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Comprehensive Budget Travel Tips

20 Oct 2010 - noxa

There are endless little budget travel tips that can save you a little money here and there. None of them will save you tons of money, but all those little bits can add up to an affordable trip.

If you\’re visiting a big city, hotels tend to be expensive the closer in you stay to the city center. Even the budget hotels might strain your budget. Consider staying in a suburb or the next small town over. Take a 15-20 minute bus or train ride into the city. Hotels and restaurants will be cheaper, and it may even be a cuter area to stay in.

Home swaps are becoming more popular as a way to save while on holiday. They’re good for families or small groups traveling together to share the expense.

As an even more frugal alternative to a hotel, if you’re young and adventurous, you might even want to give “couch surfing” a try. It’s a system where you register, then are referred to strangers who are willing to let you sleep on their couch. Sign up to host or be a couch surfer with an organization like Couch Surfing. They will connect you with others who are interested in letting you flop on their sofa. You can also sign up to host travelers yourself.

There are house swaps and couches to flop on all over the world. You have to be willing to give up a little of your privacy, but you can save a lot of money…. and make new friends while you’re saving – Budget travel can be a lot of fun!!!

Consider booking a fly/drive bundle or hotels bundled with flights. You might be an independent traveler who likes to find your own accommodations, but you might find you can save a bundle with those budget travel tips.

If you want to go to a play or the opera look for half-off, same day sales booths. Many cities have these. In London and New York where everyone wants to see a play, these booths can save you a bunch. The only downside is you might not be able to see the latest plays. You may have to stand in a long line, and you might have to pay cash.

Are there any budget travel tips when you’re renting a car? Get the smallest car that you and your group can fit in. Car companies love to say they can “upgrade” you for only a little more…. but why do you want to pay more if you don’t need the space. Bigger cars take more gas… gas is expensive. (And, the driver in our team reminds me, they’re harder to park.)

Don’t get the “gas package” where you can return the rental car empty… you’ll never get it to empty…. You’ll be too afraid of running out of gas on your way back to the airport, so you’ll lose money on that half tank that’s left. Just fill it up near the airport and save money.

Think about your budget… and the environment when you leave for your holiday. Your house can save you money if you unplug all those appliances that say in “ready mode” and suck electricity while you’re gone. Unplugging them saves the environment too. Lower the hot water heater temperature to “vacation”. Make sure the heater or the air-conditioner are at money saving settings. The house doesn’t need to be heated or cooled as much while you’re gone.

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Budget Business Travel Tips

19 Oct 2010 - noxa

There is a big difference in the needs for business travelers and tourists. Although hotels are designed to provide shelter for every traveler, there are some that specialize in providing ideal comfort for business people and others that cater exclusively for tourists. The common requirements for both types of travelers are quiet rooms. Basically what business travelers need is a fast Internet access, a table and light enough for them to work in prime conditions.

Although people have this mistaken assumption that travel is just too expensive, you can actually avoid the acceptance of this statement, as there are so many reasons for you to do so. You just have to be a little more prudent and efficient travel planning can make the whole process even more enjoyable and comfortable. There are several ways through which you can reduce your travel expenses as follows.

First of all you just need to prepare your budget allowance, and a list with your minimum and maximums of the amounts you will be spending. You will need to take a good look at how to take some amounts off that list if you see that your budget is being stretched.

Look at seasonal traveling, as making your travel plans travel during low season can actually reduce costs. Business is down and therefore the hotels charge lower prices. Look for sales that offer discounts on airfare and hotel accommodations combined.

For domestic travel, you can lodge in Hostels and even consider camping in a tent. They are specifically recommended for students who do not have a lot of cash, but you may find they have everything you need for your business needs. Certainly much cheaper than staying in a hotel anyway!

Beware of off-season discounts, even if you are traveling in the country. These publications are available only to attract customers like those you can find through travel agencies, hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, journals, magazines, newspapers, etc.

If the place is not so far away and may be reached by using your own car, they this will help you save on travel fares. Renting a car would be a bit expensive, but you can reduce the rental by choosing a car without air conditioning apparatus and installations for speeding, etc. If you travel with your own car, use gasoline efficiently and turn the motor off at traffic signals. But the best way to save more is simply traveling by bus or train.

You can use the Internet to obtain valuable information about cheap travel, especially the fares, hotel accommodation and eating out. Also try to get more information about the location and lifestyle that can help you keep track of where residents go to eat at a cheaper rate.

Travel insurance is a very important factor that will take care of flight cancellations, medical expenses, lost luggage etc. Travel insurance companies offer their concessions when traveling internationally. At any point in time, travel insurance will make your trip safer and more enjoyable.

