Vacation Tips For A Budget

2008-08-19T21:19:00.000-05:00

Fuel Surcharges

2008-08-09T17:53:00.001-05:00

Fuel surcharges will begin to be charged on airline tickets for many airline carriers beginning next week.

Airlines' Extreme Measures

2008-07-20T18:28:00.003-05:00

Due to the rising cost of fuel, airlines are taking extreme measures to save money. US Airways is canceling all of the movies on their flights so that they can remove the in-flight movie system. This will remove about 500 pounds per plane. (One pound removed per plane saves an estimated 13,000 gallons of fuel each year.) The expected savings are $10 million a year.

Other airlines are charging for aisle seats.

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Frequent Flyer Programs

2008-07-15T03:49:00.002-05:00

Know your frequent flyer program rules. Some airlines base the miles you earn on the price of your ticket and others on the miles you travel.

Deals

2008-07-10T05:50:00.002-05:00

Latin America on sale: Air + 4 nights from $567
- Expires 7/29/08

Book 3+ nights and get a free $50 gas card! Book 2+ nights and get a free $25 gas card! - Ends 7/18/08 or while supplies last.

Europcar Summer Vacation Sale: 2 days free!
- Expires 7/31/08

Last-minute Vegas values: Hotels from only $42, vacations from $197 - Expires 7/16/08

Last-minute Orlando deals: Hotels from $69, vacations from $337 - Expires - 7/16/08

Summer Savings: Fly nonstop from $196 roundtrip - Expires 7/31/08

Travel Insurance

2008-07-09T06:36:00.006-05:00

1.Find out what coverage you already have from your current insurance companies (auto, renters, home owners, health, life, etc.) before you purchase a travel insurance policy through another company. You may already have coverage for certain things, such as health insurance when traveling internationally, that you are unaware of.

2.Find out what you can purchase through your current insurance companies before looking into another company.

3.Shop around for the best price and compare plans of equal coverage.

4.Don't purchase a travel insurance policy from companies associated with your vacation. If the company experiences any financial problems, you could lose not only your vacation, but also the travel insurance that was supposed to cover the situation.

5.Find out if there are any additional fees, deductibles or restrictions on the travel insurance policy.

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Using Credit Cards Internationally

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1.Verify that your credit card(s) will be accepted in the country where you will travel to.

2.Find out before your vacation the fees you will be charged for using the credit cards out of the country.

3.Carry a photocopy of your credit cards with you in case they are stolen and you need the numbers.

4.Take the phone number with you that will allow you to call your credit card company from outside of the U.S. in case of an emergency.

New York Pass

2008-07-01T00:06:00.001-05:00

Admission to over 40 of New York City's best attractions: New York Pass

Using Credit Cards When You Travel

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1.Photocopy each credit card, front and back before you travel. Leave a copy with a trusted family member or friend who can act on your behalf if you run into problems.

2.Let your credit card company know that you are planning to travel so that they don't put a hold on your card because of unusual activity. (Take 2 credit cards from two completely different accounts with you in case this happens.)

3.Make sure that your credit cards are current.

4.Ask for receipts. When you return from your trip, match your receipts to your credit card bill.

5.Make sure the limit is high enough on your credit card to cover your needs during your vacation.

6.Consider purchasing a special money pocket to carry your credit cards in, or carry them in a front pocket that zips for extra security.

How Not To Get Bumped

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1.Fly on the holiday itself, instead of around it, to avoid over booked flights.

2.Don't fly on Mondays or between 4 pm-7 pm during the week.

3.Arrive at the gate on time and board as soon as you are able.

4.Don't fly if there is a strike going on.

5.Fly on airlines that are less likely to bump (like Jet Blue Airways).

6.Remind the flight attendants that the FAA says they need to offer perks to people for being bumped and not just bump people against their wishes.

7.Join the frequent flyer program to show loyalty to the company.

8.Be aware that when booking your flight, if you get a message saying that seats will be assigned at the airport, the plane is probably already full.

