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| Would you rather spend your budget on airfare, airport food and baggage fees, or would you rather spend it on a vacation rental on the beach? |
Air Travel
Travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Saturdays.
There's generally more availability for less cost. You'll find the most airline
deals during the middle of the week, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Seek out alternative airports and be willing to
drive a few hours. This doesn't necessarily mean going to a big city airport,
thought that's the most common way to save. You might discover a deal by going
through a smaller airport as well.
The key with air travel is to do your research
and plan. While it's relatively easy to find an affordable vacation rental,
finding affordable airfare is a bit harder. Be sure you sign up for deal alerts
for a variety of airlines. And try to collect frequent flyer miles whenever
possible through special credit card offers. Every dollar you spend to fill
your tank to get to work might be earning you miles for your next vacation.
Traveling light has become much more important
these days. If there's something you absolutely have to take and you don't want
to take it on the plane, consider shipping it to your vacation rental. It might
be cheaper or at least cost the same. With shipping, you'll have the advantage
of being able to track it, versus risking lost luggage.
Get Social Online
Become active on Facebook, Twitter and other
social media outlets. More and more companies are using these tools to announce
their offers. In fact, many companies use Facebook and Twitter to announce
special "Friends and Followers only" specials.
Rental Cars
If you're renting a car at your destination,
check with your insurance agent. You may be able to decline all of the added
insurance coverage the rental company will try to steer you towards. Without a
doubt, decline the gas fill they offer. They'll charge you for a full tank,
even if the tank isn't all the way empty. Instead, leave an extra 10 minutes to
fill up on the way to the airport.
Meal Planning
Airport food's expensive. So is road food you
buy at the convenience store or truck stop. Pack lunches and snacks that keep
well, such as peanut butter sandwiches (try honey or brown sugar instead of
jelly for less mess), pretzels, prepackaged energy bars bought in bulk, etc.
Why spend your food budget on airport or road food that's really no better than
what you can bring on your own?
Be sure to go online and find the best grocery stores in the area
you're traveling to. Many publicize their weekly specials online, so you can go
to the store with coupons in hand. Then, stock your vacation rental with the food
you'll eat while you're there. Use the money you save to treat yourself to a
special dinner out.
