Discount Travel Resources

By Amanda Renelt-Larson

One of the most essential tools for anyone traveling on a budget is where to look to find information. The following cheap travel resources can be of great assistance in planning your next vacation. The travel assistance described is centered on European travel, but the resources described will benefit the world wide traveler. These are all tools I have used and will continue to use in my future travels.

#1 Resource: A Good Starting Point

A good starting point is a site that you trust to help give you a sense of the range of airfare prices, allowing you to be a better informed shopper. My personal choice is Kayak, but there are many sites that you can use. Try to find a site that searches a multitude of airlines and gives the bargain shopper a chance to compare fares and flights at a glance. In addition, search results can give you the ability to identify local airlines in foreign countries. From there you can search the websites of local airlines to ensure you are getting the best airfare. These types of sites also offers searches for discount hotels, car rentals, cruises, etc.

#2 Resource: No Frills Travel Options

There are many no frills airlines that offer competitive prices, two that I have used are EasyJet and RyanAir. These airlines offer affordable rates to customers, but if you want to get a steal you will need to book early. I have learned from my own mistakes. I have found airfare where you pay pennies for the ticket so the only cost is the taxes and fees. The first time I saw this deal I let the opportunity pass, I ended up paying a higher yet still affordable rate. The next time I was planning a trip I knew the financial benefits of planning ahead, this time I ended up taking advantage of these great deals. These airlines were also a great way to travel from country to county in Europe without having to spend a fortune. Please note the cost of these no frill airlines can creep up with the amount and weight of your luggage.

#3 Resource: Overland Travel

The means you use to travel overland will set the pace for your trip. There are three main ways to travel overland: train, car, and a tour. I have done all three and each has its own benefits.

Tours allow the traveler to see sites without having to worry about reading maps and train schedules. Tour guides will point out sites and give historical background that may be missed by travelers that utilize cars and trains.

Trains can be an efficient way to travel from place to place; railways give travelers flexibility without the hassle of trying to navigate foreign roads. One of the best options is to find a rail pass that best fits your trip. Purchasing a rail pass can help save you money and allow your trip greater flexibility. Last minute tickets can be very expensive, especially, if you desire an open return date. If you are traveling in the off-season (November-February) you may want to wait until low season tickets become available for purchase.

Renting a car allows travelers to control the pace and destinations of the vacation. The driver needs to ensure that he or she will be comfortable driving on foreign roads, remember you are going on vacation to have a good time. Car rentals are ideal in countries such as Ireland where the railway infrastructure does not take tourists to many of the worthwhile sites.

By knowing and utilizing the resources available, you will be able to plan a memorable and affordable vacation. Remember when traveling on budget you need to balance affordability with enjoyability.

A.F. Larson writes about keeping life enjoyable and affordable. Visit my blog Cheap Travel Tips for further information about traveling on a budget. http://www.cheaptipsforworldwidetravel.blogspot.com

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Ways to Save When Traveling Overseas

Whether you're a seasoned traveler or plan to head overseas for the first time, there are many simple ways to cut costs without impacting on the fun or comfort of your trip.

Thumbing through well-researched, up-to-date guidebooks helps in discovering little-known delights- and also helps to save money.

Countries differ but, when it comes to shaving costs, here are some general rules to apply.

MONEY

Never change money at hotel reception desks.

Foreign exchange is an easy profit source for hotels. Staff may tell you their exchange is competitive, but, hotel rates are almost always terrible.

In many countries, money-changer kiosks offer better rates than banks- but not always. Exchanging on the street is begging to be ripped off.

It's a good idea to have some local currency when arriving in a country. But do a little checking: sometimes it's better to change money on arrival at the airport rather than in your own country. Also, try and convert what currency you have left at the airport rather than after you get home.

Getting local cash from the ATM is generally cheaper than exchanging money- but check your card will be accepted.

You may also consider having some travelers' cheques issued in local currency before you leave home to avoid unfavourable exchange rates. To get around paying fees, instead of cashing the cheques at local banks, buy something small with a large cheque and use the change.

CREDIT CARDS

Credit cards are a handy way to carry money, as they save on transaction costs and offer reasonable rates of exchange.

The trick is to deposit enough money on to the card to fund your trip before you leave so it acts as a debit card instead of a credit card. Withdrawing money from a credit card that isn't cashed up is treated as a cash advance.

Withdrawals generally attract a high interest rate which kicks in immediately. The cost of whatever you bought with the cash you withdrew will multiply before you've landed back on Australian soil.