Clear Card Coming Soon To:

2008-06-26T11:08:00.002-05:00

Los Angeles International Airport

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport

Airports Using the Clear Card

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1.Reno Tahoe International Airport
2.San Francisco International Airport
3.Oakland International Airport
4.Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport
5.Salt Lake City International Airport
6.Denver International Airport
7.Indianapolis International Airport
8.Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport
9.Little Rock Airport
10.Albany Airport
11.Westchester County Airport
12.LaGuardia International Airport
13.John F. Kennedy International Airport
14.Neward Liberty International Airport
15.Dulles International Airport
16.Reagan National Airport
17.Jacksonville International Airport
18.Orlando International Airport

Travel Cheap By Getting Better Gas Mileage

2008-06-24T20:22:00.007-05:00

Although the price of gas is so high, consider driving to your vacation destination. Find out how you can improve your vehicle's gas mileage by 200% or more. Watch this video from Fox News to see how it works. For more information Click here

Learn How To Get Bumped

2008-06-19T17:06:00.002-05:00

Flights are filled more this year than they have been for the last 10 years. They are 85% full, which is good for those looking to be bumped in the hopes of getting free or at least cheap tickets for future flights. Here are some tips to help you get bumped.

1.Choose flights that tend to be full, such as between 4 pm-7 pm Monday through Friday. Monday is the busiest travel day of the week and tends to be overbooked. Long, nonstop flights across country also tend to be quite full.

2.Don't check-in luggage. It's more convenient for the airline if they don't have to remove your luggage from the plane.

3.Travel around the holidays, right before and right after the holiday itself.

4.Tell the agent you are willing to be bumped if necessary when you arrive.

5.Fly during bad weather. You are likely to get bumped, but getting another flight may be difficult.

6.Fly during airline strikes, when more flights are cancelled.

How To Get A Clear Card

2008-06-19T17:05:00.002-05:00

In order to get a Clear Card, you must go to an airport that currently accepts the card. There, the computer scans your finger prints, eyes and takes a picture. This information is sent to the Department of Homeland Security. They mail an ID card within about two weeks.

Avoid Waiting In Line To Pass Airport Security With Clear Card

2008-06-19T17:04:00.001-05:00

Clear Cards are now available for purchase at airports. They allow you to move ahead to the front of the line to pass through security at airports, instead of waiting in the long lines. The maximum wait time with this card is 5 minutes before passing through security, but the security check is the same. The cost is $128 and currently is valid at 18 airports. More than 170,000 have purchased the Clear Card already.

Special Offers

2008-06-18T20:31:00.001-05:00

Book 3+ nights and get a free $50 gas card! Book 2+ nights and get a free $25 gas card! - Ends 6/30/08 or while supplies last.

U.S. fare sale! Fly one-way from $56+ - Expires 7/1/08

Your Rights When Voluntarily Bumped

2008-06-14T18:31:00.003-05:00

None. You have no rights if you choose to give up your seats, but here are some tips to get
the most out of being bumped while still protecting yourself.

1.Get a confirmed seat on another flight before you agree to be bumped. Also, confirm your seat when you book your ticket so that you are less likely to be bumped against your will.

2.Arrive at the gate early. This gives you an opportunity to volunteer to be bumped, while helping prevent an involuntary bump.

3.Insist on a check instead of a voucher for travel, because these vouchers typically come with many restrictions and blackout dates making them difficult to use.

4.When you volunteer, ask that they match the best offer they give someone else. If you volunteer early, and other people don't volunteer until much later on, they will probably receive more than you.

5.Keep in mind car and/or hotel reservations that you could potentially lose if you are not able to arrive that day, or any late fees they may charge you.

6.If compensation is not immediate, get it in writing.

Know Your Rights When Involuntarily Bumped

2008-06-14T18:17:00.006-05:00

It's very important that you know your rights if you are bumped, especially if it's not your choice. The rights you are entitled to depend on the time that the airline gets you to your final destination, compared to your original arrival time. (Individual airlines may give more, but these are the minimum requirements that you are entitled to by the FAA if you are bumped from a plane involuntarily.)

Up To 1 Hour Late:
You are not entitled to any compensation at all if the airline gets you to your final destination within one hour of your original arrival time.

Up To 2 Hours Late For Domestic Flights/Up To 4 Hours Late International Flights:
You are entitled to $200 if the airline gets you to your final destination within 2 hours for national flights and 4 for international ones.