Amazing travel tips that guarantee discount deals for International travel, budget flights, holiday accommodation, entertainment, and many more important international travel tips… www.DiscountTravelTips-Micky.com

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Frugal Rv Traveling Tips: Keeping an Eye on the Road ? and your Budget

02 Oct 2010 - noxa

Hitting the road in your RV and the RV lifestyle can be one of the most economical ways to travel. If you do a little planning and research ahead of time, it’s easy to save even more – without ever feeling like you’re pinching pennies.

One obvious way to take the frugal route is to plan your RV travel during the “shoulder seasons” – before and after prime travel time – when discounts are often offered at various campgrounds and attractions.

Here are 5 cost-cutting RV travel tips that are good any time of the year:

1. RV Travel On One Tank of Gas

Remember the ending to The Wizard of Oz, when Dorothy says she doesn’t have to look any further than her own backyard to find her heart’s desire? Well, we’re not suggesting camping out right outside the house, but think about going to places not too far away that you’ve always meant to check out.

You’ll be surprised at how many new and interesting destinations are just one tank of gas away. A lot of territory can be covered in just a few hundred miles, and you’re bound to discover exciting locations you never knew existed so close to home.

Tip: Your neighborhood library is a terrific resource for researching local and state information and attractions – and most of it is free!

2. Put Your RV On A Diet And Get Better Gas-Mileage

It’s a simple fact that the less your RV weighs, the more mileage you’ll get on the road. Look around for places in your rig where you can institute a “less is more” policy.

For example, you don’t have to set out with a full, fresh water tank for your RV excursion. Take what you need for the first day’s travel, plus a small reserve, and fill up once you’ve reached your day’s destination.

Forget that bulky, economy-sized can of coffee: empty a smaller amount into an airtight plastic container that you can refill later. (One place not to cut back, though, is tire inflation: riding on fully inflated tires is a sure way to increase your gas mileage.)

Tip: When buying food staples, consider dehydrated items like soup and dried fruit, and transfer cereal and pasta from bulky boxes into heavy-duty plastic bags – not only do they take up less space, you can reuse them once they’re empty!

3. Plastic not Paper Dinnerware – A More Economical Approach Overall

Sure, the eat-and-toss approach of paper plates and cups is the easy way to go – and might even seem economical when you buy in bulk. But lightweight, inexpensive plastic dishes are easy to find, and while they might not last forever, they’ll certainly see you through the duration of a long-distance RV excursion.

Choosing plastic over a big stack of paper goods is also another way to save on weight, especially when you’re starting out on your RV trip.

Tip: Buy your plastic ware in a mix-and-match variety of vibrant colors, and these snazzy dishes will brighten up even the simplest road fare!

4. Drive Less, Stay More – Save on Gas AND Get Campsite Discounts

When creating your RV travel itinerary, consider making fewer stops and spending more time at each destination. This will save on fuel and campsites costs as most of them offer discounts for lengthier stays.

By driving less and staying more, you’ll receive an additional benefit: It’s much more relaxing to know that once you’ve turned off the ignition you’re settling in for a while. Also, by spending more time in one place, you’ll be able to do some more in-depth exploring of the area.

Tip: Look online at the local newspaper for the area you’ll be visiting. Check for listings of events that you might not hear about otherwise … and don’t forget to look in the classifieds for yard sales and flea markets, too!

5. Stop and Shop – At Local Discount or Dollar Stores

When you need to refill on groceries avoid supermarkets and convenience stores where prices are at a premium. Instead, look for local discount and dollar stores and roadside fruit and vegetable stands — depending on the season. You might not save much money there, but there’s nothing better than freshly picked produce.

Keep an eye open for discount outlets in the area. And stop at flea markets and yard sales where you might find a one-of-a-kind treasure. Not only do these unconventional choices offer the opportunity to find unusual items, it’s a great way to get to know the local neighborhoods and people.

Tip: Keep your birthday and holiday gift list handy – you might spot the perfect knickknack for a family member at someone’s yard sale!

Some Final Frugal RV Travel Tips:

- Make use of the cheaper parks, like state parks

- Join Good Sam Club for 10% discount at their parks

- Subscribe to RV magazines for great ideas on RV travel

- Shop around for best prices on camping stuff like Wal-Mart, K-Mart, GI Joes – instead of RV stores

- Avoid buying your RV “supplies” – like toilet paper – that claim to be for RVs/motorhomes. Save money and buy the cheap stuff.

- Save money and cook all your meals in the RV; don’t eat out. You can even make dishes ahead and store in your RV’s refrigerator

- Ask for senior discounts everywhere you go

- If members of AAA, see if any campgrounds give discounts. Look at a “Trailer Life Campground Directory” at your local library to compare camping fees.

- Plan!!

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