5 Ways to Say “No” to a la Carte Travel

Airlines today often expect passenger to pay for each item separately on a trip. This significantly drives up cost, but passengers can control these problems by looking for chances to bundle their expenses. This can be applied to all aspects of travel, not just air fare, to reduce the cost of vacation or personal travel.

1. Look for Packaged Travel
   Southwest and JetBlue do not charge for add-ons like checked bags or sodas. You can take this a step further by using an online service like Expedia, Orbitz or Travelocity. These organizations negotiate deals with multiple providers on the whole sale level. They then package these items, like air fare, hotel cost and rental car expenses into one package. Going with this type of package truly presents savings over buying each individually even with the site’s small markup.
2. Make Your Voice Heard
   When a company charges for an item that you expected was covered in the original price, say something. Companies should disclose these items, like insurance on a rental car, up front. Companies are legally obligated to tell you this information before you book with them. If you tell them you are aware of this obligation, they may back down from the charges and give you the chance to avoid the fees.
3. Skip out on Bad Deals
   There are many levels of a la carte chargers. Some are worse than others. The very worst tend to include: Spirit, Allegiant and AirTran. If you know an airline is very inconvenient due to added a la carte fees, then simply elect to take your business elsewhere. A good indicator you may be in for a pricey trip is the fee to book a ticket. If a company charges you a convenience fee to book online or over the phone, then think hard about booking. There is a mandatory September 11 surcharge of $10 imposed by the FAA. All other booking fees should be avoided.
4. Make Alternative Arrangements
   Ship your baggage instead of checking it. Pack a carry on instead of a large suit case. Buy a water in the terminal instead of a soda on the flight. Do not pay to sit in the front bulkhead or the emergency row. Just plan on doing what you have to in order to avoid fees, and you will save hundreds of dollars a year on travel.
5. Join the Club
   There are savings to be had with frequent flier programs and airline credit cards. Concentrating your travel to one airline alone often presents the best options to really cash in. When you use one airline repeatedly, you will get off without the added fees. Sacrificing a little flexibility will be worth the savings.

Tags: added fees, airline tickets, baggage fee, booking fee, cheap airline tickets

Consider Yellowstone for a Budget Vacation

Yellowstone National Park experienced a record year for tourism, up 7.5% from 2008 and 5% over its highest ever record. More than 1.3 million visitors came to Yellowstone despite a drop in the economy and less tourism spending nationwide. Why? Its easy to take on Yellowstone on a budget. Try these tips to enjoy the park, get outdoors, and still save a lot of money.

Avoid Car Fees

There is a $25.00 a week pass for your vehicle to view the park from the inside. But, many tourists report the Grand Tetons can be viewed from Route 89. You can also catch a glimpse of the beautiful mountains from U.S. 191 near Jackson, WY. Stop for a night in Jackson to enjoy the fresh air and sounds of wildlife. You will find the town quite affordable, particularly if you are traveling with supplies like lunches in your car.

Reduce Flight Expenses

You can fly into Jackson Hole, but this expense can be high if you are not careful with your travel dates. Most visitors to Yellowstone go during the summer months. However, fall and winter can present the highest visibility in the mountains and leave you with much lower crowds. Plane flights tend to be less expensive at this time of year. You will also find reductions on fairs by flying mid-week. Most visitors to the park are families, and they follow a school schedule as a result. Avoid school breaks in order to save the most money.

Save on Lodging

Lodging is cheapest if you avoid the crowded summer months. You also have the option of picking up a tent at a local store and visiting one of Yellowstone’s famous camp sites. Even if you fly in, you can leave the tents behind by donating them to a shelter. This option presents the chance to actually deduct the expense of the tent from your taxable income. You will find the total expense amounts to under a few hundred dollars for a family for an entire week once the deduction is applied. Hostels are also popular in the area. When staying in a hostel, you will find there is more comradery. This can be very helpful for first time visitors who are looking for advice on what to see and when to see it. Staying in a hostel does cut down on privacy, but the park offers moments for solitude during your visit.

Visiting on a Budget

Thankfully, it is easy to make your way through the park without spending too much money. Be sure to invest in some good layering clothing, sunscreen and bug spray. You will also want plenty of socks and boots if you intend on leaving a car behind. From there, ask local tour guides and visitors what they recommend. There is something for everyone at Yellowstone, and simply enjoying a book while taking in the views is an inexpensive activity most will enjoy. Remember to avoid breaking any posted signs, however, as the fines for doing so can quickly put an end to your budget trip.

Tags: budget travel, budget-friendly travel, camping at yellowstone, flying to yellowstone, yellowstone on a budget