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| Traveling Economically: We all want to get the most 'bang for our buck.' Here are ways to do just that: When booking airline tickets, leave on Tuesday or Wednesday, if you can - rates are often cheaper when departing or returning on those days. Talk friends into traveling with you - 16 and you go free! (Contact us to find out how.) If you can travel within a month's notice, you can save drastically. If crusie ships, airlines or hotels rooms are not filled, vendors are losing money so they'll offer these at greatly reduced prices just to get your business. They don't come up completely empty-handed and, if they treat you right, you will become a loyal customer. It's a good idea to have a separate credit/debit card to give hotels when you check in. Often hotels will 'freeze' funds on the credit card, releasing them up to 30 days after you checkout. If you use a separate card only for this purpose you won't run the risk of having no funds free to eat, etc. When comparing prices be sure to compare included amenities. Look for all-inclusives (include food, drinks, hotel and very often entertainment, equipment use and excursions.) and package deals. When traveling abroad purchase as much as you can in advance in USD. This is where tours, cruises and all-inclusives come in handy. Click on this link to view currency conversion: http://www.xe.com/ucc/ - Car rental: Check the rental rate for various days. (A recent example: A client needed a rental car for 3 days. Cost $30 per day + taxes/fees = $100. I found that by renting it for 4 days she actually saved money because the per-day rate went down: 4 days: Cost $14.99 per day + taxes and fees = $69.)
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| Domestic Travel: There are lots of interesting, exciting places to visit here in the United States that offer fun for everyone! With gas prices at an all-time high you would be wise to compare the cost of driving (don't forget to add wear and tear on your vehicle) versus taking a tour. Most tours include all or most of your meals, hotels, transportation and entry to whatever attractions you are visiting. If driving, do plan ahead - research areas you wish to visit and find out what's there. Contact Chambers of Commerce in advance - they often have discount attraction or hotel coupons. They will also have info on festivals, fairs, etc. that might be of interest. Short on time? Look for nearby activities and attractions that perhaps you've overlooked. Take a weekend and go exploring. Let everyone help choose the location or plan a surprise trip.
General Travel tips: When packing clothing roll each piece then put it in your suitcase - less wrinkles. Choose clothing in 2 or 3 colors so you create more outfits with fewer pieces. To avoid that last minute packing of makeup, razors, hair care, etc. simply purchase duplicates of everything (eyeshadow, mascara, moisturizer, razor, shampoo, etc.) and pack it in a travel kit that you leave in your suitcase. Be sure and rotate makeup every so often. When flying with children let them have their own backpack to carry books, activities, snacks, an extra change of clothes, etc. That way they feel responsible and it also frees up your hands/bags a bit.
| | International Travel: Traveling abroad is a wonderful cultural experience! Here are some tips to help ensure it's all it can be: Passport/Visas: Make sure you find out exactly what is required to travel to your chosen destination and make sure you allow plenty of time for processing/receiving any documents.(It takes about 4 weeks for a passport - 2 weeks for an expidited one - but you'll have to pay extra.) Use this link to find out passport details and apply: http://travel.state.gov/passport Visit http://travel.state.gov/visa to view details and apply for a visa. - Do leave a photocopy of your passport/visa with someone at home or swap copies with a traveling companion. Having that copy will speed up the replacement process if your gets lost or stolen.
- Consider renting a car and taking a self-driven tour across the countryside. Make sure you familiarize yourself with all driving requirements of the area you plan to visit. (Some tour vendors also offer cars with a personal chauffeur!)
- Don't overlook local B&Bs which are often a lovely way to experience local culture.
Be sure to research your destination(s) to familiarize yourself with customs, traditions, language, etc. so you don't accidentally offend someone by saying or doing something taboo. - Consider creating a tour group to take a advantage of group prices, a guide who speaks the language as well as knows the local 'hot spots' for each region you visit. (You no longer have to take a 'canned' package - you can customize tours to fit your needs/wants!)
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