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Top 10 Money-Saving Travel Tips

Traveling may be an expensive venture, but you can reduce the cost of vacations by applying a few practical, money-saving travel tips. Hall Honda Virginia Beach wants you to enjoy a vacation with your family without breaking the bank!

Airline tickets

Purchase airline tickets several weeks, even months, in advance, locking in the price to avoid price hikes. Arrange to fly out and back during the middle of the week. Weekday ticket costs are lower than weekend tickets, and the airports are less crowded, saving you time and stress.

Luggage

Check the airline website for luggage weight restrictions. Weigh your packed bags the day before you leave for your trip. If the bags are over the limit, repack and get the weight under the limit. The fee for overweight luggage can be as much as $100 per bag.

Accommodations

The cost per night of big name hotels puts a strain on your travel budget. Instead, book a suite offered by mid-range priced hotels. Suites include a small kitchenette, sitting area, and beds. A weekly rate may be as low as $200, depending on location and number of people.

Transportation

You'll want to explore the local tourist attractions, museums, restaurants, and shopping, but taxis are expensive. Take advantage of public transportation and obtain bus and train schedules when you arrive at your hotel. The concierge or desk clerk should be able to provide you with these, as well as a local map.

Food

The kitchenette in your suite gives you an opportunity to save on your food budget. Purchase canned coffee, sandwich fixings, and snack foods when you first arrive and stock your kitchenette. You can enjoy the cuisine at local restaurants, but reduce the cost of food for the trip by having smaller meals and snacks in your room, purchased from the local supermarket.

Sight seeing

Local attractions often have admission prices, and these may be higher during busy times like holidays or the summer season. Check online for coupons or discounts for purchasing tickets early. Check with the concierge or desk clerk when you arrive as well. Hotels sometimes have reserved tickets for events and attractions at a discount price for their guests.

Souvenirs

Avoid the souvenir shops and gift boutiques when shopping for mementos from your trip. Instead, shop at local outlets; drugstores and small department stores often have small sections that feature items such as t-shirts, shot glasses and post cards for tourists at a much lower cost.

Shipping

Sometimes you may purchase items on your trip that are bulky, weighty or difficult to pack. Rather than risk the cost of overweight luggage and damage to the items, purchase a shipping box and materials and ship them home. Ship as cheaply as possible and add insurance.

Pre-budget and post pay

Credit card companies offer points on purchases as an incentive. Set aside the cost of your trip in a bank account and then use your credit card for travel-related purchases. When you get home, and get the credit card bill, pay off the balance with the money you already set aside. You earned points and paid for your vacation. Alert your credit card company that you'll be using the card while out of town, so they don't flag the purchases as suspicious.

Working vacations

The Internal Revenue Service allows for business travel deductions, but only for the person whose travel relates to the business trip. Check with your accountant for regulations governing such trips, but the savings at tax time can reduce the cost of the family vacations.