TRAVELING ON THE CHEAP

Even though travel costs have decreased considerably over the past 20 years, traveling on a regular basis can still be an expensive business. There are, however, ways to save.

GETTING THERE:

1. Look into options about the kind of travel. Is flying the only choice? Would it be cheaper to take a bus? If you are going to need to hire a car when you arrive, would it be cheaper to simply drive all the way in your own car? Remember when considering the options to take account of the time factor. If you have all the time in the world, then it doesn't matter; but if taking longer to get there means extra time off work, then you will need to add lost income to the ultimate cost.

2. Use the Internet. There are heaps of sites that give comparative air fares, and also sites where you can find last minute rates for everything from fares to hotels to theater tickets.

3. Develop a relationship with a travel agent. Find the agent in your area that offers the best deals, and stick with them. Ask for the same staff member each time. As they get to know you as a regular traveler, they will be more willing to pass on information about special deals.

4. Join the Frequent Fliers program of the airlines you use most. Join loyalty programs. If you are going to use a credit card anyway, get one that gives you points and allows you to convert them to Frequent Flier points. From time to time you will hear people carry on about how much you have to spend on these programs to get rewards. Ignore them. The point is, you were going to spend the money anyway. Why not get a little back on it?

5. Consider pulling together a group to travel together. Most airlines will give a discount for groups of 10-12 or more traveling on the same flights.

6. If you are visiting more than one country, check whether it is possible to put the trip into a round-the-world package. Often this can work out considerably cheaper than a loop around several countries and back home.

7. Travel "off season". Fares will be quite a bit cheaper, and you will have the benefit of missing the tourist madness.

8. If you are planning a motoring holiday, find someone to share the costs.

9. If you are driving make sure your car is serviced and tuned before you go, that your tires are at the correct pressure, and that your vehicle is as streamlined as possible. Try not to carry stuff on the roof, or if you absolutely must, make sure there is a sloped surface at the front to

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