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Thursday, April 11, 2013

10 Tips on How to Travel on a Budget in US


The U.S. is a goldmine of escapes. However, traveling the great 50 isn't free. When you're "on
the road" (a general term applicable to any travel mode), expenses can rack up quickly! Here are
some practical tips for getting your travel groove on without breaking the bank:

Plan Ahead:
Book reservations at least 60-90 days ahead whenever possible. The closer to your travel date,
the steeper rates - even if you travel coach/economy class.

Cheapo Tip: Whenever possible, be flexible on dates. Travel booking sites are good about
showing more cost-friendly alternates.

'Tis The Season...
...To save money! In most areas, you will find higher rates if you go during their high tourist
season. In coastal areas, high season is summer. In the northeast, season is early Fall. In the
desert Southwest, early spring is high season.
Cheapo Tip: Check the area's Visitors Bureaus for large conferences and annual events. These
can also raise rates in airfare and accommodations.

Practically A Bird
Does work often keep you aloft in the deep blue? Be sure you sign up for loyalty programs.
Frequent flier and other programs have saved many dollars and peace of mind.
Cheapo Tip: If you go to particular cities regularly, consider negotiating special rates for your
company with an area hotel. Contact Group Sales to get a deal!

All Aboard!
If your destinations are within a few 100 miles of home, consider taking a train. Trains are a fun,
scenic way to go. You also avoid being crunched into increasingly smaller airplane seats.
Cheapo Tip: Buy only the amount of space you need. Travel trains these days and offer private
compartments that resemble mini suites!
Shut Up and Drive:
Traditionally, the highest season for gas prices is summer. It's another scenic option. However,
in today's economy, prices are generally over $3.00 a gallon WHEREVER you go.

Cheapo Tip: Be sure to have a tune up before hitting the road. A fine tuned machine offers peace
of mind - especially when you hit those long stretches with not even a rabbit to be seen for miles.
If doing rental car, shop for a good deal and remember, several hundred dollars will be held on
your credit card as a deposit.

Take The Bus
Charter bus is one of the most inexpensive modes of travel. Often you can purchase a ticket on
fairly short notice and still get a decent rate. Of course, your total expense is mainly dependent
upon distance.

Cheapo Tip: Bring your own snacks. You do get various stop breaks but buying munchies at
those places is equivalent to buying wine at a truck stop.

Go Buffet
Unless you MUST have your meals served pre-plated, restaurant buffets are the best way to get
the most for your moolah and still get variety.
Cheapo Tip: Take your feed bag to breakfast and lunch. Make these your heartiest of the day -
and eat a light dinner. Traditionally, breakfast is the lower cost meal and dinner is the highest.

Don't Be A Tourist:
Even if you are going to areas known for high tourism - like NYC or Orlando, make it a point to
find the restaurants 'off the beaten path'.
Cheapo Tip: You would be astonished how many inexpensive cafes and diners there are in the
big City - if you go a few blocks outside the high tourist areas. These are 'best kept secrets'-
usually neighborhood establishments - that don't get listed in travel magazines.

Travel Light
If you one to pack your entire closet - even for an overnight trip, strongly consider weaning
yourself down 2 bags - a carry on plus one medium size. Airlines are now charging hefty fees for
'excessive luggage', for 'oversized' and bags that exceed weight limits.
Cheapo Tip: Don't embarrass your luggage by making it tip the scale! Lay your clothes out inside
the case, instead of stacking folded or rolled up items. This will help prevent bags from being too
bulky and/or heavy.

Be A Night Owl:
Travel at night. Whether you take red-eye flights or drive, night travel can be lower cost. Let's
face it - if flying, it's less crowded and if driving, less traffic! You do miss the scenery and it can
feel lonely if you're traveling solo.

Cheapo Tip: Fuel up in cities as opposed to small "blink and you miss it" towns - especially out
West. One time on the way to Vegas, I got turned around and ended up off the I-40 in at a small
gas station that turned out to be right off Route 66. It was dark, I needed gas and poof! it seemed
to pop up out of nowhere but there was NOTHING magical about gas prices!

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