The Travel Ringer

Travel seems to be getting more and more expensive, but the savvy travelers are still finding ways to make it happen without going broke.  Here are some helpful travel tips to help you save money on your next trip.

Fly Southwest Airlines.  While I am not employed by Southwest Airlines, I am a minority stock holder in the company.  All that aside, my reasons for choosing Southwest as my #1 choice for frugal flying is that they are the only airline (to my knowledge) that does not charge fees to change or cancel flights.  When others are chargning upwards of $100 for a simple change as well as chargning for luggage and raising prices, Southwest remains comitted to serving customers and with a smile.  And here’s what’s better; if you are holding a ticket and the price gets better before you fly, you can rebook and get the difference as credit - again at no cost to you.  That rocks!

Are they perfect? No (perfection only exists in Heaven), but if you want to watch your wallet and not let the current airline price changes affect your summer trip, fly Southwest.

DISCLAIMER: While Southwest Airlines does not pay me to write nice thigs about them, I really think they should.

Fly All Day Long. If you are willing to wake up super early and make multiple stops, you can book on Priceline and find a cheap fare.  It will likely orginite at a time when peoople should be sleeping and give you an aerial tour of much of the United States.

Shop Online. This is no secret, but by checking a few online travel sites you can often compare and find deals - especially with hotels.  I have found many “web specials” at hotel sites that are not available at the hotel website and I have had some hotel booking agents tell me to check the web for “web specials” that they are not authorized to give.  I recommend starting with Expedia.

Book Your Flight After Midnight.  On most airlines prices drop at midnight (in whatever time zone their headquarters are in) because they often put a “hold” on seats and then if people don’t book by midnight the system “flushes” and then the new seats are back.  Also, people will make changes cancellations and those will flush out as well.

Fly All Night. Red-eye flights are often cheaper, but you better not have plans the next day because you won’t likely sleep well.

Take Longer Trips Around Holidays. Leave a day or two before the rush or leave a few days after (preferably both) and you can avoid increased holiday travel prices, and escape the crowds.

Lose Your Image. When renting cars, ask for the cheapest class.  Who cares how you look in it, chances are you won’t spend much time driving anyhow, unless you are taking a driving trip, then of course, the rules change.  Also, very often what you get will be the next size up and often if you just ack nicely, you can get a free upgrade.

FREE Airport Luggage Carts. Most airport have a common area where passenger get in line to pass through security and deplane.  It is in this area where people leave their luggage carts because they cannot bring them through secuirty.  I have done this a lot - just swallow your pride and walk up to a cart sitting there and go get your luggage.  It will save you a few bucks every time.

Become a Part Time Travel Agent. You will make a little money that you can put away for your trips, PLUS you can score some insider deals (a.k.s. FAM trips). Here is a simple guide that will help you learn hoe to become a home-based travel agent without spending a fortune.
Happy Traveling