Tips to Maximize Your Summer Travel Kesi Stribling The Strategist eNewsletter Published by KSG Strategic Consulting editor@KSGSC.com
Organizing a vacation in a staggering economy can be frustrating for the most patient person, especially when coordinating a summer outing for the family. Don't dismay, following are some tips to help you plan for an exciting getaway without going broke.
Scour the Internet for package and travel deals. Many online travel companies offer air and hotel deals. Most are free and will ask you to store your credit card information on a secure page before allowing you to browse special fares. One of my favorite sites, Cheap Tickets, allows you to search for locations by dates and departure cities. You store your credit card information once you've decided to purchase tickets through the site.
Travel by bus. Maybe not as glamorous as traveling first class via airplane, hopping on a bus will enable you to spend more quality time with families, while taking in the scenery. Some bus companies, like Greyhound, offer incentives like half-price tickets when you travel with a companion.
Take a day trip. Day or overnight trips can be a nice treat. You can explore destinations for a shorter amount of time, while saving money. It is also a great way for folks with limited vacation time to take a break from work. Many cities offer short-stay incentives. For example, Philadelphia, PA has travel packages to accommodate week-enders on their travel website, GoPhila.com.
Pack lunch or dinner. You can cut costs by packing your own food instead of stopping at restaurants. Stop at a park or rest stop and take in the view while you eat. It's much cheaper than splurging on expensive meals, and it's much more aesthetic.
Join an automotive club. As a member of the American Automobile Association (AAA), you can get trip directions, customized maps, travelers cheques, and other free travel information. Not bad, considering that membership will also get you roadside service should your car need servicing while you're on the road.
Mile High Club. You've been holding onto those frequent flier miles, waiting for your cross-country trip to visit your long-lost aunt in Alaska. Stop sitting on that gold mine and use your frequent flier miles to cut down on travel costs, or upgrade your ticket - first class sounds nice.