There are two kinds of travelers in the world: those who packed light and those who wish they had. To include everything needed in as little space as possible, follow these helpful guidelines compiled by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). Some of the most travel-wise people in the world, ASTA members know the techniques of efficient packing for all types of travel.
MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT!
Like an architect planning a building, so must you plan the contents of your suitcase by creating a list. A packing list eliminates the panic of last-second packing, serves as a handy guide for repacking at the end of the trip, and can be beneficial in the unfortunate event of lost or stolen luggage.
When planning your wardrobe, consider the events you will participate in both day and night and write down a possible outfit for each activity. Crosscheck this list to determine if one piece can cover multiple occasions. Pick clothes that coordinate well together, based around complimentary colors.
Check the weather forecast of the destination and plan accordingly. Also, be sure to know the local traditions, where a t-shirt for dinner could be a serious blunder, or bare shoulders may bar your entrance into such places as St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. For almost all outdoor activities, take pieces that can be layered.
Forget dress clothes for every occasion. The world at large has relaxed its dress code, showing almost universal leniency to tourists. Dark colors – a black dress or blue jacket – will get you through most dinners and plays.
TO PACK OR NOT TO PACK? THAT IS THE QUESTION!
Now that the wardrobe is thoroughly planned, stick with it. When packing, lay out the items you intend to take and reexamine your list. If possible, weed out single-use items and extras.
Set aside the pieces you intend to bring and ensure that they are clean and ready to be packed. Contact your travel agent about the hotel’s in-room amenities – such as a hair dryer, an iron and board, soap, shampoo etc. – so you’ll know what to leave behind.
Jewelry – don’t take what you don’t want to lose, and leave behind the flashy pieces that could attract thieves. Keep makeup to a minimum to save space, and leave the perfume behind when scented lotions will work just as well.
When it comes to the question of toiletries, travel kits are always the answer. Having a travel kit perpetually stocked in a waterproof case will save in packing time before the trip and aggravation after arrival. Most personal toiletry items come in inexpensive travel sizes, so purchase these whenever you see them so as not to arrive with a half-empty bottle of your favorite hair gel. And don’t fill bottles up to the very top, for pressure inside the plane may force the contents to expand and overflow.
With each item you intend to bring, visualize how to make it smaller, like photocopying certain pages and maps from the guidebook instead of bringing the entire book. Streamline your daily habits. Bring only one bottle of all-purpose lotion instead of multiple lotions for hands, face and body. Choose a regular toothbrush or razor over electric models.
Film and other accessories can be purchased globally and often easily, so save packing room by leaving them behind. Create an in-trip adventure and discover more about the area by shopping for a local brand of deodorant or lotion.
When it comes to incidentals, a few items will go a long way. Important items to bring include a first-aid kit, a tin of aspirin, sunscreen and a small bottle of Woolite for emergency, in-room laundering if needed. Also, a Swiss army knife will amaze you with its handiness, whether peeling fruit or uncorking a wine bottle. Remember – it’s not allowed on the plane, so pack it in your checked luggage.
Once your travel kit is complete, be sure to pack it in your carry-on bag to avoid a mess in your checked luggage and have on hand during the flight.
THE ART OF PACKING
Now you know what to bring, so let the packing begin. Iron everything before placing it in the suitcase. If it goes in crisp and clean, odds are more in its favor of coming out the same. Button all buttons and zip all zippers.
Learn to fold. Practice folding like they do in clothing stores – they use that method for a reason. The better the fold, the fewer the creases. All garments can be folded in many different ways – T-shirts, jeans, skirts and sports coats can be rolled up and strategically positioned (i.e. stuffed) in a duffel bag or travel pack.
The interlocking method of folding clothes is ideal for suitcases. Overlap two pieces of clothing flat and then fold them into each other so that each piece cushions the other to aid in defying wrinkles. Placing a piece of tissue paper between each layer of clothing will also help prevent wrinkling.
If using the fold and stack method, try to think chronologically, placing the items to be worn first on the top. This will prevent rooting around the suitcase for a specific item while disrupting the rest.
Always pack tightly. Packing loosely wastes precious space and causes clothes to wrinkle. Eliminate wasted space, such as the insides of shoes, which are perfect for socks or underwear.
Always carry travel documents, medication, jewelry, traveler's checks, keys and other valuables in your carry-on luggage. Items such as these should never be packed in checked luggage.
Label each piece of luggage, both inside and out, with your name and telephone number, but not your home address. If an address is needed, then put your office’s. And remove old claim checks to avoid confusion.
Unpack as completely as possible as soon as you get to the hotel to prevent further wrinkles. When repacking, remember that balled-up, dirty laundry takes more space than carefully folded clothes, so repack your used clothing identically to your original packing method.
