Category Archives: Budget Travel

How to Travel Ireland on a Budget

Cliffs of Moher How to Travel Ireland on a Budget

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland. CC Image by Marco Caruso (Flickr).

By BEN SKINNER

Want to find the best, most beautiful, and cheapest way to travel around Ireland? Put three people in a (very small) car for 20 days, armed with nothing but a map, a Polaroid camera, €500, and a Dorling Kindersley guidebook.

1.       Transport

We chose to drive to Ireland, as it was the lesser of two evils: one of us was scared of planes, the other of ferries. We decided it would be much worse to experience a plane crash than a sinking ship, so we loaded up a VW Polo and jumped on the boat at Liverpool. It’s not a long journey, maybe three hours tops, but when you have to sit outside by a lifeboat, it feels much longer. Getting around Ireland was made much easier by having a car: we saw the entire country at our own pace. Hiring a car is possible, but it works out to be more expensive. We didn’t venture on any public transport, firstly due to money, and secondly because we wanted true freedom to explore whatever we wanted, whenever we found it. Ireland’s most beautiful spots can be found in the most unlikely places, and we stumbled upon the most breath-taking scenes as we drove.

2.       Play it by ear

Forget about a detailed inventory; the best way to see Ireland is making it up as you go along. Pinpoint a few specific destinations, and wind your own way there, stopping at anything of interest. Locals are more than happy to tell you where’s best at the time of year you’re going. Keeping an eye on the weather is vital: certain attractions are impossible to visit during the winter. We made the mistake of visiting the Cliffs of Moher just as the tail-end of a hurricane hit…

3.       Talk to people

Irish culture couldn’t be more different from what we’re used to in England. People want to talk to you, and they’re always happy to help out. We ended up being adopted by an elderly Irish woman after getting locked out of our cottage: she supplied us with food, her family, entertainment, places to see, and one of us nearly got engaged. We only asked if she knew anyone who might have a spare key.

4.       Pubs, not clubs

I can guarantee that every club you go to, regardless of where it is in the world, will be exactly the same. Overpriced drinks, music you don’t really like, and not a real representation of the country you’re in. It’s no different in Ireland – the clubs were nothing to write home about. The pubs, however, were incredible. The majority of pubs we walked into (and as a result of, didn’t want to leave) had a live band playing, and people were dancing, singing and drinking. You’ll start believing that you’re in a film (PS I Love You, mainly). Alcohol is decidedly more expensive than back in the UK (averaging around €7 per pint in Temple Bar, Dublin), so we sacrificed food in order to stay in these warm, magical places.

5.       Landscape

With an environment that varies from the formidable Cliffs of Moher, to the traditionally beautiful scenery of Connemara, Ireland has something for everyone. Most places are free to visit or drive through, and charges only apply if you choose to go in the visitors’ areas. You’ll find yourself stopping every few miles to get out and admire the view if you do decide to drive. There are very few words you can use to describe Ireland’s beauty, and frankly there’s very little point in trying to do so: go and see it for yourself.

6.       Attractions

The Irish countryside is scattered with the most wonderful castles that are very much open to explore, and are a lot cheaper than many National Trust exhibits in the UK. Our favourite places were the ones you can spend an entire day at: Bunratty Castle, County Clare, gives you a free rein to explore the entire castle – including the canons, the surrounding village, and the horrifically narrow staircases (tip: don’t get cocky and end up falling down the last flight). Connemara’s Kylemore Abbey and its surrounding estate is breath-taking: it’s hard to believe the abbey hasn’t been superimposed onto the forest.

7.       Irish cities

Cities are always expensive, and Irish ones are no exception. Though we stayed mainly plan-free, when we got to Dublin and Galway, we did knock-up a rough itinerary: when there is so much aimed at visitors, you need to be selective; we would have struggled to eat/buy petrol/get home if we had done everything on offer. It can be quite tough to choose what to experience (unfortunately the Leprechaun Museum lost out…), but regardless of what you see and what you don’t, you won’t leave disappointed. Put aside a larger part of the budget for Dublin, if you plan on going; we were quite happy wondering around Galway, without paying to get into attractions. The Guinness Factory in Dublin is a must-see, and comes with a free pint (make sure you know the ‘proper’ way to drink it, before you get called out by the band playing, and taught how to do it correctly…).

