Have you seen
T.V. commercial where they show that one passenger paid only a few hundred for his plane ticket while person sitting next to him paid over a thousand?This is only one example of a truth that becomes all to apparent every summer.
You can SERIOUSLY over-pay for travel if you aren't careful.
If you are wanting to travel this summer, or anytime, use these four money saving tips to your advantage. You might just save 50% or more on your next trip.
1. Plan Ahead
The reason airlines love business travellers is that they travel on short notice. A cursory look at airline fares shows you that you will pay more, often twice as much, if you travel on short notice or don't include a weekend in your travel plans.
Even if you can't plan many weeks in advance, take full advantage of time you can plan ahead. Check with airlines, hotels, car rental agencies and more to find out when optimum time is to book their services.
It's amazing how much you can learn with just a few phone calls ahead of time.
2. Use The Web
If Internet has one great feature it's that you can find a lot of information fast. The Web allows us to do what is perhaps most money-saving activity of all .... comparison shopping.
Take full advantage of Internet using sites like Google or Yahoo as well as travel-specific sites. Companies like AAA (the folks who rescue you on side of road) give away tons of useful information just to interest you in their memberships.
Make a simple spreadsheet sorted by category as you shop online. When you find a great price on a car rental, hide-away cabin in woods or direct flight, add that information to your spreadsheet. Soon you will have compiled a powerful database of savings.
When you surf don't forget sites like eBay and Priceline. The 'bidding' model has become a very popular way to shop. As always, do your homework to ensure you have chosen a reputable vendor.
