Arundhati Konar, YourMoneySite.com
The scorching hot summer is back! And with most of the schools closing for holidays, it is time for families to plan out a vacation.
However, planning a family holiday is not an easy task. In addition, at a time when the cost of living has risen so much, some might even wonder if it is worth taking a trip at all! Nevertheless, proper research and right planning can not only give you a memorable time with your family, but save vacation expenses by 20% to 40%!
Here are a few ideas that could help you cut down on unnecessary travel expenses -
1) Fix a Budget: First things first! Plan out a preliminary budget for all possible expenses like air/train travel, hotel, transportation, meals and entertainment. This will give, if not exact, at least an approximate amount of your expenses. It is always wise to stay below the planned budget, as you are always left with something in hand for emergency.
2) Get expert help: Try to plan your trips through affiliated travel agencies. Travel agencies have a long list of affordable packages for your dream destinations. Planning your trip through such agencies also cuts down on your headache of booking flights, hotels, domestic travel, etc. If you get a good bargain, then the major part of your trip is taken care by the travel agencies at just a one-time cost! This means, during your trip all you need to take care of is your shopping and choice of locales.
3) Getting tickets at the most economical price: Think before you swipe your card for airfares, because internet fares may not always be the most economical option. They are likely to be very limiting. A few cancellations or changes can ruin your plans of saving that extra cash.
Do not restrict your time and dates for departure and return flights. The more flexible you are in your flight timings, the more you can save. For instance, a flight taking two hours to a destination may charge you more than the one taking three hours for the same distance. Also, peak hour or weekend flights may be more expensive. You may choose to fly early morning or late at night to get better prices.
It is always advisable to double-check all trip details, like dates, times, services, etc., before booking tickets. Avoid making ticket changes because you lose to the government (tax) even on the refundable amount.
4) Ground Transportation: One of the major expenses during an outstation trip includes ground transportation. To cut down on this part of your expense, you can opt of a rental car together with other passengers, or can take a multi-passenger shuttle or taxi. These types of transportation might be cheaper and faster.
If you have your itinerary in place, you can plan to visit the locales close to each other in the same outing. Options like bus, locals and metros also prove to be cheaper and faster in terms of ground travelling.
5) Hotel Booking: Before you book for hotels, look for online discounts and offers. Be flexible with your hotel preferences. When you can do with mid-range hotel, would it be wise spending on first-tier hotels when you plan to use it only for retiring after a long day of sight-seeing?
While booking for hotels, try to bargain. It is not uncommon to find lower rate in case of less occupancy.
Save money while travelling too:
- The option of dining at the hotel you have checked-in, is always available. However, there is no harm in trying to check out other options as well. You may have many food chains and restaurants close to your hotel with meals usually better and less expensive than room service. Do not forget to get hold of a local newspaper for any ongoing promotions at nearby restaurants.
- Every time you swipe your card or pay by cash, always cross check your bills (hotel, restaurant, transportation etc.). You can always dispute items you never called for. Even if you have already paid for the item, you can always ask to make the corrections.
Of the wide range of holiday spots available, all you need is to choose one for your family. And with the vacation season on cards, you will get bagful of offers from travel clubs and agencies. Pick the one that suits your pocket the best and pack your bags. Have a happy vacation!
1) Fix a Budget: First things first! Plan out a preliminary budget for all possible expenses like air/train travel, hotel, transportation, meals and entertainment. This will give, if not exact, at least an approximate amount of your expenses. It is always wise to stay below the planned budget, as you are always left with something in hand for emergency.
2) Get expert help: Try to plan your trips through affiliated travel agencies. Travel agencies have a long list of affordable packages for your dream destinations. Planning your trip through such agencies also cuts down on your headache of booking flights, hotels, domestic travel, etc. If you get a good bargain, then the major part of your trip is taken care by the travel agencies at just a one-time cost! This means, during your trip all you need to take care of is your shopping and choice of locales.
3) Getting tickets at the most economical price: Think before you swipe your card for airfares, because internet fares may not always be the most economical option. They are likely to be very limiting. A few cancellations or changes can ruin your plans of saving that extra cash.
Do not restrict your time and dates for departure and return flights. The more flexible you are in your flight timings, the more you can save. For instance, a flight taking two hours to a destination may charge you more than the one taking three hours for the same distance. Also, peak hour or weekend flights may be more expensive. You may choose to fly early morning or late at night to get better prices.
It is always advisable to double-check all trip details, like dates, times, services, etc., before booking tickets. Avoid making ticket changes because you lose to the government (tax) even on the refundable amount.
4) Ground Transportation: One of the major expenses during an outstation trip includes ground transportation. To cut down on this part of your expense, you can opt of a rental car together with other passengers, or can take a multi-passenger shuttle or taxi. These types of transportation might be cheaper and faster.
If you have your itinerary in place, you can plan to visit the locales close to each other in the same outing. Options like bus, locals and metros also prove to be cheaper and faster in terms of ground travelling.
5) Hotel Booking: Before you book for hotels, look for online discounts and offers. Be flexible with your hotel preferences. When you can do with mid-range hotel, would it be wise spending on first-tier hotels when you plan to use it only for retiring after a long day of sight-seeing?
While booking for hotels, try to bargain. It is not uncommon to find lower rate in case of less occupancy.
Save money while travelling too:
- The option of dining at the hotel you have checked-in, is always available. However, there is no harm in trying to check out other options as well. You may have many food chains and restaurants close to your hotel with meals usually better and less expensive than room service. Do not forget to get hold of a local newspaper for any ongoing promotions at nearby restaurants.
- Every time you swipe your card or pay by cash, always cross check your bills (hotel, restaurant, transportation etc.). You can always dispute items you never called for. Even if you have already paid for the item, you can always ask to make the corrections.
Of the wide range of holiday spots available, all you need is to choose one for your family. And with the vacation season on cards, you will get bagful of offers from travel clubs and agencies. Pick the one that suits your pocket the best and pack your bags. Have a happy vacation!
Source: http://www.yourmoneysite.com/news/2012/apr/seven-tips-for-a-pocket-happy-vacation.html
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