Simple travel tips to save time, money
Worried you'll still be paying off your summer vacation next winter? For many consumers, that's a reasonable - and recurring - fear. But it doesn't have to be that way. Experts agree one week of fun in the sun should not lead to a year's worth of debt. The simple solution: Make a reasonable vacation budget before you travel--and stick to it.
- Remember to budget for equipment rentals, snacks and gifts.
- Do research online to find recommendations from other travelers as well as residents of the places you plan to visit. Learn from others' mistakes before you waste your money.
- Airfares to more remote airports are often considerably less expensive than the more popular, and crowded, alternatives closer to town.
- Investigate discounts from hotels, restaurants and attractions. They may offer discounts to members of AAA, AARP and other organizations.
- Add a cushion of 10% to 15% to your budget for unanticipated events - everything from lost luggage, flat tires or a hospital emergency room visit.
Read more vacation planning tips here.