Also, take more than one credit card. Don't assume one credit card will be accepted absolutely everywhere. A good combination is a Visa or Mastercard and an Amex or Diners. Carry the cards separately in case one goes astray.

Finally, keep all receipts from credit card transactions in case you need to dispute any unauthorised charges later.

ACCOMMODATION

You won't get a good accommodation deal if you don't ask for one. Smaller hotels in general are likely to offer good rates on the day if they have rooms available.

The larger international hotels are less likely to have last-minute discounts but it's worth asking if there are any special deals for which you might qualify.

If you want to travel in style but remain cost-conscious, consider the hotels' executive floors. These upgrades can save you money since they usually include breakfast in the club lounge, free Internet access, coffee and snacks all day- and happy-hour cocktails.

Self-catered accommodation is often the cheapest option for families and groups.

Sometimes, travel-and-accommodation deals are best when it comes to saving some money. Packages often include air fares, discounted hotels (commonly with breakfast), transfers and perhaps optional city tours. Some may even include car rental.

Ski resort packages often include bed, breakfast and dinner, lift tickets and equipment hire- this can be a hassle free way to travel, especially if you're staying in an on-snow lodge.

GO OFF-SEASON

If escaping the crowds isn't a big enough incentive to travel off-peak, the prospect of saving on accommodation, attractions and airfares may convince you.

Traveling to Asia in the main wet season or Europe in February or March, for example, will be vastly cheaper.

But you have got to look at why it's off season. Traveling to Europe in winter if you don't like the cold may be miserable no matter how good the savings.

FLIGHTS

The earlier you book a flight, the cheaper it will be. The cheapest fares tend to be the ones that sell quickest. It really does pay to get in early.

FOOD

Opt for hotel packages with breakfast included. Gorge from the buffet to prevent those lunch-time hunger pangs.

Shopping malls often have food courts where locals lunch cheaply.

Raid supermarkets: in Europe (or Euro-Style destinations such as New Caledonia) they're a cheap source of tasty items to consume at the hotel.

DRINK

Shun in-room mini-bars. This old rule is often disregarded in quests for middle-of-the-night bottles of water. Buy water from a corner store before returning to the hotel.

SHOPPING

Don't forget to barter when you're out shopping, particularly if you are buying in bulk, but remember to check the customs rules first.

Bargains are only bargains if you don't have to leave them behind when you return home. See www.customs.gov.au for the latest rules.

If bartering doesn't get you anywhere, ask traders to drop the price if you pay cash.

Exploring on your own away from over-priced tourist spots is a good way to save on meals and souvenirs. If you go to the local shops you'll pick up better bargains and they are probably more authentic.

GETTING AROUND

Public transport isn't as terrifying as it seems. In South Korean cities, for example, subway lines, stations and exits all have numbers- study a map and memorise a few numbers.

Saving both time and money is Bangkok's Skytrain (ticketing staff speak English). Check for day-trip deals on transport systems.

KEEPING IN TOUCH

Avoid in-room phones and hotel business centers for Internet access. Activate international roaming on your mobile phone (by calling your phone company) but don't leave your mobile phone on all the time since you will be charged when your caller calls from Australia to your overseas destination.

Instead, tell friends and family that your phone will only be on for a specified hour. Otherwise, switch your international roaming to only making outgoing calls.

People should preferably e-mail you. Set up a free web-based e-mail account such as Hotmail or Yahoo, and check your e-mail at a dirt-cheap Internet cafe.

AVOID DEBT

Whatever you do, try not to come home laden with credit card debt

Grace Lee is an internet marketer with her own home online business. She assists other individuals interested in making additional income working online and helping them find the best home based business ideas and opportunities. She is also dedicated to researching how to save money as well as how to make informed decisions when it comes to managing and spending money. For more info visit:
http://www.cashproduction.org

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Visiting Hawaii On a Budget - Seven Tips to Use Now

Hawaii is an island paradise that everyone should experience at least once. Unfortunately, because of the small size of the islands and the booming tourism, it can certainly be one of the pricier vacation destinations.

If your vacation budget is a little tight, don't worry. You can still afford an incredible Hawaiian adventure without breaking the bank. Here are seven tips for visiting Hawaii on a budget.

1. When to Go. The first part of your money-saving Hawaiian vacation plan to tackle is the time of the year. There are definitely peak seasons to Hawaiian travel. If you choose to travel during off-peak time, you'll avoid the crowds and can also save on airfare and other travel related expenses. Mid-April to mid-June and mid-September to mid-November are the best seasons pricewise.

