Summer
is here, so before you load the kids into the car to escape
town, there are few money-saving tips you might want to consider.
Whether
you are traveling internationally, by car or just for the
weekend, costs are going up and it is important to save on
the small things. An ASTA travel agent is your best resource
for finding ways to save while you travel this summer.
When
traveling internationally:
Visit
destinations where the U.S. dollars is closest in value to
the local currency (currency in the Caribbean is tied to the
U.S. dollar, for example)
Look
for all inclusive packages, such as resorts or cruises and
pay upfront in U.S. dollars
Ask
your travel agent about locations that may be less costly
as they are in their 'off season'
Ways
to save money on hotels:
Ask
about upgrading your hotel reservation to a room with two
king size beds instead of getting two hotel rooms when traveling
in groups or with kids
Find
hotels where kids stay for free or cheaper when traveling
with kids
Find
a hotel room with a kitchenette so you can take care of a
few meals yourself instead of eating out for every meal
Your
travel agent can suggest properties that might offer complimentary
breakfast or heavy hors d'oeuvres in the afternoon.
When
traveling by car:
Pack
the car as light as possible - the more weight, the harder
the car works and the more gas you use
When
renting a car for a large group of people, renting one SUV
saves on gas mileage vs. renting two smaller cars
Make
sure tire pressure is accurate so that gas is spent efficiently
Use
only the grade level of gas that your car owners manual calls
for, nothing more
Use
cruise control to run the engine efficiently and save on gas
Ways
to save at home while you are away:
Turn
the air conditioning off or down
Put
your lights on timers
Unplug
large appliances like TV's and computers
Turn
off automatic sprinklers
Other
Tips:
Buy
travel insurance: it may cost more upfront, but has the potential
to save you thousands
Fly
in and out of airports that may be farther outside of the
city to get cheaper flights then take public transportation
into the city
If
a family member has a business trip, consider adding your
vacation onto the end of the trip so there is one less plane
ticket to pay for
Consider
a volunteer vacation--the volunteer portion of your travel
may be a tax write-off
