Web-Exclusive
|
resources_cutcosts.html
|
 |
 |
51 Ways to Cut Vacation Costs
Photograph by Jay Berkowitz/LAWA
|
|
|
The sleek Los Angeles International Airport serves 88 different airlines. |
Don't get caught in a tourist money trap. Learn how to save big with our savvy strategies, from avoiding hidden charges to cashing in on off-season deals, and finding the best bargains on hotel rooms, vacation packages, flights, and more.
[getting started]
1. Keep your honeymoon under wraps, at first. Some companies will try to charge you more, reasoning that you'll want to splurge on this special getaway. Once your reservations are finalized, share the reason for your trip: You might get complimentary champagne on the plane or even an upgrade at your hotel.
2. Trash your "cookies," small files (stored in your Internet browser) that record the websites you surf—and the transactions you make. Say you go online and purchase a $200 plane ticket from Chicago to Omaha. The next time you visit that site, you could be quoted a higher rate than what's actually available because of your spending history. Avoid this problem by deleting these files each time you log on; detailed instructions can be found under the "Help" option in your browser menu.
3. Become a member of AAA. Depending on your destination and itinerary, AAA can earn you deep discounts on hotel rooms, cruises, tours, and more. Amtrak, for example, offers 10 percent off train tickets for members, while Hertz offers up to 25 percent on rental cars. New memberships cost from $38 to $80 per year, but the savings will pay off.
4. Let the deals come to you. Subscribe to free e-mail newsletters to save time and money on airfare, hotel rooms, vacation packages, and more. Two good bets: Traveler's weekly A*List deals newsletter, which also offers discounts on guidebooks and a free map, and SmarterTravel.com, which creates money-saving newsletters tailored to students, families, and senior citizens.
5. When booking a multi-leg flight turn to a website with ITA Software. This simple-to-use technology allows you to search for airfare then e-mail an agent to see if a lower price can be found elsewhere. Sites such as Orbitz.com and CheapTickets.com use this software.
6. Travel during the off-season. Examples: Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Canyon are most expensive in summer, the same season when tour operators and hotels in the Caribbean and Mexico slash rates. Caribbean cruises are less expensive when you go in the fall versus winter or spring—though you'll want to avoid isles in the so-called "Hurricane Alley." Hotels in Hawaii offer 10 to 20 percent off room rates from mid-September to mid-December; and Europe's best deals are offered between Thanksgiving and Easter.
7. Plan ahead. Discounted vacation packages for travel during Thanksgiving and Christmas are offered as early as August. Book your winter cruise a year in advance for early-bird discounts, and take advantage of rail fare reductions just after the holidays. From August through October, ski resorts post deals for the upcoming winter season.
8. Don't wait until the last minute to get—or renew—your passport; the longer you wait, the more it will cost. Routine applications generally take up to six weeks to process for $67 (renewal applications) and $97 (first-time applications); both fees include passport, security, and execution fees. A two-week turnaround will cost an extra $60, plus two-way overnight delivery costs. Get more information from the U.S. State Department.
 1 of 4 »
|
