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Budget Travel Tips
Most travel experts recommend that when planning a trip, it is best to shop around, compare prices and read the fine print. While rising fuel prices have made traveling on a budget more challenging, there is help. MoneyWatch has collected some tips and resources that might save you some money on your next vacation.
General Travel
- Consider using a travel agent. They often have relationships, experience and price breaks that you might not have on your own. Also, if something goes wrong on a trip, they can help.
- Plan to take your trip before or after the peak travel season. Airline tickets, hotel rooms and other costs can be significantly lower.
- Often, the best way to get a good exchange rate in a foreign country is to use your credit card. You will be charged the bank rate.
- Get written confirmation on all your travel plans and keep track of those confirmation numbers.
Source: Right on the Money
Airline Fares
- You may lower the price of a round trip air fare by as much as two-thirds by making certain your trip includes a Saturday evening stay over, and by purchasing the ticket in advance.
- To make certain you have a cheap fare, even if you use a travel agent, contact all the airlines that fly where you want to go and ask what the lowest fare to your destination is.
- Be flexible, if possible. Consider using low fare carriers or alternative airports and keep an eye out for fare wars.
- Get and use frequent flyer miles earned through travel, credit cards and any other means you can reasonably collect them.
Sources: Federal Trade Commission; Aviation Consumer Protection Division
Car Rental
- Since car rental rates can vary greatly, shop around for the best basic rates. Ask about any additional charges (extra driver, gas, drop-off fees) and special offers.
- Rental car companies offer various insurance and waiver options. Check with your automobile insurance agent and credit card companies in advance to avoid duplicating any coverage you may already have.
- It is almost always less expensive to return the car with a full tank of gas. Check your rental company’s refill rates when you pick up your car.
Source: Federal Trade Commission - Renting a Car
Lodging
- If making reservations with a hotel within a chain, call the hotel directly instead of using the toll-free number. You might get a cheaper rate or a perk such as free parking, free breakfast or an upgrade.
- If you like, you can negotiate the room rate when you book your hotel.
- In the U.S., go online to convention and visitors bureau's Web sites - they often have better rates than if you make reservations through the hotels.
Source: CNN Interview with Rudy Maxa
Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance can help protect your investment in a trip. It can also cover health insurance costs, especially for travel outside of the U.S., if they are not already covered by your current policy.
- Generally, travel insurance costs an average of four to seven percent of the cost of the trip.
- Travel insurance doesn't cover every instance of trip cancellation, such as a change of heart, so it is important to know what your policy covers.
Source: Marketplace Money - Travel Insurance A to Z
Resources
General Travel Information
Online budget travel guides
Travel tips, experts and shows on Public Broadcasting
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