Though Dublin was wonderful, it was full of stags, so be prepared for that.

8.       Food

Ireland’s reputation for food is apparently great, but unfortunately we didn’t budget enough for eating decent meals, and spent our time away living off soup, muffins, and whatever we found in the reduced aisle in the supermarkets. Not conventional and not healthy, but the hearty dishes quickly fill you up, and prices are relatively low – €5 would get you soup, a sandwich, and a drink in many cafes.

9.       Accommodation

If, like us, you only need a bed and a bathroom, hostels are the way forward. Ranging from €5 – 25 per night, they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. It’s worth booking a day or two ahead, as you can usually knock off a quarter of the price. It costs more for a private room, but we had no problems with staying in shared. If you do fancy splashing out, check out the variety of luxury spas Ireland has to offer.

10.   Sports/activities

We had already decided that we wanted a very cultural/historic tour of Ireland, so we stayed to footpaths surrounding castles, and any iconic scenery or landmarks we wanted to visit. However, for those who fancy upping the pace, there are plenty of other options. Horse-riding is one of the most popular choices – the relationship between the Irish and their horses is well-known around the world. If horses are too extreme, try cycling around the many National Parks Ireland is home to, or go kayaking – there are plenty of lakes, lochs, and rivers to spend days exploring.

This article was written by Ben Skinner of competition site MyOffers who run competitions for holidays, cars and gadgets. Visit them at http://www.myoffers.co.uk/

Discount Destination: 6 Travel Apps to Ensure You Arrive With Money to Spare

Trapster Discount Destination: 6 Travel Apps to Ensure You Arrive With Money to Spare

By LAURA MURPHY

We know the drill. Holidays are supposed to be an escape from it all, where you can finally sit back, relax and enjoy spending time with family and friends. It’s a time to explore places you’ve never been, eat new foods, and experience a new culture.

But without proper planning, not only can your holiday be stressful, it can also end up costing you more than it should. Everything seems to add up quickly – accommodations, airfare, car hire (however, Nova Car Hire does make reserving car hire more affordable), and other expenses on location.

Lucky for you, we’ve put together a list of our top apps that will help save you money while traveling so you can put your money where it matters most – creating new experiences. Here are six apps we don’t think you should leave home without:

Currency

Free

Available for the iPhone, Android, and HP phone, Currency helps you ensure you’re getting the most for your money when traveling abroad. The app features 128 currencies from 184 countries and provides up-to-date exchange rates so you always know the value of your money when traveling.

Pro Tip: Don’t use the exchange stations in the airport – they often charge a fee for exchanging your money and will end up costing you much more in the long run. Instead, go to a bank or ATM.

Trapster

Free

When you’re relaxing on a holiday, the last thing you need is an expensive speeding ticket to add to your day. If you’re renting a car at your destination, you won’t want to live without Trapster. It alerts you when you’re nearby a speed trap, red light camera, and other hazards. The app can also help you discover new destinations and map directions.

Pro Tip: Take advantage of the app’s speed feature that will alert you of changing speed limits so you’ll stay safe on the road.

Babelingo

$1.99

Don’t spend your money on expensive guidebooks or translation dictionaries when you can have it all at the tip of your fingers. Babelingo helps you learn popular phrases in 11 different languages that are broken down by category like conversation, time, money, eating out, medical, and more.

Pro tip: Learn at least a few of the common phrases (greetings, please and thank you, etc.) before traveling to a new country. Locals will be much friendlier.

Expensify

Free

If you often misplace receipts, it’s easy to forget what you’ve spent your money on. Expensify puts everything in one place by syncing your credit card or bank account with the app so you’ll have a copy of most charges as soon as they happen. If your purchase is made with cash or isn’t eligible for an eReceipt, you can take a photo of the receipt and Expensify will manually enter it in your account.

