If you're thinking of traveling this summer season, chances are you're also thinking about the rising costs of fuel, airline travel and other necessities such as food, clothing and lodging.
It's true; everything is more expensive and costs seem to be rising exponentially. Outside of staying home, how can we take that much needed or desired vacation and still hang on to our hard earned cash? Saving money is not as difficult as it may seem, especially if we are willing to use a little forethought and planning. So, grab your pencil and paper travelers, take note, and let's save some money.
TRANPORTATION
If you will be driving, there are several simple, yet often overlooked ways to increase your miles per gallon and thus save money.
- KEEP YOUR VEHICLE MAINTAINED - Yep. Your dad was right. By keeping your car engine running properly with new belts, hoses, spark-plugs, regular oil changes and tune-ups you can operate a more fuel efficient vehicle and subsequently save on gas .
- KEEP YOUR TIRES INFLATED PROPERLY - When tires are low they create drag on your vehicle, thus using more fuel. So, the next time you fill up your vehicle, check your tire pressure as well. Proper pressure needed for your vehicle can be found in operating manuals.
- SLOW DOWN - If you're like me, you want to drive faster to save time. Don't do it. It's a fact that slower speeds save fuel. Saved fuel means saved cash. Not to mention, you won't run the risk of racking up a costly speeding ticket. So find a comfortable speed, use your cruise control and maintain it as much as possible.
- COOL FUEL - When purchasing gas purchase at a time of day when the temperatures are cooler. Gas expands in heat. If you purchase your fuel in the early morning or late evening, you will actually get more fuel for your money.
If you choose to fly instead of drive, compare flights according to the days and hours you will be flying. Websites such as Expedia, Orbitz and Travelocity have online calendars that allow you to compare dates and times.
Typically, the further out you book flights, the best prices you will get. And simply watching the prices carefully for a few days or even a few weeks can yield substantial savings.
Sometimes calling the airlines directly can net better prices, especially if they think you will fly with a competitor. Don't be afraid to ask for discounts or better prices - you just might get it. Besides, what's the worst that could happen? They say no? It's worth the gamble.
Flying during a holiday season? Travel on the holiday. Most people fly prior to the holiday and airlines capitalize on this greatly. So, not only will you save money, but you will miss the typical airline security hassles, long lines and overbooked airplanes. This alone can make you feel like a million bucks.
And speaking of overbooked airlines - how many times have you been standing in line waiting to board only to learn that your flight has been overbooked? Yes, this can be extremely irritating, but keep your cool and you can likely earn a free airline ticket.
Airlines almost always offer free tickets to future destinations to those travelers who are willing to yield their seat to someone else. If you can afford to give up a few hours of your life, you can save at the very minimum a few hundred dollars for future trips.
MEALS
No road trip is complete without munchies, right? Yet, all of us know that snacks in gas stations, airports or convenience stores are generally going to be twice as much than if we take the time to bring them ourselves.
Stop in a grocery store with a list and buy your snacks at a fraction of the cost. Yes, it takes a little time and it's not as convenient, but in the long run, you will save a significant chunk of change and your wallet and you will thank you later.
When it comes to full meals,if you can avoid restaurant eating entirely you can save yourself at least $50 a day. Pack some sandwiches instead, along with fruit and drinks and spend time instead counting the extra money in your wallet.
If you have young children and or simply do not want to pack your own food, plan to eat at restaurants where children eat for free or make good use of those coupons you've been collecting. Many popular restaurants chains honor coupons and offer special deals during the week.
And don't forget hotels which offer free breakfasts. You can save not only a sizable amount of cash, but time as you grab a muffin or two, some juice or coffee and hit the road the next day.
HOTELS & LODGING
Instead of using a travel agent, make your own reservations instead. Online sites such as Hotels.com and Priceline can also offer great deals if you take the time to search. Hotels, like so many other businesses, are very competitive and are willing to offer great discounts if you let your fingers do the walking before you go.
Don't be shy about calling them directly either. Many hotels will negotiate a better room rate if you simply ask. And by all means, ask for senior discounts, military discounts and student discounts if you are eligible to receive them. A lot of hotels also offer discounts for AAA-membership as well.
DESTINATIONS & ATTRACTIONS
Regardless of whether you're flying or driving, if your destination is a popular theme park or attraction, chances are you are in for high prices unless you think ahead. Traveling in the off-season is always a good idea. Hotels often cut their room rates during off season and you are almost always guaranteed discounted ticket prices as well.
If you have young children, bring your own stroller. Though the convenience of renting one is easier than lugging a bulky stroller, if cash is what you want to save, don't do it. You can save as much as $8 to $10 per day on stroller rentals.
And speaking of young children, we all know how much they love those high priced souvenirs. To save yourself a bundle, have a pre-set limit on what each child can spend. Not only will you save money, but you will put the kibosh on the never ending "gimmes" that young children are so highly skilled at.
If the hotel you're staying at offers shuttle service, use it. You can not only save on gas, but expensive parking fees. And with the extra energy you conserve by avoiding the trek from the parking lot to the attractions, you can pat yourself on the back and say you've gone green.
Multiple-day passes save money upfront by essentially cutting ticket prices in half, but you can also choose the hours you wish to be at the park saving even more money on the backend.
Swim at the pool in your hotel during morning hours, eat lunch in your room and spend the afternoons in the park. By avoiding expensive and overpriced theme park food, you can save upwards of $100 or more. Be sure and leave by dinner hour and you will be amazed at the cash you save.
In addition, be sure and bring our own refillable water bottles rather than filling up on expensive sugary drinks. Or better yet, ask the park attendants for a free cup of water. All amusement and theme parks are required to offer free water to its patrons and it sure beats $3.50 for a bottle of water or soda.
And finally, remember to apply the old standard....."Do I really need this" to all your potential expenses and you may find many other ways to cut costs as well. Yes, we all want to enjoy ourselves on vacation, but spending unnecessary money and incurring mountains of credit card debt is not the way to do it. Use your head, not your wallet and it's possible to have a good time and not go bust in the process.