ZIPPING UP
The main message: be in control of your luggage and not at its mercy. With a little TravelSense, a few packing guidelines and some helpful tips, traveling light will be an easy plan to follow.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
Family Travel Tips
Ask these questions when booking a room:
Do kids stay free? Is breakfast free?
Does the hotel offer a discount for adjoining rooms?
Does the hotel have cribs and roll-away beds? Do they charge to rent them?
Are there any supervised programs for kids? How much do they cost? Do you have to make a reservation?
Is there in-room babysitting? How much per hour? What are the qualifications of the sitter? How far in advance do you need to make reservations?
Do the hotel restaurant and room service have a kids' menu?
Does the hotel offer several family-oriented cable stations, like Disney, Nickelodeon, AMC, Discovery and Lifetime? Does the TV have a VCR, and is there a video library with kids' videos?
Are there Super Nintendos in the room?
Can the balcony or patio door be locked?
Does the pool have any special features (like a slide or waterfalls)?
Does the hotel offer a children's program? Is it included in the room rate?
Travelling with Teenagers
When traveling to several locations, try to stay at least four or five days in one place, so your teens have a chance to meet other kids, adjust to the area and find their way around the vicinity. Then they get a feeling of orientation and independence. Have them memorize the name of your hotel (or the address of your lodging) and give them a hotel business card to keep in their pocket. City visits with heavy cultural emphasis can be boring for teens. London is an exception, as there are some wonderfully hip places that both parents and teens will find interesting. Any vacation spot where there aren't other teens will be unpopular. (Forget the visit to Grandma and Grandpa's retirement spot in Florida, even if you think the beach is spectacular.) Many parents find that by the time their kids become teens they are burned out from long road trips and will refuse to do extensive car trips anymore. If your vacation plans include long drives, consider buying or borrowing a small TV and VCR that will plug into your vehicle's cigarette lighter.
Dining at five-star restaurants is a waste of time and money with teens (unless they want to become a chef or have a highly developed palate). And if you are required to wear a tie, they won't like it (you may not either). Consider taking them to one fine restaurant per trip as part of their culinary education. Have each teen bring a personal tape or CD player with headphones and extra batteries. Agree before departure on where, when and how often they may plug in. Bring a deck of cards, backgammon set or other games you can all enjoy that gives you a relaxed evening activity together.
If you are traveling abroad with a teenage girl, this is a good time to talk about the many different come-ons of sexual predators. If you are in a safe place and you trust your teens' common sense, give them the freedom to explore. Remind them of the buddy system: No one should go anywhere -- outhouse, cafe, beach -- without a buddy, whether it is a sibling, parent or friend. Be sure they know and agree to their curfew. Remind them that when traveling, they are ambassadors in the world and should be extra respectful, helpful and polite to everyone they encounter (including their parents!). If your teens take off on their own, remind them it is important to be cognizant of the hour of sunset. All over the world, towns and neighborhoods that are filled with activity during the day can empty out once darkness descends.
Neighborhoods that have been active and safe during daylight hours are not necessarily so after dark. Roll up your sleeves and share a volunteer vacation with your teenager. Dozens of non-profit groups offer fascinating trips for paying volunteers in the United States and abroad. They run the gamut of scientific, environmental, educational and social-service expeditions. Because group leaders are on hand to teach skills and monitor progress, volunteer vacations offer an opportunity for parent and teen to participate as equal learners on a team.
Consider letting your teens invite a friend to join you on short vacations, such as car or camping trips. And perhaps the best bit of advice:Remember what you were like as a teenager and how you wanted to spend your time on vacation!
Do kids stay free? Is breakfast free?
Does the hotel offer a discount for adjoining rooms?
Does the hotel have cribs and roll-away beds? Do they charge to rent them?
Are there any supervised programs for kids? How much do they cost? Do you have to make a reservation?
Is there in-room babysitting? How much per hour? What are the qualifications of the sitter? How far in advance do you need to make reservations?
Do the hotel restaurant and room service have a kids' menu?
Does the hotel offer several family-oriented cable stations, like Disney, Nickelodeon, AMC, Discovery and Lifetime? Does the TV have a VCR, and is there a video library with kids' videos?
Are there Super Nintendos in the room?
Can the balcony or patio door be locked?
Does the pool have any special features (like a slide or waterfalls)?
Does the hotel offer a children's program? Is it included in the room rate?
Travelling with Teenagers
When traveling to several locations, try to stay at least four or five days in one place, so your teens have a chance to meet other kids, adjust to the area and find their way around the vicinity. Then they get a feeling of orientation and independence. Have them memorize the name of your hotel (or the address of your lodging) and give them a hotel business card to keep in their pocket. City visits with heavy cultural emphasis can be boring for teens. London is an exception, as there are some wonderfully hip places that both parents and teens will find interesting. Any vacation spot where there aren't other teens will be unpopular. (Forget the visit to Grandma and Grandpa's retirement spot in Florida, even if you think the beach is spectacular.) Many parents find that by the time their kids become teens they are burned out from long road trips and will refuse to do extensive car trips anymore. If your vacation plans include long drives, consider buying or borrowing a small TV and VCR that will plug into your vehicle's cigarette lighter.