Pro tip: Check with your bank before you leave the country to see what kind of fees you’ll be charged when you use your card internationally. Most are a small per cent but it never hurts to ask.

TripIt

Free

Who needs a travel agent when you have TripIt? Simply forward all air itineraries, hotel reservations, car rental confirmations, and more to your free TripIt.com account and the app will put your master itinerary at your fingertips. As a bonus, you can look at weather conditions in your destination before you leave (who hasn’t forgotten a jacket on a cold evening) and even access driving directions to your destination so you’ll know whether to skip the expensive cab and opt for public transportation instead.

Pro tip: Take advantage of the free alerts, which lets your spouse, business partner, and others get updates on your travel status.

Yelp

Free

Have you ever been in a new city, only to sit down at a restaurant and realize it’s way above your price range? Or, perhaps you wasted money on a terrible meal because you didn’t have access to real reviews before you got there? With the Yelp app, say goodbye to bad restaurants. You can search in your area by cuisine type, price range, distance, and rating to find the restaurant that’s right for you. And, it’s available for nearly every phone including iPhone, Android, Blackberry, and Palm Pre.

Pro tip: If you don’t want to read through full reviews, take a look at the “quick tips” which usually feature reviewer’s recommendations for great dishes.

Before you embark on your next holiday, make sure you’ve downloaded at least a couple of these apps. They’ll make your next trip more enjoyable – and even better, less expensive and stress-free.

Laura Murphy has lead the eclectic vagabond life, traveling here and there and now has settled into the perfect gig for the perpetual itinerant: writing for the money-saving gurus at http://www.novacarhire.com/ She’s learned a thing or two about saving money on travel and hopes you follow her on her quest to share her lessons with folks who have a traveler’s heart, if not the budget.

4 Travel Money Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Backpacker 4 Travel Money Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

By OLIVER EMERY

Preparation and research can really help improve your holiday experience. Most people will research their hotels inside out, plan their transfers in advance and book early to get the best deals on flights. Yet thousands still leave their travel money until the last minute.

Be it naivety or bad planning, many travellers are still making mistakes with their travel money and fail to plan their needs in advance.

Read the mistakes below and make sure you don’t follow in the same footsteps:

Don’t Wait To Change Money at the Airport

Whilst the savvy amongst us know that airports don’t offer the best value for money, large numbers of people continue to change their money up at Airport Kiosks. Changing your money last minute at the airport is where you are most likely to get the worst rates. Whilst not ideal, even ordering your travel money online to be picked up at the airport can save you a large percentage. Ideally give yourself time to shop around beforehand for the best rates or to order a prepaid currency card online. These cards are growing in popularity as they combine competitive online rates with a safe way to carry money abroad.

Don’t Fall for 0% Commission Advertising

Many travel money providers use “0% Commission” advertising to pull in customers. Whilst this may seem like a good deal, hidden fees are usually built into the exchange rate which is often well below what is available online. Check the rate in comparison to those online currency providers to see just how much of a good deal you are getting. As the online companies have fewer overheads than those with kiosks and shops, the savings they make are usually passed back to customers in the form of very competitive exchange rates.

Always Pay in the Local Currency

Some retailers and restaurants on holiday may offer you to pay in Sterling from time to time. The appeal of seeing your purchase in Sterling may be convenient and tempting but this usually comes at a price. The retailer would have used their own exchange rate which is likely to be considerably higher than usual. Always make sure you pay in the local currency to avoid these uplifted exchange rates.

Don’t Forget to Haggle

In some parts of the world, like North Africa and Asia, haggling is commonplace. Whilst the more inexperienced or conservative traveller may be slightly wary of haggling, it will help you save money on “tourist” prices and get it something close to what the locals pay. Make sure you stay relaxed and friendly with the traders and you will usually find yourself getting a good deal.

By Oliver Emery on behalf of travel money provider FairFX, an online currency specialist with market-leading exchange rates.

