major metro to hop a plane. However, we never stop to think that most cities have more than one airport. Usually these smaller airports are significantly cheaper because of the slight inconvenience finding your way outside of the city. In the best case scenario you can save hundreds on flights by taking the road less traveled. On the same note, go for a low-cost carrier. Even though you, again, be a little inconvenienced without leather seats and personal TVs, you’ll have more to spend once you arrive at your destination.
10. Shop Around: Don’t just use those big name sites that claim they have it all because in reality, they don’t. You’ll never see what’s out there and what you can save if you don’t take the time to shop around. Compare hotel prices on sletoh.com to make sure you get the best deal.