10 Ways to Make Last-Minute Savings on Your Holiday Travel
Uh-oh, you’ve done it again. You’ve left planning for your holiday trip to the last minute and find your travel costs are much higher than you expected.
Well, it’s not too late to get some last-minute savings. Even though travel peaks during the holidays, the cost of traveling nowadays is still less than it used to be. Plus, if you take action now, you can still shave some dollars from your holiday trip.
1. Comparison shop. You don’t have much time, but the Internet makes comparison shopping faster and easier than ever. Check out aggregator sites like kayak.com, but don’t forget to look at individual airline sites as well. And when you’re comparing costs, remember to consider extra fees which aren’t included in ticket prices, such as baggage fees and other additional charges.
2. Act fast. When you do find a good deal, book it. Companies usually make great packages available for a limited time only, so you may not find it again if you don’t book it right now.
3. Plan to travel outside the peak periods. Don’t fly on the day before or after the holiday. Midweek also tends to be cheaper than weekends.
4. Explore other airports near your destination. See if it’s cheaper for you to fly to a nearby airport than where you originally planned go. Of course, factor in the cost of a cab or other transportation to get to your destination.
5. Try to book multiple flights with one or more connections instead of direct flights. Sure, direct flights are faster but they’re also more expensive. If you’re not in too much of a hurry – and if you’re not traveling with small children – you just might save some serious money by taking a series of connecting flights.
6. Save on accommodations by stay at a relative’s or friend’s house. Or look for hotel deals such as special family packages or holiday deals. Also check out how much it costs to rent a condo or apartment, or find a home swapping deal.
7. If you’re traveling to get away from it all, pick an off-season destination. For example, Las Vegas is cheaper during Christmastime than the rest of the year.
8. Look for deals on car rentals, if you need to rent a car. Again, the Internet is your best tool for finding hot deals.
9. if taking your own car, optimize its fuel consumption. Make sure all your tires are properly inflated, and replace your car engine’s air filter. While you’re at the mechanic, have your car checked to make sure it’s road worthy.
10. Food expenses can really add up when you’re traveling. To save on food, pack snacks and lunches to eat while you’re traveling. And when you arrive, plan to prepare your own meals.
These are only a few of the ways you can drastically reduce the cost of your holiday trip. If you want more tips you can use for your next trip and year-round, download this free report from Globe Cheap. Most of the tips in this report are insider tips only a former travel agent would know (which the author is).
If you’re willing to be flexible with your travel plans and invest some of your time and energy finding great deals (as opposed to putting everything in the hands of a travel agency) then you will save big money by following these tips. Go here to claim your free report now: Save 80% to 100% On Your Next Vacation – Guaranteed.
General “Travel Advisor” Tips
A trip to any destination meant either for fun, holidaying or business should enable you to make the most of it and aid you in preventing unnecessary and avoidable complications during its due course. Nobody desires to have their vacations marred by unpleasant events which could end up staling the entire excitement and fun from your trip.
1. The first and foremost step to take care of is to check the latest travel advice pertaining to the destination where you intend to travel. It would be beneficial if you subscribe to receive latest changes or additions to these travel advisories via email to help you get abreast with the latest developments happening there.
2. Taking out an appropriate travel insurance which would include adequate cover for medical checkups, hospital bills and other ailment relating problems would also go a long way in providing you a stress free holiday.
3. It would also be a good idea to register you with the appropriate and designated state departments operating in your travel destination. This would enable you in getting timely help in times of emergencies.
4. Make it a point to check the validity of your passport before you embark on your trip. The passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the day of your travel. Also ensure that it is accompanied by a valid visa if it is needed to gain entry to your destination and that the emergency information pages of the passport are duly filled and complete.
5. Leaving behind duplicate copies of your passport, tickets, travel insurance, travelling cheques, credit cards, visas and travel itineraries with your family and friends and taking along a copy of each with you is also a good idea which could subsequently aid you in emergency situations.
6. Do take some time to completely familiarize yourself with the laws, rules and customs of your designated destination.
7. Consult doctors and specialized health professionals regarding information on recommended vaccines or any other such needed precautions which are necessary to abide by if entry to the destination is desired.
8. Make it a rule to get your hotel accommodations done well in advance so as to prevent last minute hassles especially if you desire to travel in peak tourism season.
9. It would also be wise to update oneself with the weather conditions prevailing and expected in your travel destination so that you can plan your luggage accordingly.
10. A good tip to prevent jetlag during long flights is to book tickets in overnight flights of in those flights which arrive at the destination in the evenings thereby enabling you good rest and sleep when you reach the place.
11. Always ensure that you reach the airport well in advance to prevent last minute check in hassles. It is always a wise decision to check with the concerned airline authorities as to how early you are expected to arrive at the airport so as to enable a smooth and easy check in facility.
Source: Travelguide4planet.com