Budget Travel Accommodation: In Praise of Cheap Hotels and Hostels

florence Budget Travel Accommodation: In Praise of Cheap Hotels and Hostels

Students enjoying the rooftop terrace at a hostel in Florence.

By ISABEL CLIFT

Many people think you have to sacrifice comfort and quality if you want to stay in a cheaper hotel when you travel. There are some bad apples, it’s true – but there are also plenty of budget accommodation options out there that give you a great experience and charge you less for it.

What budget accommodation is right for you?

Hostels

breakfast Budget Travel Accommodation: In Praise of Cheap Hotels and Hostels

Free breakfast is included.

If you’re travelling with a big group of friends, hostels are great for saving money on group accommodation – they also have a fun and friendly atmosphere, and you’re likely to make new friends just by hanging out in the common area. Hostels have cheaper rates because they offer non-private dorm accommodation, and bathrooms are shared. Towels, bedding, Wi-Fi and private lockers are often free, but it’s down to the individual hostel whether food is offered – however, lots of them have communal kitchens, so you can make your own meals on the cheap. If you travel solo, staying in hostels is a great way to meet other travellers on the road.

Cheap Hotels

If you want to stay in a private room with an en suite bathroom, but don’t want to pay the high rates charged by four- and five-star hotels, go for the cheaper option. Cheap hotels keep their rates low by offering a more stream-lined range of facilities: while a five-star hotel might have a business centre, spa, swimming pool and full-service restaurant, a cheap hotel might offer just one or two of these things. Cheap hotels give you extras like free Wi-Fi and breakfasts, and you will still get a great service. They’re a good option for families, couples and smaller groups of friends.

Top Destinations for Budget Accommodation

carnival Budget Travel Accommodation: In Praise of Cheap Hotels and Hostels

Vibrant colours of Notting Hill Carnival.

London

Big, free events in London like the Notting Hill Carnival in August suit groups of friends, so get your London hostel booked well in advance. If you travel to London with your family to take in attractions such as the London Eye, Big Ben and West End shows, go for cheap London hotels for conveniently-located, budget accommodation.

Recommended cheap hotel: The two-star Grapevine Hotel is five minutes’ walk from Victoria tube and rail station. It charges from EUR 39.70 pppn (per person, per night), and has free Wi-Fi, free breakfasts and flat-screen TVs in rooms.

Paris

sacre coeur Budget Travel Accommodation: In Praise of Cheap Hotels and Hostels

Steps of the Sacré Cœur at Montmarte.

Paris is the city of love, so if you’re travelling there for a Valentine’s break on a budget, go for cheap Paris hotels for a private and romantic place to stay. For festivals like Rock en Seine, a Paris hostel makes a great option for a large group of friends – and you’re likely to meet other festival-goers there too.

Recommended cheap hotel: Hotel Audran in Montmartre occupies a lively neighbourhood a short walk from the Sacré Cœur, the bars of Abbesses Street and Pigalle metro stop. The hotel has free Wi-Fi, and rooms start at EUR 68pppn.

New York City

bow bridge Budget Travel Accommodation: In Praise of Cheap Hotels and Hostels

Bow Bridge over The Lake in Central Park.

If you’re planning a shopping trip to New York, look for cheap New York City hotels so you’ve got a secure, private room where you can store all your new goodies! Those travelling in a bigger group for free music festivals like the Central Park summer concerts, or solo-travelling to see stunning New York sights, will find hostel stays ideal.

Recommended cheap hotel: Hotel 31 is found in the heart of Midtown Manhattan between Lexington and Park Avenue. Rooms have cosy, traditional décor and start at EUR £73.81pppn.

The bottom line is, cheap can still mean chic. Whether you’re looking for budget accommodation in major cities like London, New York or Paris, or you’re planning anything from a beach break to a ski trip, browse AnyTrip.com for a great-quality selection of affordable properties for short-term stays.