More Than 2 Hours Late For Domestic Flights/More Than 4 Hours Late For International Flights
You are entitled to the doubled price of a one way ticket to your destination, up to $400 if you are delayed longer than 2 hours for domestic flights and 4 hours for international ones.

Ask for meal vouchers, hotel vouchers (if you are required to stay over night) and access to the airport lounge.

2008-06-13T19:37:00.001-05:00

American Airline's Additional Fees

2008-06-12T17:00:00.001-05:00

American Airlines is also charging for reservation help and pet handling. Keep this in mind, too, when you are looking for cheap tickets.

Checked Baggage Fees

2008-06-12T16:48:00.001-05:00

Some airlines are beginning to charge additional fees for checked baggage. When looking for cheap tickets, don't forget to include fees for checked bags when you compare air fares.

Beginning June 15th, American airlines will charge $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second. Until then, the first checked bag is free.

Continental, Delta, Frontier, Northwest, United and US Airways charge nothing for the first checked bag and $25 for the second.

Southwest does not charge any fees.

JetBlue and Alaska do not charge for the first bag and the second one is $20.

Search Lots of Sites

2008-06-12T16:34:00.002-05:00

Compare air fares, hotels and auto rental prices by searching many websites. I've added search boxes of the cheapest and most popular sites on the sides to make it easier for you to compare prices.

2008-06-10T20:51:00.000-05:00

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2008-06-09T16:27:00.000-05:00

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Cheap Travel: Bus Travel

2008-06-07T14:47:00.001-05:00

Bus travel can be considerably cheaper than travel by car which includes filling the gas tank several times on a trip. Check out www.greyhound.com and www.boltbus.com.

Considerations Of Travel By Train

2008-06-07T14:45:00.003-05:00

-The cost between locations can vary, so it may be more cost effective to drive to another location to catch the train

-Peak travel time (two weeks before Memorial Day-two weeks after Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas) is more expensive for train travel and the cheapest seats are booked well in advance.

-The accommodations you choose vary greatly in price and what is offered. You can choose from regular coach seating, first-class seating, business-class seating and a variety of sleeping accommodations when you travel by train.

Advantages of Train Travel

2008-06-07T14:43:00.003-05:00

Travel by train isn't based on the price of gas, making it easier to find cheap tickets.

-Train travel discounts are available for
students
seniors
veterans
children (ages 2-15 pay half price)
AAA members (save 10%)

-Amtrak Guest Rewards allow you to earn miles each time you travel by train that can be exchanged for free train travel and airfare

-Amtrak Guest Rewards Credit Card lets you earn miles on all purchases with this card

-Food can be purchased on most trains

-Considerably less security checks. Security checks consist of randomly selected passengers showing that their ID matches the name on their ticket

-Train Stations are in the middle of the city, not on the edge like airports

-Less time to check in for train travel than at an airport

-Statistically safer than driving

The Bright Side Of High Gas Prices On Travel

2008-06-07T11:43:00.002-05:00

The "bright" side of the high gas prices is that companies offer travel deals to get more people to take a vacation. "Summer vacation is an American institution, and we want to ensure that the price of gas doesn't come between travelers and this precious time to get away," said Paul Brown, the president of Expedia. "We're offering values that will allow all travelers to plan the summer adventure getaway that is right for them."

Check out some of these travel deals for cheap travel.

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The Down Side Of High Gas Prices On Travel

2008-06-07T11:18:00.002-05:00

As the price of gas continues to climb, less and less people travel. Robert Sinclair Jr., a spokesman for the AAA in New York said, "If a trend toward higher gas prices and fewer travelers were to continue, it could eventually impact travel-dependent companies that provide employment opportunities and tax revenues in almost every city and town in America… [However,] Americans consider their vacations sacrosanct… People are being more discreet. They still want to take their holiday, but they're planning more carefully."

Air Travel With Children

2008-06-03T19:41:00.002-05:00

1.Bring toys and activities to keep children busy. However, don't keep them too busy, allow them to have time to rest when needed while you travel.

2.Find out ahead of time what airlines have lap-belts for children to be strapped into for safety during flights.

