These days, just getting from here to there can suck most of the money out of your wallet (not to mention the fun out of your getaway). Follow these super-savvy tips, and stash some cash to splurge once the vacation really starts.
Supersize Your Seat
If you're itching for a little more space but don’t want to shell out the big bucks for business class seats, most airlines (United, Delta, American, US Airways, Continental, jetBlue, AirTran) will sell you a second seat for the same price as your first. On a Boeing 767, that gets you almost double the square inches. But pinching pennies only goes so far -- you'll still get 50% more legroom in business class than you will in coach...and coach will never offer you the service perks of business!
Track It
U.S. airlines all allow you to get a credit for the difference if the price of your ticket drops after you book it. Check out Yapta.com to track fares and set up e-mail alerts to track if the price drops on a ticket you’ve already bought.Practice Monogamy
Staying faithful to a single hotel chain will score you serious points. A majority of hotels with loyalty programs (Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, Starwood, and Wyndham) have abolished blackout dates for point redemption -- so you can use them to book a free room even during peak seasons and holidays.Wrap It Up
Package deals will always help you save a bit of dough. There are, of course, the usual suspects: Priceline.com, Travelocity.com, and Orbitz.com. Looking for a bit of added luxury? LuxuryLink.comoffers top-notch all-inclusives, and sends email alerts about its many blink-and-miss-it auctions for deeply discounted packages. But -- word to the wise -- keep a watchful eye when reserving. Some travel sites suggest airports several hours’ drive away from the hotel you’re considering.Drive Greener
Driving rather than flying is a great way to knock money off the total cost of your trip. Plus, you’d be surprised at the fantastic getaways you'll discover (with just a few minutes of online research) within driving distance of your nest. Carpool, and split the cost of gas with friends; if you’re renting, ask if a hybrid is available and save even more. Hertz offers them for $5 to $10 more per day than a regular car -- and you’ll save $20 to $45 on gas per 500 miles. If you know how to drive stick shift, manual transmissions also save on gas; as does turning off the air conditioning, reducing the weight in the car, and driving 50 to 60 mph on highways.Shack Up at Home (Someone Else's)
If maid service isn’t a pre-req, renting an apartment or getting a piece of a timeshare always costs less than crashing at a hotel. Check out HomeAway.com to find some steals.Eat In
This tip is a personal fave (my parents brought a box of Cheerios on our family trips, and splurged on a carton of milk at the hotel convenience store). Breakfast in your room can save you a good chunk of change, as in $5 versus $100 for the week (if you estimate about 5 breakfasts at $20 per couple). Don’t munch in the morning? Make a killer PB&J in your room midday while taking a breather from tourist crowds.
From theNest.com Posted by Mags
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