Isabel Clift is a writer for AnyTrip.com, the travel-booking specialists. She lives in London, and loves to take city-breaks in Europe whenever possible – her favorite cheap destinations for a long weekend are Berlin and Budapest.

Photo credits: 2, 3, 4, 5

How to Make the Most of Your Travel Dollars

Teri Gault Headshot How to Make the Most of Your Travel Dollars

Teri Gault.

By TERI GAULT

Whether you travel for business or leisure, learn tricks and tips on how to get the most value for your dollars without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

1. Engage in conversations with the locals: Chowhound, a popular online food discussion board, is a great resource where locals and tourists can chat and exchange tips of places to go and things to see.

2. Choose lunch over dinner: Lunch menus are often a lot cheaper than dinner menus and sometimes they serve the same thing. If you have your eye on a really nice restaurant, instead of paying twice as much for dinner, choose to eat out for lunch.

3. Where to get advice: Don’t ask the concierge for suggestions on where to eat because they often get paybacks from different places. Instead, consider asking a local resident like the cleaning lady or boutique owner what there favorite place is. From my experience, eating at the local gem will provide the best experience for the cheapest price.

4. Deal sites across the country: Go to sites like Groupon or Living Social and look up deals for each city you will be visiting. Another similar site is GoldStar.com which provides half price tickets to events and shows in several cities nationwide. By planning ahead you can take advantage of deals.

5. Find the app that helps: Apps for your iPhone or iPad make traveling so much easier.

·       TripTik Travel Planner at AAA.com is a GPS based planning tool that helps map out any trip and locates hotels, gas stations, attractions and local events along the way. By downloading the app for your iPhone you can completely customize your trip.

·       Wikihood is one of the highest rated apps on iTunes. Start the app and enable geolocation and it creates a list of historical buildings, famous sites, public transit, noted bars, restaurants and parks. This makes traveling really simple.

·       Wi-Fi Finder allows you to easily locate free Wi-Fi in over 320,000 locations in 140 countries worldwide. This is an incredibly helpful tool when you cant find a local Starbucks. And, thankfully, locations can be downloaded for use when you’re not online.

·       SitOrSquat.com is another great must-have application for you iPone or iPad as it shows you where the cleanest public bathrooms are located in your city. This is a great resource, especially when you travel with children.

6. Be flexible when flying: The time of day you travel as well as the time of day you purchase tickets can be the difference between saving $100 and not. Traveling on off peak days and times of the weeks can give great savings on flight costs. Typically, travel on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday is cheapest. Opting to fly into alternate airports can make for huge savings. And pay attention to what time of the day you look for flights, if the price seems too high try searching for it at a different time of the day. Flight prices fluctuate depending on the hour. Airfarewatchdog.com is a straightforward sight that helps navigate when and where flights are at their cheapest.

Favorite products to bring when traveling:

Hand Sanitizer: Did you know that people have between two and 10 million bacteria between the fingertip and elbow? When you are constantly traveling, think about how many people you run into and how much you end up touching. VERIPUR is great new product because it not only protects your hands from nasty germs but it also keeps them moisturized. VERIPUR is available in a 3 fl. oz tube (which means you can keep it in your carry on) and sold at Walgreens, so you can save with a register reward.

Sneakers: Bring running shoes in your carry on, if you are changing planes. I know this may sound crazy. But chances are very likely that your first flight will be late. If you miss that second flight, you may be stuck in the airport for a day or more on standby. If you’re running late on the first flight, before it lands, take off your slip on shoes, and put on your running shoes. I have literally run to a flight, and wouldn’t have made it any other way, many times.

Bottled Water: Bring at least one water bottle on the plane with you – preferably two. After you go through security, go straight to a vendor and buy two over-priced water bottles. You may thank me later. This is a rule that I strictly adhere to on all flights, no matter how long or short. On a short flight from Memphis to Phoenix last week, we were stuck in the plane for an hour and a half before take off. Once out on the tarmac, the flight attendants cannot serve any beverages. The plane was hot as unless you are at the gate, there is no air. When in a hotel don’t buy water, use an empty bottle or the one you bought at airport and fill it up at the gym. It is cold, free and filtered!