3.Feed your children during take off and landing to help avoid problems with the ears. (Make sure that the food/milk can go through the security checkpoint. Also find out if the airline provides any type of baby food or special food for children on board.)

4.When you board the plane, ask where it would be best to change your child's diaper, if applicable, during the flight.

5.Sit by the window with the child on your lap, or let the child sit by the window.

6.Walk up and down the aisles holding your young children during the flight. Allow your kids to get up and stretch their legs occasionally.

7.Don't fly if your child is sick if at all possible. But if you have to fly, bring their medicine.

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Passports And Other Important Documents

2008-06-03T19:37:00.001-05:00

Before you go on vacation, make copies of your passport, driver’s license, any credit or debit cards, as well as any other important documents you will be taking with you on your trip. Leave a copy with a friend or family member at home in case of an emergency, and carry an extra copy of each document with you on your trip. If possible, keep these copies locked in a safe place and not with you.

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Internationally:
When you travel internationally, it's a good idea to always have a photocopy of your passport on you. Unless you need your passport for the day, however, don't travel with your passport on you, only the photocopy.

Packing Clothes

2008-06-03T19:36:00.001-05:00

Pack your clothes very tightly in your suitcase to prevent them from wrinkling when you travel.

2008-06-03T18:10:00.001-05:00

Bed and Breakfasts: What To Ask About

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1.If they have separate bathrooms.

2.Where is the bed and breakfast located and what it is surrounded by (a noisy bar?)

3.How far it is from town.

4.When check-in and check-out hours are.

5.What amenities are offered and how private they are. (Jacuzzis, spa, t.v.s, etc.)

6.If pets are allowed at the bed and breakfast, not only if you want to take yours, but if you don't want to be around other peoples' pets.

7.If children are allowed, for the same reasons.

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Bed and Breakfast Tips

2008-05-31T12:21:00.003-05:00

1.Look for pictures on the internet, of the rooms, furniture and scenery of the bed and breakfast.

2.Call to make the reservation instead of booking online to get a glimpse of their service.

3.Verify that they offer breakfast and find out what it includes.

4.Find out if the bed and breakfast offers lunch or dinner for free, or what options there are.

5.Find out if they offer entertainment or other activities.

6.Search for reviews on the internet about the bed and breakfast you are considering.

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2008-05-31T07:40:00.001-05:00

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2008-05-29T01:05:00.000-05:00

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2008-05-27T04:43:00.000-05:00

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Tips To Save Money On Hotels

2008-05-25T07:27:00.002-05:00

1.Ask about the hotel reward programs. At some hotels, if you stay a certain number of nights, you get to stay additional nights free.

2.Ask about the hotel incentive programs. These often include complementary beverages or dining.

3.If you are a senior citizen, or a senior citizen will travel with you, make sure you state that when you book your stay. Usually senior citizens receive a discount.

4.Children usually receive a discount as well, so if any will travel with you, let the hotel know.

5.If you need more than one hotel room, get adjoinging rooms instead of two completely separate rooms.

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2008-05-25T07:10:00.000-05:00

Camping Tips

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1.Make a reservation. Call the campground where you will be camping if you are going in the summer. Since this is busiest time of the year it may already be booked. If you are traveling in an R.V., call ahead and make sure they offer over night accomodations, because not all campgrounds do.

2.Store your camping gear in bins at home. Write everything in each bin and tape the list to the bin. This eliminates a great deal of time spent getting ready, and you always know where everything is, when you're preparing for your trip and during your trip.

3.Don't forget these items when you go camping:
-prescription and a written copy of the prescription
-first aid kit
-insect repellant
-sun screen
-flare gun
-cell phone and extra battery
-radio
-sleeping bag in a waterproof bag
-waterproof backpack
-waterproof matches

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2008-05-20T22:04:00.001-05:00

Compare 200+ Travel Websites

2008-05-09T18:59:00.002-05:00

This website searches more than 200 travel websites to compare air fares and travel deals.

Camping Safety Tips

2008-05-04T13:32:00.001-05:00

1.When you are camping, bring a navigational device with you so you don't get lost. Shop Now!

2.Keep food off the ground and secured in a safe place, such as your car, so that you do not attract wild animals while you are camping.