Dining at five-star restaurants is a waste of time and money with teens (unless they want to become a chef or have a highly developed palate). And if you are required to wear a tie, they won't like it (you may not either). Consider taking them to one fine restaurant per trip as part of their culinary education. Have each teen bring a personal tape or CD player with headphones and extra batteries. Agree before departure on where, when and how often they may plug in. Bring a deck of cards, backgammon set or other games you can all enjoy that gives you a relaxed evening activity together.
If you are traveling abroad with a teenage girl, this is a good time to talk about the many different come-ons of sexual predators. If you are in a safe place and you trust your teens' common sense, give them the freedom to explore. Remind them of the buddy system: No one should go anywhere -- outhouse, cafe, beach -- without a buddy, whether it is a sibling, parent or friend. Be sure they know and agree to their curfew. Remind them that when traveling, they are ambassadors in the world and should be extra respectful, helpful and polite to everyone they encounter (including their parents!). If your teens take off on their own, remind them it is important to be cognizant of the hour of sunset. All over the world, towns and neighborhoods that are filled with activity during the day can empty out once darkness descends.
Neighborhoods that have been active and safe during daylight hours are not necessarily so after dark. Roll up your sleeves and share a volunteer vacation with your teenager. Dozens of non-profit groups offer fascinating trips for paying volunteers in the United States and abroad. They run the gamut of scientific, environmental, educational and social-service expeditions. Because group leaders are on hand to teach skills and monitor progress, volunteer vacations offer an opportunity for parent and teen to participate as equal learners on a team.
Consider letting your teens invite a friend to join you on short vacations, such as car or camping trips. And perhaps the best bit of advice:Remember what you were like as a teenager and how you wanted to spend your time on vacation!
Sunday, October 7, 2007
How to get a low motel rate
People of all ages travel for business and pleasure. When traveling to another city or to enjoy a weekend away from home, many folks stay at a motel. Prices can vary widely, from the widely promoted $39.95 to well over a hundred dollars.
If you're traveling on a budget, you need to pay the lowest cost for the best possible room. A variety of discounts may help. Here are a few tips:
1. Join the American Automobile Association (AAA). For a fee of about $60 per individual, you can get a year-long membership that offers numerous advantages, including towing for stranded vehicles and discount lodging rates. Weigh the pro's and cons of buying a membership, especially if you are not driving a new car. Staying in a motel for five nights over the course of a year could pay your membership, and you'll enjoy other advantages as well.
2. Find out about AARP discounts. The American Association of Retired Persons offers a 10% to 15% discount on many services, such as hotels and motels. You can check out their Web site to learn more about a variety of benefits that are available to those over fifty years of age.
3. Convention discounts. If you will be in town to participate in a conference or convention, there may be a block of rooms available at a reduced rate. Ask the desk clerk if the sponsoring organization has set aside some rooms. If not, inquire whether a general convention rate is available.
4. Presenter's rate. People who are invited as speakers or presenters at a conference sometimes get half their lodging paid by the host organization. If you are invited to speak to a group, ask whether a reduced or fully paid motel room is one of the benefits.
5. Military and government discounts. Those who are members of the armed forces or who work for the government get many discounts to a wide range of services, including hotels and motels. Ask in advance if a reduced rate is available for you, and what type of identification will be needed to get the lower rate.
6. Emergency travel rate. If you have to travel across the country unexpectedly due to a family member's illness or death, you may be able to get a room discount if you must stay at a motel or hotel. Call local inns to inquire about this option before booking a room, as some places offer this type of discount while others do not.
7. Unbooked rooms. In making your travel plans on the phone with a motel reservations clerk, it doesn't hurt to ask if there is an available "low-rate" room. These are motel rooms that remain unbooked close to the check-in time. Rather than not renting them, some managers offer a discount to last-minute arrivals, although some discounts of this type may be offered in advance.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. So goes the old saying. The next time you must make travel plans that involve a motel stay, ask in advance about any or all of the above discounts. You might just save a few dollars that can be spent on entertainment!
If you're traveling on a budget, you need to pay the lowest cost for the best possible room. A variety of discounts may help. Here are a few tips:
1. Join the American Automobile Association (AAA). For a fee of about $60 per individual, you can get a year-long membership that offers numerous advantages, including towing for stranded vehicles and discount lodging rates. Weigh the pro's and cons of buying a membership, especially if you are not driving a new car. Staying in a motel for five nights over the course of a year could pay your membership, and you'll enjoy other advantages as well.