Bed Bug Spray: These days with bed bugs popping up everywhere you can never be too prepared! I recommend Stop Bugging Me! to fight off those nasty bugs. It’s the perfect travel accessory that protects you from any potential bugs when you’re in and out of hotels. Stop Bugging Me! comes in a 3 oz travel-size spray bottle and sprays on any bed bug prone or infested area like mattresses, bedding, linens, and luggage.

iPad: My favorite and most necessary item when it comes to traveling is my ipad. My ipad is the perfect travel accessories because it’s small, light to carry and great for a quick search. I can check my email, watch movies and read my favorite blogs the entire trip and the battery lasts such a long time.

Snacks: When it comes to traveling, I always pack a snack. Food is super expensive in the airport and I can easily avoid spending that money by simply planning ahead. My favorite high protein travel snack is raw almonds. When they go on sale, I buy them, and freeze them for months. I like Soyjoy (any flavor) and Larabar (cherry pie is my favorite), which are individual bars on sale with coupons. For boxes of granola bars, I like Nature Valley, any with nuts, but not chocolate as it’s too sweet for a sustaining on the go snack.

Tili Bags: The practicality of zip-lock baggies when traveling is unmatched by any other travel accessory. Whether you’re transporting a wet bathing suit, your toiletries or snacks, zip-lock bags seem to be a functional necessity. Tili is my new favorite must-have as its adds a little pizazz to your normal clear baggies. With unique colors and patterns to choose from this takes a frumpy travel accessory to quirky and fun.

Teri Gault is the CEO of www.TheGroceryGame.com, a lifestyle and savings expert, and frequent flyer who travels over 150,000 miles a year.

5 Ways to Save When Booking Spring Break Trips

friends 5 Ways to Save When Booking Spring Break TripsBy BARRY BOONE

1. Shop Around. When booking air travel or hotel reservations, it is helpful to check both travel agency websites (such as Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz) as well as the website for the actual hotel or airline. Sometimes you will find better prices on one or the other that can amount to significant savings. Keep in mind that some airlines do not participate in sites like Expedia or Travelocity. It can make a lot of sense to check those airlines directly as well since they include discounters such as Southwest Airlines.

2. Check for Promotional Codes. Always check a coupon website such as CurrentCodes.com for a coupon for the airline or hotel or car rental company you are considering, or for the travel agency website. It was not that long ago I saw a coupon for $200 off if you booked a hotel and air trip for three or more days through one of the travel agency websites, and I recently used a coupon for $50 for a two night hotel stay if I paid with a certain type of credit card.

3. Call Directly for Deals. Consider calling the airline or hotel directly to see if you can get a better rate. If it is close to the travel date, a hotel will sometimes offer you a better deal to fill up unbooked rooms.

4. Extend your Stay, Shop for Packages. Generally speaking, the longer your trip, and the more services you are bundling, the better package deals you can find. Be sure to shop around when booking these trips as the savings you can find on them (between coupons and/or package deals) can be very substantial. In fact, sometimes extending your trip an extra day can end up being less expensive than the shorter trip.

5. Switch up your Dates. Some airlines and hotels vary their prices considerably on different days of the week, be sure to check prices on different travel dates if your schedule is flexible.

Barry Boone is owner and founder of CurrentCodes.com, a Web site clearinghouse for promotional codes that directs shoppers to timely bargains and discount codes.

Cutting the Cost of Your Holiday

couple Cutting the Cost of Your Holiday

Love at the beach © Danilo Vitoriano

There’ a whole host of holiday cost cutting measures you can now take to ensure you get to go on holidays without completely killing your bank balance! But what are they?

Shop Around!

We’ve all been told to shop around haven’t we? And it’s true. A quick search on the internet can present a whole host of cheap holiday offers and could even illustrate massive price variations from one provider to the next for the exact same package. So shop around before you part with your cash to make sure you’re getting the best value.

