Flying
Many of us love the convenience of flying but hate the prices, especially this time of year because the prices just keep rising. Use these tips to wrap up your last minute plans without loosing an arm and leg.
- Be Flexible - Fly on a day that isn't as popular as let's say a Saturday. Off days, usually Sunday-Wednesday or usually less expensive then flying Thursday-Saturday. When looking at flight rates try playing with different dates to see if the price changes any. You could also consider flying on the holiday itself. Most people are spending the full day with their family and friends so rates can be marked down to encourage holiday travel.
- Take a Detour - Everyone enjoys a non-stop flight, including the airlines and they ensure you pay for the convenience Book flights that have a layover or two to avoid excessive ticket prices.
- Double Time - Instead of using one airline and booking a round trip, use two different airlines and purchase one way tickets for each. Many airlines are offering great deals for one way tickets this time of year. By flying Delta one way and AirTran another you could see savings of $100 or more per ticket.
- 24 Hour Rule - Take advantage of the 24 hour rule that most major airlines have in place. The 24 hour rule allows you to purchase your ticket and receive a refund within 24 hours if you decide to cancel. Use to your advantage by checking a similar flight again (same airline) just a few hours later, if the rate has dropped, cancel your current ticket and purchase the cheaper one. Just be sure that the airline you select has this type of policy before trying to attempt this one :)
- Seek and Find - Check more than one site. You can check the airlines corporate site, for example www.delta.com or you can search an engine like www.expedia.com. Search different sites, even on different days if your not rushing, to find better deals.
- The Scenic Route - A long drive in a car that is a little rusty is no fun. Consider taking a bus. While the drive is still long, you have the convenience of a bathroom and comfortable seats. Not to mention you can sleep, access Wi-Fi and enjoy a movie.
- Pinch your Pennies - While the Greyhound is the most popular travel bus around, check out this site I was recently introduced to, www.megabus.com. You can ride the bus in some cases for just $1. Yes, it is true. You can for example travel from Mobile, AL to Atlanta, GA round trip for $2 per person this holiday. Of course prices will vary but isn't that amazing! You will need to rent a car or rely on family or friends to help you out once you get to your vacation spot but the travel is so cheap!
- Plan Ahead - By planning ahead you can enjoy a wonderful trip, driving to your location. Plan in advance by ensuring your car is up to par for the drive. Make sure you get a full check up on it to avoid any breakdowns on the road. Towing and service fees can put a huge damper on your family's holiday fun.
- Again, Enjoy the Scenery - Instead of jumping in the car and hauling to get to Grandma's house, plan for a little bit of leisure. Research some fun family places to stop and visit on your way there and back. This will break up the trip, allow everyone to stretch, enhance moods and you make memories. Pick a restarunt you have always wanted to try or maybe go on a nature walk off the beaten bath.
- Snack Attack - Pack your snacks! Avoid spending $20 at each gas station stop when you refuel by having the family pack a goodie bag of their favorite snacks. Ensure everyone has a bottle of water too. Along with the snacks, pack fun activities for the kids to do. While video games are fun they can give kids headaches on the drive after staring at them to long so be sure you bring other things too.
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