2. Find out about AARP discounts. The American Association of Retired Persons offers a 10% to 15% discount on many services, such as hotels and motels. You can check out their Web site to learn more about a variety of benefits that are available to those over fifty years of age.
3. Convention discounts. If you will be in town to participate in a conference or convention, there may be a block of rooms available at a reduced rate. Ask the desk clerk if the sponsoring organization has set aside some rooms. If not, inquire whether a general convention rate is available.
4. Presenter's rate. People who are invited as speakers or presenters at a conference sometimes get half their lodging paid by the host organization. If you are invited to speak to a group, ask whether a reduced or fully paid motel room is one of the benefits.
5. Military and government discounts. Those who are members of the armed forces or who work for the government get many discounts to a wide range of services, including hotels and motels. Ask in advance if a reduced rate is available for you, and what type of identification will be needed to get the lower rate.
6. Emergency travel rate. If you have to travel across the country unexpectedly due to a family member's illness or death, you may be able to get a room discount if you must stay at a motel or hotel. Call local inns to inquire about this option before booking a room, as some places offer this type of discount while others do not.
7. Unbooked rooms. In making your travel plans on the phone with a motel reservations clerk, it doesn't hurt to ask if there is an available "low-rate" room. These are motel rooms that remain unbooked close to the check-in time. Rather than not renting them, some managers offer a discount to last-minute arrivals, although some discounts of this type may be offered in advance.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. So goes the old saying. The next time you must make travel plans that involve a motel stay, ask in advance about any or all of the above discounts. You might just save a few dollars that can be spent on entertainment!
Vacation fun on a tight budget
No matter what income level they fall into, everyone needs a break from their daily routine on occasion. The stresses of managing a job, family, and home wear on people, many of whom believe they do not have enough money in the bank for a vacation. Still, all of us need to learn to balance our "work hard" mentalities with play, even if that only consists of a frugal weekend get-away. For stressed adults on a budget, it is possible to plan an inexpensive and enjoyable vacation. By following these suggestions, you can schedule some well-deserved fun into your hectic life.
Many people think they cannot afford a vacation because they have a faulty definition of the word. A vacation does not have to be a two-week excursion to another country, complete with stays at five-star hotels and gourmet dining to be fun. Neither will your children only remember family trips happily if they visit elaborate theme parks or exotic beaches. In order to be enjoyable, a vacation need only appeal to your interests and desires. This means that, with careful planning, you can design a thrilling or relaxing get-away with minimal cost. One of the best ways to save money when vacationing is to consider alternate forms of travel. Rather than flying, you can go by car, bus, or even train, all of which are relatively cheap. If you must fly, do research on the internet and by phone to find bargain airfares. Some airlines offer discounted rates for last-minute booking or "flexible destination" flights. Keeping your options open will help you get the best deal. The cheapest travel option of all is to walk once you reach your destination. Tour the town by foot and you will get a fascination, not to mention healthy, view of the sites.
In the same way, accommodations need not consume the majority of your travel budget. Off-season hotel rates are very affordable, so vacationing in the fall will allow you to enjoy a stay in nicer rooms. If you reserve rooms over a Saturday night, you are also likely to receive a better rate. However, hotels are only one place to stay while traveling. Bed and Breakfasts also have excellent last-minute rates, especially in the slow season when they are more interested in filling their rooms than pulling in a huge profit. They offer a quaint alternative to hotel rooms and often provide at least one meal daily in the rate. For the rustic traveler, camping is an affordable and adventurous option. Campgrounds offer tents and cabins with access to sinks, bathrooms, and occasionally small kitchens. This way, you can save money and have access to the surrounding wildlife.
The average four-person family can expect to spend a minimum of $112 daily on food, an expense that can rapidly devour vacation funds. To limit your eating expenses, think of creative ways to cut corners. Rather than eating out three meals a day, pack a cooler and stock up on treats for the trip. This way, you can have a quiet picnic along the way and will not fork out snack money at every gas station. Stop at your vacation state's Visitors Center to find restaurant coupons. Often, you will find "Kids Eat Free!" offers or discounts on certain meals, all of which will give you a fine dining experience for a fast food fee. If you stay at a hotel, take advantage of complimentary continental breakfasts. Check with the local pancake house to see if they have an "early bird special." Taking advantage of these reductions will leave you with more money to devote to entertainment.
When considering vacation activities, remember that many inexpensive options are available no matter where you go. In cities, there are numerous museums and fascinating historical sites that only charge a few dollars for admission. Zoos are also fairly cheap and offer entertainment for the entire family. For a small fee, you can take a scenic trek through state parks. Throughout the year, most states hold festivals for wine tasting, arts and crafts, and historical re-enactments. Even a day of antique shopping in historically preserved towns can provide a relaxing retreat. Look close to home for interesting destinations that you have never had time to explore. Many of us do not realize that we can get away from it all without going farther than the next town. Again, your Visitor Center will direct you to tourist sites that you never knew were there. Your entire family will enjoy exploring caverns, seeing a small theater production, or attending a local concert. These events offer an optimum of fun for a limited amount of money.
