in July/August 2005
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resources_travelwisdom.html
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The Little Book of Travel Wisdom
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11. Combo Deals
Buying your trip as a package (hotel and flight, plus car) can reduce the cost of buying the components individually by up to 30 percent. Airlines and hotels are willing to offer websites, such as Expedia, Travelocity, and Priceline, discounts on package rates in part because the sites do not divulge the prices of the individual parts of the package, says Expedia spokesperson Melissa Derry.
12. ATM Awareness
ATM cards are better than credit cards, cash advances, or hassling with travelers' checks. Plus, get the best exchange rate and avoid standing in long bank lines. Before you pack your bags, check with your bank about incurring ATM fees on both ends, says veteran travel journalist Laura Powell. Typically, there'sa $2-3 fee per transaction, but as long as you're not pulling out, say, $20 each time, you'll save money. Many European ATMs have only numbers, not letters, on their keypads, so work out the numeric equivalent of your password beforehand. Stick to ATMs affiliated with major international banks to avoid poor exchange rates and inflated fees. Access cash (in U.S. dollars, euros, or pounds) at select ATMs with American Express's TravelFunds Card. The prepaid, rechargeable card isn't linked to a bank account and can be replaced within 24 hours if lost or stolen ($14.95 for a three-year card). Finally, alert your issuer to your whereabouts to avoid having your account frozen for "abnormal" use. Carry a few cards with you (preferably separately) in case one is stolen or lost.
13. Hidden Hotel Costs
Inquire about the local tax rates on lodging and food when considering the budget for your next trip. Hotel occupancy tax can be as high as 17 percent (Houston), and taxes on restaurant meals can be as high as 11 percent (cities in Virginia).
14. Off-Season Bargains
Save money and serenity by traveling when others don't. In the U.S., for example, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon are swamped in the summer—exactly when many Mexican and Caribbean destinations offer discounts. Shoulder seasons (the periods before and after peak travel season) also promise reduced traffic and deals. A few seasonal tips: Caribbean cruises are better priced in the fall than in winter or spring; National Park lodges are cheapest in the winter; dude ranches offer better deals in the spring and fall (and don't always require a week-long stay). Europe's best deals come between Thanksgiving and Easter (airfare specials usually appear in early fall).
15. Money Where It Matters
"No one travels to London to spend the night near Heathrow or Gatwick," says filmmaker Gregg Helvey. "The money you save by sleeping at a cheaper hotel on the fringes of a city is quickly gobbled up by tube and taxi fares, and the time you waste in transit detracts from the quality time you can spend exploring London." Travel is about balancing costs and opportunities. Although most hotels in the city center charge more than outlying inns, the price difference is easily compensated by the comfort and convenience of being able to say, "My hotel's just up the street." The money you save by not renting a car can easily cover the premium on pricier accommodations.
16. Navigating the City
Tour your destination like a local by following the advice of Don George, global travel editor for Lonely Planet. Research your destination before you go and arrive with a good map and a list of the areas you want to visit. He also champions taking walking tours led by a resident, to get the "inside flavor" of a city. Chicago, New York City, Tokyo, Melbourne, and other international cities offer greeter programs, usually run through the local tourism office. Visit the Tourism Offices Worldwide Directory online.
17. Hostel Makeovers
Forget those bare-bones, barracks-style hostels of your youth. While they may be called youth hostels, they welcome travelers of all ages. Members of Hostelling International USA ($28 annual dues) receive discounted rates, but you don't have to join to get a room. The organization's website links you to hundreds of hostels around the world. Two favorite hostels in the U.S.: The Clay Hotel's hostel in Miami Beach offers 120 bright rooms two blocks from the beach in the art deco district; deluxe private rooms feature television, refrigerator, and daily maid service. Hostelling Inter-national Point Montara Lighthouse on the coast south of San Francisco has five private rooms (shared baths). They fill up quickly, so book two months in advance, especially for weekend stays.
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