Posted on

Travel Smart

Regardless of where you are traveling this year these tips may save you some money.
Check for any discounts on hotels, airfare or attractions. Are you a rewards member, or AAA or AARP? Can you use your hotel points? If you have a spouse that travels frequently and stays at one hotel chain, be sure they are signed up for the rewards program. The points add up and can be used for a vacation to save some cash.
Are you absolutely sure you will be staying at the hotel you booked? If so, many offer a discount of up to 30 or even 50% off the rate if you prepay for your room. Some of these will refund payment if you cancel within 24 to 48 hours.

Already bought your plane ticket? Keep checking the fares anyway. Some airlines will adjust your ticket if fares go down.

Read the guidebooks or ask the hotel if there are discounts on attractions you wish to visit. Sometimes you will get a deal or a coupon just by asking.
Once you get to a new, or even favorite, destination…walk. There is no better way to see the sights than on foot. Plus you save on costly cab rides. You can even visit the sites in your hometown or in the closest large city and save money by having a staycation. Check online before you go to see the best times to visit certain attractions, museums, zoos, etc.

Check the weather before you go. And be sure to check daytime as well as night temps. If you don’t need a heavy sweater…don’t let it take up room in your suitcase. On the other hand, you may want to plan on wearing layers of lighter clothing to stay warm enough.