3.Bring a first aid kit with you when you travel that includes different sized bandages, scissors and antibiotic ointment.

4.Bring water purifying tablets to add to your water if it tastes or looks funny on your trip.

5.Bring insect repellant and sun screen when you are camping.

6.Bring a cell phone, an extra battery and a car charger for your phone.

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Travel In An Unfamiliar Area

2008-04-26T09:18:00.001-05:00

If you will be traveling in an area that you are unfamiliar with, bring a quality atlas, map or GPS to help you navigate. Don't waste money on gas by getting lost. Shop Now!

Considerations of Timeshares

2008-04-25T19:43:00.001-05:00

Timeshares (shared vacation homes) can be great, but if you are considering this, here are some things you should consider.

1.You have to pay maintenance fees, usually in January, for vacation homes.

2.Make sure the seller has an escrow arrangement with the solicitor or accountant to handle the sale of the property and transfer of funds. When you are satisfied with everything, release your money and certify the transfer.

3.Reselling timeshares can be complicated, so research your investment thoroughly.

4.Be careful of special discounts or prizes offered only if you sign up for vacation homes right away. These are often scams.

Consider Cruises

2008-04-19T14:34:00.003-05:00

Cruises are a wonderful way to take cheap vacations. They include accommodations, all the food you can eat and entertainment. On cruises, you only have to pay for optional on-shore excursions and souvenirs. It would be nearly impossible to find a hotel that compared in price to a cruise and had the extras you find on-board a cruise ship. You also get to travel to a variety of places while you are on a cruise. Check out the following Online Exclusives - Find the Perfect Cruise

Special Travel Deals And Travel Packages Updated

2008-04-19T14:19:00.001-05:00

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Hotel Safety Tips

2008-04-09T13:43:00.001-05:00

1.Do not stay in a hotel room above the sixth floor. The ladders of the Fire Department will not be able to reach you.

2.Check for smoke detectors, sprinklers and know where your nearest exit is in case of an emergency.

3.Don't stay on the first floor of the hotel if the doors or windows open outside.

4.Select a hotel with electronic locks. The locks are changed after each guest so the key cannot be duplicated.

5.Make sure your phone dials out of the hotel.

Tips To Find Nice But Cheap Hotels

2008-04-09T13:25:00.002-05:00

1.Look online to compare hotel prices.
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2.Look for a vacation package that will allow you to book your hotel with your airfares and/or auto rental.
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3.If your vacation is lengthy, try Extended Stay Hotels. They have fully-equipped kitchens, laundry facilities and wi-fi internet.

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Tips When Choosing An Auto Rental

2008-04-05T10:28:00.002-05:00

1.Search on travel websites for a cheap auto rental. Many sites allow you to put in a maximum amount you are willing to pay, so you are less likely to get blind-sided by hidden costs at the time of the auto rental.

2.Check with your car insurance company to find out if they will cover car rentals, instead of getting a rental policy through the rental car company.

3.Read the contract that you are required to sign before you sign it. Don’t allow yourself to be surprised when you return the auto rental.

4.Check the odometer. Make sure it matches the number written down on the contract.

5.Before you leave the lot, make sure you check the auto rental so you are not charged for prior damages.

6.Check out these sites to find a cheap auto rental:

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Tips To Find Cheap Airline Tickets

2008-03-24T17:45:00.003-05:00

1.If your travel dates are flexible, try flying on Tuesday, Wednesday or Sunday morning. These tend to be the slowest days for airline travel.

2.Don't fly on Monday. It's the busiest airline travel day and unlikely that any cheap tickets will be offered.

3.If you have a specific destination that you would like to visit, compare air fares on travel websites well in advance.

4.If your destination is flexible, consider looking for last minute travel deals offered by websites such as

5.Check for student travel or senior citizen discounts, such as , which offers special travel deals for students and senior citizens.

6.Check your local newspaper for travel discounts under the Travel section to find cheap tickets.

7.For more details on how to find cheap airline tickets, check out what airlines don't want you to know.Click Here!

8.Always sign up with the frequent flyer program of whatever airlines you choose to fly with, such as that offered by . It's free.

9.Check out these deals to find cheap tickets:

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