Thrifty Travel Is Within Your Reach

Now is the season for cheap airfare, hotels and even cruises. I have a friend who always does their yearly Disney cruise this month, just for that reason. You can't get it any cheaper in any other month. How do you usually go about shopping for your next vacation? If you've got some time on your hands, it will pay off to take a few extra steps.

• Be your own travel agent. As you find new hotel, airfare, rental car and travel destination websites, bookmark them. Be sure to watch the travel section in your newspaper and keep a small notebook of company names, deals and trends.
  

• Don't forget about your club memberships. I'm talking AAA, the warehouse membership stores (Sam's and Costcos as an example), AARP and other organizations you are a member of, including some of your service clubs and professional clubs.

• Check the airfare trends. Get a good idea ahead of time what prices typically are at the time you want to travel.

• Read up on reviews so you don't pick the dirty hotel or cheesy part of the beach. Check traveldirt.com and Lonely Planet. These sites have lots in one place and are worth a visit

• Be sure to check the airline's or hotel chain's websites. Some only put the best deals on their sites. A perfect example is Southwest Airlines. You will not find their fares on the mass market travel websites. Sign up for email mailing lists. I've seen many last minute low prices, only available through email.

• Check nearby airports coming and going. It CAN make a difference in price. See what other airports are close by and compare prices.

• If your time is flexible, play the "bump game". Book a flight that is almost always sold out, typically the last flight of the day to a certain location. When they ask for volunteers to get off the plane, raise your hand. You can easily get a $$$ voucher or a free airline ticket out of it. My husband does this all the time on business trips where he doesn't have to be back right away.
  

• Save money on parking by parking at a local hotel. Just make sure the hotel has a shuttle. If you are going to be gone for an extended period, it may even be cheaper to get a hotel room, leave your car at the hotel and take the shuttle in.

• Compare the cost of driving vs. flying. Sometimes this can make a real difference! Also look into Amtrak or if you can stomach it, the bus, such as Greyhound.

• See if you have any friends who work for an airline, hotel chain or amusement park. These employees can get free and low cost passes they can give to family and friends. It doesn't hurt to ask if they can help you out.

Added 5/8/2008:

Don't forget to visit these websites as well!

Better Bidding

Bidding for Travel

Hotwire

Priceline