Trifter

Normally the words “vacation” and “budget” are uncomfortable bedfellows. No one wants to feel as if they are taking a cheap vacation, as this is often the only time of the year that they get to treat themselves. The urge to splurge is strong when a week or two of fun is in the works. The reality is that vacations have a lot of wiggle room financially. There are many opportunities to save money without sacrificing the quality of your vacation. Here are some ways to shave dollars off the bill and still have a great time.

Air Travel

• Don’t rely on one online discounting service. Each discount ticket carrier would like for you to believe that they alone have cornered the market on low airfares. Actually the bargains can vary from site to site based on destination, time of year and what airlines they are more closely affiliated with. When seeking a fare, check all of the major online sites, not just your favorite.
• Call a discounter service. Toll-free numbers like 1-800 FLY CHEAP or 1-800 BETTER1 offers one advantage over the online booking services — the chance to negotiate in real time with a person. By calling these numbers, you can work with the agent to find the very best price for that flight.
• Don’t plan your vacation during a calendar week! If you can arrange to start your vacation on a Tuesday (usually the cheapest day of the week to fly) you will increase your chances of finding a great deal. Saturday tends to be the most expensive day to fly. Planning your vacation from midweek to midweek has the added bonus of returning to a partial week at work instead of facing an entire Monday to Friday routine.
• Be flexible! If you are willing to accept a night departure (’red-eye’) or an extra connection to your destination, the airlines will usually reward the inconvenience with a lower fare
• Participate in the frequent flyer miles program. Even if you have no future plans to use that particular airline, always sign up for the frequent flyer program. There is no cost to join and the miles usually last up to three years without any further activity. Often airlines will allow you to use miles earned with one company on another partner company. There is basically no downside to accepting the miles, so take them!
• Get bumped! If you are single and have a flexible schedule, airlines will often give you bonuses for giving up your seat on one flight and waiting for a later one. These bonuses can range from free meals in the airport to deep discounts on future flights to cash. You can use your patience and free time to enjoy these “voluntary rebooking” opportunities.
• Pack lightly. This tip was mentioned in a previous edition as a way to move easily through the airport. Airlines are charging more for checked bags in the past few months. Having even one less bag can save you $15-25 or more in checked-bag fees.

Hotel Accommodations

• Consider what you need. If you are going on a vacation that will keep you away from your hotel all day, why should you pay extra for amenities that you will never use? Choosing a luxury hotel that offers a sauna, spa, piano bar and such is wasted money unless you are certain that you will take full advantage of these extras. All that you really require in a hotel room is a bed, shower and safe place to leave your stuff.
• Look beyond the major chains. Especially if you have a friend who lives in the country/city you are visiting, explore the possibility of staying in a locally owned hotel. Since they are away from the high priced tourist area and don’t get the international advertising exposure, these hotels are significantly cheaper than their larger counterparts. Local hotels are also more influenced by the architecture and culture of their home country, giving a better sense of being in that environment.
• Don’t assume that a package deal is the best deal. Online booking companies heavily promote “vacation packages” that include airfare, hotel and sometimes tours for one price. While these packages may offer a small discount off of the full retail price of each component, you can be sure that with some research time and enquiry you can put together a better deal yourself.
• Use coupons and frequent stay programs. If you do choose a major hotel, sign up for their frequent visitor program. Similar to the frequent flyer programs of the airlines, most major hotel chains offer a way to earn points by staying in their hotel. Often you can find coupons and special promotions for these chains as well. Making use of these promotions can bring down the price of the current stay or provide discounts or freebies for future vacations.
• Check your bill. When you are checking out of the hotel, scan the bill for errors. If you find that you are charged for amenities that you did not use or did not receive credit for a coupon or special offer, politely point this out and have it taken care of before you leave.

Ground Transportation

• Use public transportation when possible. Most airports have bus, subway or shuttle services that run from the airport to town on a frequent basis. If you feel comfortable with this option, it can save you a significant amount of money over taxi fees.
• Be aware of free transportation. Larger hotels will often provide free shuttle transport for their guests. Ask about this when you book your hotel and use it if available.
• Choose a taxi wisely. If you prefer to use a taxi, don’t just jump into the first cab available. Negotiate the price beforehand. Don’t be afraid to compare prices with two or more taxis. If there is a meter, make sure that it is turned on and functioning as soon as the taxi starts to go. Be wary of taxis that look shabby or unmarked.
• Get a ride with a friend. If you have befriended a resident of the country you are visiting, see if they will meet you at the airport. Even if your friend does not own a car, they can be of great assistance in helping you avoid rip-offs and in choosing proper and inexpensive transport to your hotel.

Sightseeing

• Don’t blindly follow the group. If others in your traveling party want to participate in a guided tour or visit an attraction that you have no interest in, use that time to relax at the hotel or see something that you would like. There is no sense in paying for an extra slot in an event that you know you won’t enjoy.
• Weigh pros and cons when considering a guided tour. Guided tours are designed to show their clients a large portion of sights and attractions in a minimal amount of time. If you enjoy efficiency and a fast pace, this can be very enjoyable. The downside is that these tours often allot very small amounts of time to actually stop and look at the scenery, so you could find yourself torn away prematurely from something that you would enjoy examining. If you like to take your time (and save tour fees), make your own itinerary and go it alone or with a few friends.
• Go during the off-season. Most tourist areas have a time of year that is slow for them. Often they will offer discounts on admission or other incentives to tourists to boost attendance. The downside is that some attractions may be closed in the off-season, so be sure to check!
• Designate at least one day for “free sightseeing.” This can include window shopping, exploring the streets near your hotel or simply relaxing indoors for the day. Remember, you came to another country to enjoy the subtle differences in atmosphere and culture. Take the time to absorb your surroundings!