Tips to stretch travel dollars
Save a lot
Canny vacationers can save themselves a bundle. Here are some strategic tips from the experts on how to stretch scant dollars into great vacations:Be flexible. For instance, being willing to move your airline reservation from a busy Sunday to a slack Tuesday can save hundreds of dollars. Airlines encourage people to fly on off-peak travel days by offering lower fares.
Drive yourself. Picking a destination within driving distance is an especially cost-effective way to vacation, particularly with gas prices half what they were a year ago.
Go online. Go to the Web sites of airlines, hotels and attractions and register for alerts for special deals.
Use local travel agents. Even though they may charge for the service, travel agents can have access to some truly special fares and packages.
Plan early to use frequent- flyer credits. Seats for popular destinations are often hard to reserve at the last minute with frequent-flyer points.
Travel in off- peak times. In the "shoulder seasons," buyers have leverage to get lower prices as demand drops off.
Pack a lunch. Making a couple of sandwiches at home and putting them in a cooler will spare you restaurant prices.
Take advantage of member ships. Members of AARP, AAA and other groups can qualify for healthy discounts while traveling. Check with clubs you belong to.
-- Peter Bacqué
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