Avoid the School Holidays

Ok, so this isn’t easy if you are actually looking for a family holiday. Pulling the children out of school in order that you can go enjoy two weeks in sunny Spain is hardly likely to make you parent of the year, is it? But if you can avoid the school holidays, it’s worth doing so. The travel industry is savvy to the fact that the bookings will boom when the school gates close and they capitalise – by adding to the price tag. Travel outside of these peak times to save money – and to make sure you don’t have to queue behind a load of kids for the water slides!

Travel from Alternative Airports

Not always convenient, granted. And sometimes you can spend more on train fares getting to airports that are further afield than you actually save. But from time to time you really can save quite a lot by being flexible on the airport you fly from. Of course, you will need to weigh up how feasible this is and whether it’s really worth it. Example – you might not feel like trekking half way across the country on a train at five in the morning after your ten-hour return flight from the Caribbean.

Accommodation Compromise

If you are really trying to cut costs then you might need to be a little flexible on the accommodation. If you have your heart set on a certain resort but the package you have spotted is a bit out of budget, why not look for some alternative lower rated hotels in the same resort? Nobody is suggesting you slum it with a sleeping bag on a beach, but the difference between a three and a four-star hotel, for example, can add to quite a lot of cash – and you’ll still have decent accommodation!

A Lesson in Saving Money: Traveling in the Offseason

nicaragua sunset A Lesson in Saving Money: Traveling in the Offseason

Sunset at the bay of San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua.

By NICOLE HOCKIN

If you’re like me then you dream of traveling the world visiting the small and obscure places, as well as large and illustrious destinations. And if you are also like me then the price tag on some of these spots can be quite prohibitive to fulfilling those dreams; unless you are flexible about when you see these wonderful locales.

Traveling in the offseason can be quite beneficial. First, there is the cost savings; from flights to hotels, car rentals and attractions – everything costs less when the peak season expires. For example, resorts in ski towns such as Aspen and Whistler (Canada) do huge business in the winter, but cut rates significantly during the summer. The second reason is that the crowds are a lot smaller, too. Imagine not waiting with your children hour after hour, shoulder to should with other exhausted families, for the chance to experience your favorite rides at Disney World. Tempting, right?

Warning: There are reasons that it is called the “off-season”. Weather can be adverse such as parts of Asia during monsoon season and certain restaurants and attractions could be closed or at the very least could have reduced hours. Non-peak months are also a time of renovation for many hotels and resorts. So if you can put up with the lobby remodel or an obstructed view, you may benefit from reduced rates and perhaps even a complimentary upgrade.

What Is a Shoulder Season?

A Shoulder Season is the period of time between the high and low seasons. For example, the Caribbean and Mexico have very nice weather in late April and May, but prices for flights and hotels go way down because Americans are in between Spring Break and summer vacations. The same is true for South America.

So when should you go where? Below is a brief rundown of popular destinations by their off/shoulder seasons.

SPRING

1. Denver (April-May)
2. Egypt
3. Hawaii (March – May)

SUMMER

1. Australia (their winter/early spring)
2. Brazil
3. Florida
4. Las Vegas (July and August)
5. Phoenix
6. Ski towns (Breckenridge, Vail, Aspen, Whistler)

FALL

1. Bahamas
2. Central America (September)
3. Hawaii (August – October)
4. Italy (late September – November)
5. New England (September until early October – before foliage season)
6. Orlando (October until mid-November)

WINTER

1. California
2. Greece
3. New York City
4. South Africa
5. South Padre Island (TX)
6. Wine Country (Napa Valley and Sonoma, CA)

Share Your Stories?

What’s been your experience traveling in an offseason? Post a comment, e-mail me, and let me know!

Nicole Hockin is an industry travel expert, TV/radio personality and Hotels.com spokesperson. At Travel Smart Blog, she provides readers with practical travel advice and recommendations.

