Everyone knows that you can have a wonderful time with family and friends when you go on vacation or travel to a new and faraway place. However, sometimes disaster can strike when things don’t go as planned or anticipated. Here are some hints and tips to help make sure your getaway is affordable and hassle-free.
AIR RATES
Be flexible. When booking your flight, do not tell the reservation agent your travel dates in advance. Instead, ask the agent to verify each rate for the itinerary you want within a date range. Ask first for the cheapest rates. If you are flexible, you may be able to reduce ticket costs.
Buy tickets after midnight on Tuesday in the time zone where the airline is located. Airlines typically start selling airfare late on Friday, with competing airlines matching the lowest fares. They usually stop matching the lowest rates on Mondays. Customers who book low fares have 24 hours to purchase tickets. All low fares that were reserved on Monday but not purchased before midnight Tuesday are available for sale at that time.
HOTELS
Make a hotel reservation at 4:00 pm on Sunday. You’ll have a better chance of getting a low rate from a receptionist who understands that an unsold room is a waste of revenue. Call the hotel directly in the city you want to visit. Do not call the 800 number; you will likely be contacting a national reservations clerk.
Request weekend rates. At some hotels, weekend rates are one third of regular rates. If you plan to stay the whole week, please ask for the cheaper weekend rate to be extended. Make sure the price you’re quoted reflects any hidden costs like resort fees and taxes.
Consider alternative accommodation. Many hostels now offer private rooms for $25.00 to $160.00 a night. For more information, log on to Hostelling International USA at [http://www.huisa.org]. Also, some universities rent out their dormitories at reasonable rates during vacation periods.
CRUISE SHIPS
Book a cruise at the last minute. Ships often sail with empty moorings. Many routes regularly have more berths than passengers. If you’re flexible, you could get great last-minute packages. Check with a travel agent or consolidator. Keep in mind that cruise lines now charge for extras that were previously included in packages, such as some recreational activities.
RENTAL CARS
Contact your local rental office. Local operators can offer deals to reduce a temporary surplus or build on the local market. If you call the national toll free number to make a reservation, you may not get the best price or the best car.
Whenever possible, avoid renting at airport lots, which can be more expensive than those in the city. Compare local and national rates at RentalCars.com. Make sure you only pay for what you want and need. Here are some things to keep in mind when renting a car.
additional insurance –
Your personal auto insurance may include rentals, and your credit card company may provide coverage for damage to rental cars, but this may not be enough. To maximize your coverage:
– Make sure you have enough collision and comprehensive coverage on your auto policy.
– Pay the rental car with a credit card that provides additional coverage.
– Check for car rental companies that have an agreement with your insurance company to provide additional coverage. For example, USAA offers additional coverage for Avis, Budget and Hertz autos in most places in the United States.
replacement controllers –
Most companies allow someone else to drive the car for free. But some charge extra for every other person who drives the car, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Ask before booking. Breaking the rules could affect your insurance protection. If your spouse is in an accident, you may have to pay for repairs out of pocket.
gassing-
When returning the car, you have the option of filling it up yourself, prepaying for a full tank at a flat rate per gallon, or paying a refueling fee when you return with less fuel than you originally had. Refueling fees can be extremely high. You may get a better rate if you fill it out yourself.
Return policy
– If possible, please return it to where you picked it up or be prepared to pay more. The return charge is based on the distance between the collection point and the return point.
Late Payment Fees –
Return the car on time. Most rental agencies give you a one hour grace period, but don’t try it. Returning it late can result in high overtime charges.
AUTOMOTIVE TRAVEL
AAA makes “summer driving season” sound so mandatory, like something horrible will happen to you if you don’t log a certain number of interstate miles by Labor Day. If you love taking road trips, here are some tips to make your trip go more smoothly.
Leave early, stay late. To avoid rush hour traffic, especially during the holidays, leave a day before other travelers and return a day early or a day later.
Plan ahead.
Know your route and have a backup plan in case of heavy traffic or road closures. Carry a vehicle safety/emergency kit with you. Make sure your car is in top condition. Long summer drives put a lot of stress on a car. Get a pre-trip checkup.
The tires must have enough treads. If you don’t know what to look for, have a mechanic check the entire width of your tire, including the rims.
The brakes need to be checked, usually by having all four wheels removed by a mechanic. Consider the thickness of the brake linings and shoes. Calipers, devices that cause friction when pressing on the brake pad, and rubber hydraulic lines should also be checked.
Steering components such as the front end and steering related parts including ball joints and bushings should be examined.
Take your time.
“Better late than sorry.” Plan extra time and arrive safely. Take 15-20 minute breaks every few hours and stretch your legs. Don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids. Don’t eat and run. Go for a walk after eating to get your blood flowing.
When traveling with children, keep toys, books, games, and snacks within reach to keep them occupied. Try a recorded story or sing along. Also try these two tips. Hang a bag on the back of the front passenger seat to store toys, bottles, crayons and other favorite items. Give older children maps of the United States and pencils, markers, or pens. Then while you’re driving, they can watch