No one should feel that they are too poor or busy to take a vacation. In fact, meager savings and three free days allow for a great get-away for the frugal traveler. If you start planning and filling up the vacation change jar now, you will be able to take a trip before you know it. Best of all, you can save yourself from falling into a financial hole over an elaborate vacation. In years to come, your family will not remember how much the trip cost but how much they enjoyed it. Focus on quality as you plan, stick to your budget, and you can have the reviving escape you deserve.
Many people think they cannot afford a vacation because they have a faulty definition of the word. A vacation does not have to be a two-week excursion to another country, complete with stays at five-star hotels and gourmet dining to be fun. Neither will your children only remember family trips happily if they visit elaborate theme parks or exotic beaches. In order to be enjoyable, a vacation need only appeal to your interests and desires. This means that, with careful planning, you can design a thrilling or relaxing get-away with minimal cost. One of the best ways to save money when vacationing is to consider alternate forms of travel. Rather than flying, you can go by car, bus, or even train, all of which are relatively cheap. If you must fly, do research on the internet and by phone to find bargain airfares. Some airlines offer discounted rates for last-minute booking or "flexible destination" flights. Keeping your options open will help you get the best deal. The cheapest travel option of all is to walk once you reach your destination. Tour the town by foot and you will get a fascination, not to mention healthy, view of the sites.
In the same way, accommodations need not consume the majority of your travel budget. Off-season hotel rates are very affordable, so vacationing in the fall will allow you to enjoy a stay in nicer rooms. If you reserve rooms over a Saturday night, you are also likely to receive a better rate. However, hotels are only one place to stay while traveling. Bed and Breakfasts also have excellent last-minute rates, especially in the slow season when they are more interested in filling their rooms than pulling in a huge profit. They offer a quaint alternative to hotel rooms and often provide at least one meal daily in the rate. For the rustic traveler, camping is an affordable and adventurous option. Campgrounds offer tents and cabins with access to sinks, bathrooms, and occasionally small kitchens. This way, you can save money and have access to the surrounding wildlife.
The average four-person family can expect to spend a minimum of $112 daily on food, an expense that can rapidly devour vacation funds. To limit your eating expenses, think of creative ways to cut corners. Rather than eating out three meals a day, pack a cooler and stock up on treats for the trip. This way, you can have a quiet picnic along the way and will not fork out snack money at every gas station. Stop at your vacation state's Visitors Center to find restaurant coupons. Often, you will find "Kids Eat Free!" offers or discounts on certain meals, all of which will give you a fine dining experience for a fast food fee. If you stay at a hotel, take advantage of complimentary continental breakfasts. Check with the local pancake house to see if they have an "early bird special." Taking advantage of these reductions will leave you with more money to devote to entertainment.
When considering vacation activities, remember that many inexpensive options are available no matter where you go. In cities, there are numerous museums and fascinating historical sites that only charge a few dollars for admission. Zoos are also fairly cheap and offer entertainment for the entire family. For a small fee, you can take a scenic trek through state parks. Throughout the year, most states hold festivals for wine tasting, arts and crafts, and historical re-enactments. Even a day of antique shopping in historically preserved towns can provide a relaxing retreat. Look close to home for interesting destinations that you have never had time to explore. Many of us do not realize that we can get away from it all without going farther than the next town. Again, your Visitor Center will direct you to tourist sites that you never knew were there. Your entire family will enjoy exploring caverns, seeing a small theater production, or attending a local concert. These events offer an optimum of fun for a limited amount of money.
No one should feel that they are too poor or busy to take a vacation. In fact, meager savings and three free days allow for a great get-away for the frugal traveler. If you start planning and filling up the vacation change jar now, you will be able to take a trip before you know it. Best of all, you can save yourself from falling into a financial hole over an elaborate vacation. In years to come, your family will not remember how much the trip cost but how much they enjoyed it. Focus on quality as you plan, stick to your budget, and you can have the reviving escape you deserve.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Top 5 Budget Travel Gifts
No matter the time of year, chances are you've found yourself shopping for a gift that will go to a travel enthusiast. Such gifts are almost always used and appreciated. But what can you give that will maximize each traveler's budget? Here are a few suggestions, along with links to either the products or articles that will help you make an informed buying decision.
1. Under $15: Laminated Pocket Maps
One of the most common ways people waste money when traveling is by getting lost. Spending two hours trying to find something you should have found in 20 minutes is both frustrating and money-wasting. Many of us are reluctant to carry paper maps because they're hard to fold and awkward to handle. Instead, whip out a nice laminated version. They're available from a variety of companies, and the condensed city versions are almost always less than $15 USD.