How to Save Money on a Road Trip: A HomeAway Truckie’s Words of Wisdom

MountRushmore truckies How to Save Money on a Road Trip: A HomeAway Truckie’s Words of Wisdom

By JOHN AND STEPH

Taking a road trip is fun, but it can also be quite expensive. The following tips are suggestions for how to make your wallet stop crying when the travel bug bites and you decide to hit the road:

Go the Speed Limit

It’s safer and a financially responsible decision to travel at the recommended speeds posted on the highway. Think less police encounters and greater fuel efficiency

Stay in a Vacation Rental

By using vacation rental websites, like HomeAway.com, you can often find great deals on any number of housing accommodations in the area you’d like to visit next. You can even RENT A WHOLE HOUSE FOR HALF THE COST OF A HOTEL! And I do mean a ‘ whole house’… John and I ALWAYS have our separate rooms (and often separate bathrooms too!) and there is usually a spacious living room and a kitchen that afford us the extra space we need to spread out after spending 5-9 hours in the Truckster together. Don’t take my word for it though – just peruse the 540,000+ rental listings within the HomeAway network to find the perfect fit for you and your family.

Buy Groceries

I’ve already mentioned the perks of having a kitchen just because of the space it provides in contrast to the car-cramped traveler. But there’s not need to be a fastfood-ridden traveler…having a kitchen also allows the money conscious family to make a grocery stop, so eating out all the time won’t be necessary. *Also a good idea for the healthy eater/traveler.

Always Know Where Your Next Cup Is Coming From…COFFEE!

If you’re a coffee drinker that just can’t go without the taste of caffeine early in the morning, you’ll want to ask you’re rental owner if they provide a coffee pot and grounds. Many of the rentals I’ve encountered this summer do have the coffee-lover’s basics in the kitchen for guests to enjoy. However, if not, you can still save a few bucks during your travels by purchasing some instant coffee like the Starbuck’s brand Via. It really isn’t that bad and you can always splurge with a gas station $0.99 cup every once in a while.

Do Laundry

Save money on baggage fees if your road trip starts or ends with a flight by packing light and doing laundry while on vacation. Many vacation rentals come with an in-house washer and dryer. I know that some might say “why would I want to ruin my vacation by doing laundry” but I can personally attest to the fact that it won’t put a damper on your vacation fun if you throw in a load before dinner or bedtime. Plus, your wallet will thank you since you won’t be throwing away money on needless fees, AND you’ll be able to de-stress without hosting anxiety about having to lug around a gargantuan suitcase.

Be Smart About Eating Out

If you are planning to eat out, I recommend the (more affordable) lunch menu, water as a beverage choice. Also, talk to your vacation rental owner, who is often a local expert, about community restaurants. These establishments tend to offer cheaper cuisine than your average chain restaurant. In addition, you’re likely to stumble upon fresh and delicious tastes that are characteristic to the area. Avoid the tourist traps!

MtRushmore John How to Save Money on a Road Trip: A HomeAway Truckie’s Words of Wisdom

John at Mt. Rushmore.

Pack A Water Bottle

John and I save so much money by filling-up our bottles each morning before we head out for the day or hit the road. It’s so tempting to wander into the gas station and buy a drink when you’re stretching your legs or refueling, but if you’ve got plenty of water with you, there’s no need. Stand outside and enjoy the fresh air instead!

Find Out What’s Happening Locally

Pick up the local newspaper and find out what events are going on during the course of your stay. Your homeowner may also have the inside scoop on activities as well. During our Truckster road trip, the Truckies have discovered a number of free attractions, summer concerts, and must-see stops that cost nothing.

Say Cheese

Skip the tacky souvenir in lieu of great photos by bringing a camera on your trip. There are all kinds of things you can do with the memories you capture with a camera or video recorder: make a movie or scrapbook or slide-show or decoupage your next coffee table with photos from your adventures. The possibilities are endless…

How’d I do? How do you save money while on the road? If you have any other tips that might be helpful on the Great American Road Trip, please let us know.

Learn more about John and Steph on the page of the HomeAway Truckie Team.