Ironically, travel dips during these times even though the weather is best on the islands. This is because most people travel to Hawaii when the weather in their hometown is bad. Winter is a popular season for Hawaii travel, so if you go just winter in the fall or just after in the spring you'll get a better deal.

2. Where to Go. You'll also need to make a choice of the island you want to visit. Although many people make their way for Oahu or Maui, you should know that these islands generally come with the largest price tags. The Big Island of Hawaii is somewhat more commercialized than the others, but the prices are often lower. Plus, the Big Island offers all of the highlights you want to see on your Hawaiian vacation including the rain forests, deserts, volcanoes and lots of beaches.

3. Find a Discount Flight. Your Hawaiian vacation's price tag will be largely composed of your airfare. Once you've decided on a time of year when you'll go, start keeping tabs on airfare immediately. You should sign up with one or more online airline ticket sellers to be notified when there is a good price for your tickets. The earlier you book the tickets, the better.

4. Shop Hawaii Package Deals. Try to find a package deal that includes your airfare, car rental (if you need it) and your hotel. And be on the lookout for coupon codes that will take a dollar amount off your total package price, which are sometimes offered by Travelocity and other travel websites. Often these packages give you amazing savings, especially during the off-peak season. Business owners are trying to make up for the slow down in tourism during these parts of the year so they are more inclined to offer you a deal to keep their establishments booked.

5. Think outside the hotel. There may be other options that can save you from breaking your budget on a high-priced hotel. Many people have vacation homes in Hawaii that they rent out during the time when they aren't using it. See if you can find vacation rentals by owner on Craigslist or other similar websites. If you're flexible on where you stay, you may be able to find homes for rent for as little as $50 a night.

6. Save on attractions by purchasing a discount pass or coupon book before you go. A Go Maui card, for example, is a discount attractions pass that you can purchase beforehand and that gives you general admission to a variety of Maui attractions - from ocean adventures and tours to culture and history to beach and water fun. Or consider purchasing a Hawaii Entertainment Book. Depending on the time of year, you can get these for as little as $10. At the time of this writing, the Hawaii book offers coupons for all the islands, including restaurant coupons and hotel and travel discounts, including attractions.

7. Set up a google alert with the keywords "Hawaii Discount" and "Hawaii Coupons." If you've never done this before, it's a cinch. Just go to Google.com/alerts and enter your search terms and email address. Google will send you an email update of the latest Google results based on your keywords at the frequency that you specify. This is a really handy way to make sure you stay up-to-date on the latest travel offers, some of which expire very quickly.

With a little planning and preparation you can make your Hawaiian vacation enjoyable no matter what your budget. And if you focus on saving money on your accommodations and your airfare, you'll have plenty left over to see lots of Hawaii attractions.

Jamie Jefferson writes for Susies-Travel-Coupons.com where you can find Hawaii vacation deals as well as Hawaii Entertainment Book Coupons and Go Maui Card coupons.

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Travel Discount Websites Reviewed

We have all spent a lot and I mean A LOT of time surfing the internet for those discount travel deals every single time that we go on a family vacation or business trip. And frankly I just got tired of it! So, to help everyone else that feels the way I do I've created something to solve our problem. A review of some of the best discount travel websites around.

#1 Travel Site - Travelocity

Travelocity offers a full range of features that can get you the deal you want, and often times for a fraction of the cost.

Their #1 Feature/Benefit

Amazingly cheap prices with FareWatcher Plus. This neat little tool keeps track of travel deals & the cheapest prices for up to 10 destinations of your choice. This insures that you never pay too much. And if you're looking for the perfect time to travel, be reassured because you'll find it with this great tool.

#2 Travel Site - Expedia

Expedia is defiantly one of the frontrunners in saving you money.

Their #1 Feature/Benefit

They offer a huge selection of popular world travel destinations, including the option to earn reward points with your travels. So, if you love to travel like I do and/or you're always on the go, this can really help out.

#3 Travel Site - Priceline

Priceline is truly a diamond in the ruff when it comes to great family travel.

Their #1 Feature/Benefit

This is, at least in my option, one of the coolest features/benefits in online travel. It's called Name Your Own Price, I'm sure you've seen the commercials. This tool is truly a blessing! It actually gives you "the traveler" the ability to negotiate for that bargain price.

Well friends, Happy Travels! And just remember, the trick is first to do your research, and secondly to pay attention to your unique travel saving opportunities.

Stop Paying those Ridiculous Prices... You could Be Overpaying By Thousands... Find Out which Discount Travel Websites will Benefit you Before you Pay!

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