2. Under $30: Budget Travel Guidebooks
Guidebook authors would be the first to tell you that they cannot keep current on all the latest food, lodging, and entertainment bargains. But they can tell you about well-established budget haunts, and the methods for getting a good deal in a particular area. Choose wisely, and you'll only need one for each trip. But don't get too dependent on the author's recommendations--venture away from the comfortable and discover your own "finds."
3. Under $150: Carry-on Luggage
Whenever possible, you should avoid big, bulky luggage that must be checked. Carry-on luggage all but eliminates the risk of losing your bags enroute, and shortens your time in busy airports. It also offers mobility, an essential ingredient in hunting down the best lodging and transportation deals. With this in mind, Patagonia has developed a line called "MLC" which is short for "Maximum Legal Carry-on." Most of the bags are under $150 USD.
4. Under $500: Bargain Cruise
With a little shopping, you can find a cruise that will cost $100 USD per day, per person. This means you can sail for nearly a week and stay under $500. Check out the "last-minute deals" sections on your favorite line's Web site. These are cabins (often inside, without windows) that they could not sell. Naturally, the company would rather not leave port with these cabins empty, so they'll book you at a deep discount and at least get something.
5. About $1000: Travel Passes
The all-inclusive pass has to be one of budget travel's greatest purchases. If you want to see a lot for a little, consider Cathay Pacific's All Asia pass, good for 21 days and 18 cities, just $1299 USD per person. Or how about a European railpass? A one-month Eurailpass for $975 will allow you unlimited travel in 17 nations. It also earns discounts on the EuroStar and some cruise lines.
1. Under $15: Laminated Pocket Maps
One of the most common ways people waste money when traveling is by getting lost. Spending two hours trying to find something you should have found in 20 minutes is both frustrating and money-wasting. Many of us are reluctant to carry paper maps because they're hard to fold and awkward to handle. Instead, whip out a nice laminated version. They're available from a variety of companies, and the condensed city versions are almost always less than $15 USD.
2. Under $30: Budget Travel Guidebooks
Guidebook authors would be the first to tell you that they cannot keep current on all the latest food, lodging, and entertainment bargains. But they can tell you about well-established budget haunts, and the methods for getting a good deal in a particular area. Choose wisely, and you'll only need one for each trip. But don't get too dependent on the author's recommendations--venture away from the comfortable and discover your own "finds."
3. Under $150: Carry-on Luggage
Whenever possible, you should avoid big, bulky luggage that must be checked. Carry-on luggage all but eliminates the risk of losing your bags enroute, and shortens your time in busy airports. It also offers mobility, an essential ingredient in hunting down the best lodging and transportation deals. With this in mind, Patagonia has developed a line called "MLC" which is short for "Maximum Legal Carry-on." Most of the bags are under $150 USD.
4. Under $500: Bargain Cruise
With a little shopping, you can find a cruise that will cost $100 USD per day, per person. This means you can sail for nearly a week and stay under $500. Check out the "last-minute deals" sections on your favorite line's Web site. These are cabins (often inside, without windows) that they could not sell. Naturally, the company would rather not leave port with these cabins empty, so they'll book you at a deep discount and at least get something.
5. About $1000: Travel Passes
The all-inclusive pass has to be one of budget travel's greatest purchases. If you want to see a lot for a little, consider Cathay Pacific's All Asia pass, good for 21 days and 18 cities, just $1299 USD per person. Or how about a European railpass? A one-month Eurailpass for $975 will allow you unlimited travel in 17 nations. It also earns discounts on the EuroStar and some cruise lines.
How to Get Bumped for Free Airline Travel
Here's How:
Ask if the flight is overbooked. Call your travel agent the night before scheduled departure.
Pack flight schedules for other airlines leaving for your destination from the departure airport.
Get to the airport 90 minutes before scheduled departure. Be first in line at check-in.
Before agreeing to be bumped, make certain the airline is offering a free ticket or a deeply-discounted ticket.
Before accepting the ticket for another day's travel, tell the agent you want to be sure of today's arrangements.
Tell the agent you want confirmed reservations on the next flight to today's destination.
If there is no guaranteed seat on the next flight, tell them you want a guaranteed flight on another airline. Cite Rule 240.
Consult the flight schedule you packed, and choose an alternate flight that works best for you.
If your wait for another flight exceeds two hours, inquire about meal vouchers and other perks.
If you get bumped from the next flight, repeat the above steps. You could get a second free ticket in one day!
These steps are adapted from Tom Parsons of Best Fares Magazine
Tips:
There are rules everyone must follow in a "bumping" situation, but some of the benefits will vary by airline.
The rules on bumping are different for international flights. Consult your airline if applicable.
Under some circumstances, the airlines have to compensate bumped passengers with cash values up to $400 USD. Don't take a ticket that's worth less if you're eligible for the money.
Ask if the flight is overbooked. Call your travel agent the night before scheduled departure.
Pack flight schedules for other airlines leaving for your destination from the departure airport.
Get to the airport 90 minutes before scheduled departure. Be first in line at check-in.
Before agreeing to be bumped, make certain the airline is offering a free ticket or a deeply-discounted ticket.
Before accepting the ticket for another day's travel, tell the agent you want to be sure of today's arrangements.
Tell the agent you want confirmed reservations on the next flight to today's destination.
If there is no guaranteed seat on the next flight, tell them you want a guaranteed flight on another airline. Cite Rule 240.
Consult the flight schedule you packed, and choose an alternate flight that works best for you.
If your wait for another flight exceeds two hours, inquire about meal vouchers and other perks.
If you get bumped from the next flight, repeat the above steps. You could get a second free ticket in one day!
These steps are adapted from Tom Parsons of Best Fares Magazine
Tips:
There are rules everyone must follow in a "bumping" situation, but some of the benefits will vary by airline.
The rules on bumping are different for international flights. Consult your airline if applicable.
Under some circumstances, the airlines have to compensate bumped passengers with cash values up to $400 USD. Don't take a ticket that's worth less if you're eligible for the money.
Top 10 Tips for Budget Business Travel
Business travel is under greater budget scrutiny than ever. Cost-cutting CEOs want their workers to take fewer trips. They also want expenses on the trips that are absolutely necessary kept to responsible minimums. Unfortunately, some of the cost-cutting measures that leisure travelers employ are impractical or even impossible in the business travel world. Here are some tips that will help you turn out a more pleasing expense report.
1. Build a realistic, destination-based budget
A budget must be a realistic and based on destination costs rather than an arbitrary per diem figure. Don't send someone to New York and Cedar Rapids with the same expense account. You can know how much it will cost to send an employee on a given trip before he or she leaves for the airport. If you must travel to expensive destinations, don't despair. Many of the largest and costliest cities also offer money-saving advantages. Paris, London and New York, for example, all offer highly developed and efficient subway systems. It's possible to travel within these cities very inexpensively.
2. Small Businesses: Appoint an in-house travel expert
Did you know that there are at least five Internet tools you can use to track airfares, including one that will tell you what people paid on a particular route over the past few days?
Having this kind of information bookmarked can help someone at your small business become a sort of in-house "travel bureau." Get that person familiar with Priceline, car rentals, and transportation passes, too. Then let your expert make arrangements for everyone.
3. Negotiate hotel rates in frequently visited destinations
Innkeepers will grimace, but you can often negotiate with hotels on rates. If you'll be staying at a given hotel 10 nights in the next few months, that's 10 nights about which they no longer have to worry about an empty room. That should be worth a special rate if you pay in advance. It never hurts to ask. Hotels give breaks and "corporate rates" all the time...they just don't advertise the fact. If they can get you to pay full price, they're happy. If you can tell them it's between their property and another down the street for your 20 nights of business this quarter, they'll frequently offer some kind of discount.
4. Avoid making dinner the most important meal of the day
It's almost always cheaper to invite clients to a nice lunch than a nice dinner. Sometimes a restaurant you can't afford for dinner is within budget at lunchtime. Along these same lines, fill up on a free breakfast if it is offered at your hotel. It might decrease the temptation to order an expensive lunch or dinner.
5. Pack lightly
It's not always possible to pack lightly for a business trip, but the less you lug, the more cost savings are possible. I see business travelers taking local mass transit to the airport all the time--but those travelers don't have three heavy bags in tow. They're carry-on travelers who know it might cost $4.50 to take mass transit instead of paying a cab driver $30.
6. Three car rental strategies
It sometimes pays to book the smallest model at the lowest price, especially in places where they might not have a lot of sub-compact cars in stock. If they run out, they are required to upgrade you at the sub-compact price.
Waive the insurance offered at the car rental counter if your personal auto insurance or your credit card covers you. Car rental coverage tends to be expensive.
Always ask for a car with a full tank of gas, and be sure to return it full. That way, you're only paying for the gas you burn.
7. Don't panic on short-notice trips
First, check the airline "special offer" pages and the budget airlines. Southwest, for example, usually has a "walk-up" (day of) fare that is significantly cheaper than its competitors. Be careful using Priceline for flights, because you can get some very unpleasant schedules in exchange for your savings. On hotels, Priceline often works very well.
8. Bid on upscale hotels to secure a budget price
The "splurge" is sometimes a business necessity. You don't want to buy your client a cheap steak, and you don't want them to drop you off at the Roach Trap Motel. The challenge is to provide quality at a reasonable price.
Using the Internet to book airfares, hotels and even reserve tables at restaurants makes these splurges less hazardous to your budget's health. For example, Priceline or Hotwire sometimes allow you to buy a three- or four-star room (and the services that come with it) at a one- or two-star price. You can use online menu guides to find restaurants that are upscale yet not outrageously expensive.
9. Book air travel for the middle of the week
Saturday night stays are disappearing as budget airlines write new airfare rules. But a few airfares still require staying over Saturday night. Most business travelers want to be home on weekends, but if you can structure a trip to take advantage of a much lower fare, it's worth consideration.
Speaking of Saturday, it is one of the three cheapest days to fly, along with Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Thursdays follow closely. Mondays and Fridays are frequently more expensive. Book accordingly.
10. Hands off the mini-bar and in-room movie selector
It's obvious advice, but it bears repeating: hands off the mini-bar! You would think twice about paying $8 for a package of peanuts on vacation, so why is a business trip any different? The same is true of $20 in-room movies. Pack a good book or a DVD to watch on your laptop instead.
1. Build a realistic, destination-based budget
A budget must be a realistic and based on destination costs rather than an arbitrary per diem figure. Don't send someone to New York and Cedar Rapids with the same expense account. You can know how much it will cost to send an employee on a given trip before he or she leaves for the airport. If you must travel to expensive destinations, don't despair. Many of the largest and costliest cities also offer money-saving advantages. Paris, London and New York, for example, all offer highly developed and efficient subway systems. It's possible to travel within these cities very inexpensively.
2. Small Businesses: Appoint an in-house travel expert
Did you know that there are at least five Internet tools you can use to track airfares, including one that will tell you what people paid on a particular route over the past few days?
Having this kind of information bookmarked can help someone at your small business become a sort of in-house "travel bureau." Get that person familiar with Priceline, car rentals, and transportation passes, too. Then let your expert make arrangements for everyone.
3. Negotiate hotel rates in frequently visited destinations
Innkeepers will grimace, but you can often negotiate with hotels on rates. If you'll be staying at a given hotel 10 nights in the next few months, that's 10 nights about which they no longer have to worry about an empty room. That should be worth a special rate if you pay in advance. It never hurts to ask. Hotels give breaks and "corporate rates" all the time...they just don't advertise the fact. If they can get you to pay full price, they're happy. If you can tell them it's between their property and another down the street for your 20 nights of business this quarter, they'll frequently offer some kind of discount.
4. Avoid making dinner the most important meal of the day
It's almost always cheaper to invite clients to a nice lunch than a nice dinner. Sometimes a restaurant you can't afford for dinner is within budget at lunchtime. Along these same lines, fill up on a free breakfast if it is offered at your hotel. It might decrease the temptation to order an expensive lunch or dinner.
5. Pack lightly
It's not always possible to pack lightly for a business trip, but the less you lug, the more cost savings are possible. I see business travelers taking local mass transit to the airport all the time--but those travelers don't have three heavy bags in tow. They're carry-on travelers who know it might cost $4.50 to take mass transit instead of paying a cab driver $30.
6. Three car rental strategies
It sometimes pays to book the smallest model at the lowest price, especially in places where they might not have a lot of sub-compact cars in stock. If they run out, they are required to upgrade you at the sub-compact price.
Waive the insurance offered at the car rental counter if your personal auto insurance or your credit card covers you. Car rental coverage tends to be expensive.
Always ask for a car with a full tank of gas, and be sure to return it full. That way, you're only paying for the gas you burn.
7. Don't panic on short-notice trips
First, check the airline "special offer" pages and the budget airlines. Southwest, for example, usually has a "walk-up" (day of) fare that is significantly cheaper than its competitors. Be careful using Priceline for flights, because you can get some very unpleasant schedules in exchange for your savings. On hotels, Priceline often works very well.
8. Bid on upscale hotels to secure a budget price
The "splurge" is sometimes a business necessity. You don't want to buy your client a cheap steak, and you don't want them to drop you off at the Roach Trap Motel. The challenge is to provide quality at a reasonable price.
Using the Internet to book airfares, hotels and even reserve tables at restaurants makes these splurges less hazardous to your budget's health. For example, Priceline or Hotwire sometimes allow you to buy a three- or four-star room (and the services that come with it) at a one- or two-star price. You can use online menu guides to find restaurants that are upscale yet not outrageously expensive.
9. Book air travel for the middle of the week
Saturday night stays are disappearing as budget airlines write new airfare rules. But a few airfares still require staying over Saturday night. Most business travelers want to be home on weekends, but if you can structure a trip to take advantage of a much lower fare, it's worth consideration.
Speaking of Saturday, it is one of the three cheapest days to fly, along with Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Thursdays follow closely. Mondays and Fridays are frequently more expensive. Book accordingly.
10. Hands off the mini-bar and in-room movie selector
It's obvious advice, but it bears repeating: hands off the mini-bar! You would think twice about paying $8 for a package of peanuts on vacation, so why is a business trip any different? The same is true of $20 in-room movies. Pack a good book or a DVD to watch on your laptop instead.
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