Last Minute Super Bowl on a Budget

Traveling to the Super Bowl essentially eliminates the possibility of having a budget trip. Once you are in Super Bowl Central, Miami this year, you will find the cost of everything is driven up. If you want to save, try these tips to make your trip enjoyable and spend your money where it will go the furthest.

Try Ft. Lauderdale

While South Beach may be the place to party this week and weekend, but you will pay for it. There are plenty of nearby towns and areas that have nightlife, bars and restaurants but will get you out of South Beach. Consider making the short drive to Ft. Lauderdale. It is a bustling little city with plenty to do minus the expense of South Beach. Ft. Lauderdale has an undeniably younger vibe than South Beach, perhaps due to the expense, but college-age and young twenty-something partiers will find the scene plenty accessible enough.

Coral Gables

Coral Gables has a feeling of a suburb, which is either good of bad depending on what you’re looking for. It may be a bit boring for young guests at the Super Bowl. Families and older guests, though, will enjoy the array of dining opportunities to enjoy on the cheap. You will also find less expensive hotels, albeit out of the action. This is a good option for a family looking to enjoy a Florida vacation and fit the Super Bowl into the weekend.

Choose Flights Carefully

If you haven’t booked a flight yet, you may be in trouble, or you may find a great deal. Now is the time to take advantage of sites like Expedia and Travelocity. These sites needs to unload all of their tickets, and they will start dropping the price if they have yet to do so. Consider bidding on Priceline for your tickets. If you have never tried this, it is a good time to do so. It is less likely you will be outbid if you place your bid very close to the travel date. Flying back on Tuesday instead of Monday will cut your ticket price substantially. If you plan on renting a car, consider flying into Ft. Lauderdale instead of Miami. The two cities are extremely close together, but flights can be cheaper depending on the situation to one or the other.

Enjoying Miami

It doesn’t take much to enjoy Miami. The city has a local flavor unlike any other in the United States. If you are planning on extending your stay, consider these choices for relaxing on the cheap:

• Enjoy Cuban food. Like its Southwest counterpart, Mexican, Cuban food is often available at a much cheaper price than middle ground American dining. This is about the only thing the two cuisines share, though. Cuban food has a light, fruity distinction mixed with sweet flavors and generous helpings of onion.
• Party on the beach. Packing up for a beach day is among the cheapest ways to enjoy the city. Bring plenty of water, and relax or people watch on the white sand

Tags: miami, miami budget, miami for cheap, super bowl, super bowl budget

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

Caribbean on Sale Today: 3 airlines

If you are planning on booking a trip to a Caribbean or Latin American destination, do it today! Three airlines - Jet Blue, Delta and American - are all having big sales for those who can act fast and book tickets promptly.

Jet Blue Flights Start at $29 Today Only

For one day only, Jet Blue is posting huge sales on over 250 routes in North American and Caribbean destinations including Bahamas, Bermuda, Florida and Las Vegas. The flights are discounted up to 45% for those who meet the requirements. Those requirements are:

• Travel dates between December 2 and 16 or January 6 and 28
• Certain days of the week are discounted, depending on the route you are taking. Keep your dates flexible in order to truly capitalize on the discount.
• If you are planning on traveling January 14, 15 18 or 19, think again, these dates are blacked out
• Sale ends November 19
• A full list of cities and routes on sale can be found at :  Jet Blue’s Sample Sale Site

Delta’s Discounts out of Atlanta

If you can get to Atlanta, you can capitalize on extremely low rates to many destinations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Travel to St. Kitts, San Salvador or Antigua starting at around $360 round trip now through February. Requirements include:

• Travel dates now through February 28
• Fares are blacked out on November 19-29, December 17-January 12
• Must purchase your tickets by November 23
• You must stay at least one Saturday night in your destination and cannot stay longer than 30 days
• Go directly to the offer: Delta’s Atlanta ticket sale site

American Ticket Sales to Central America Under $350

If you can purchase tickets about a month in advance for expected travel to South America, then you should view American Airlines’ current sale. Travel to Costa Rica, Panama and Guatemala, among other destinations. Travel requirements include:

• Travel date between now and March 31, but you must be departing between January 5 and March 29
• You must book at least 28 days in advance
• The flights are offered daily!
• Need to purchase by December 15 at midnight
• Must stay at least 2 days and cannot stay longer than 90 days
• Book now: American Airlines Central America discount page

Discount Ticket Tips

• You should be as flexible as possible with your travel dates to capture the lowest fare.
• If you need to get to another city first in order to get a cheap ticket, consider looking into purchasing with two separate airlines. Southwest often has the cheapest tickets within the States but does not present international options. Take Southwest to a major airport, and then hop on American or Delta.
• You may find you are in an unfavorable seat. If you attempt to change this in advance, you will be charged a difference in fair. Instead, wait until you are at the airport to ask about open seats on the plane. These changes are often accommodated free of charge if no one else has booked the seats within a few hours of the flight.
• If you have to change your ticket, you will see a huge fee for the change. Instead, consider canceling the ticket in exchange for credit.

Tags: airline discounts, airline ticket sales, cheap airline tickets, cheap tickets to the caribbean, far discounts, tickets to south america

Days Inn 15% discount

Days Inn offers a 15% discount to travelers booking at least two days in advance. Days Inn sees high walk in traffic, and this discount helps the chain book rooms ahead of time instead of at the last minute. If you know when and where you will be traveling, take advantage of this offer. You may also be eligible for park-and-fly benefits from the location.

How the Deal Works

• You have to agree to a nonrefundable prepayment at least two days before you travel. If you do, then you will receive 15% off the best rate you can find at Days Inn. It is easy to book this option online in order to enter your credit card information and receive your discount all at once. Check the 15% discount link here:  http://www.daysinn.com/DaysInn/control/special_offers_worldwide3?intcmp=special_offers_page_gbar&variant=
• To find the going rate before discount, go to a Days Inn website and select “Best Avail” as your preference. If a lower rate appears within 24 hours of booking your reservation, you can file a claim with Days Inn and will receive the discount. The claim forms are also available online, making the whole process streamlined for an Internet savvy purchaser.

Other Great Days Inn Deals

• If you have to drive to an airport some distance from your home before you fly, consider staying at a Days Inn the night before your flight. Instead of paying high prices for your airport parking, you can leave your car that the Days Inn with a park & ride option. A shuttle can take you to the airport when you need to go. You will see low rates up until December 31 of this year.
• Days Inn offers discounted rooms to seniors. You have to search for the “Senior” option on their website. Most representatives are also familiar with the plan and can assist you in booking. If you are 60 years or older or a member of the AARP, you will likely qualify.
• For reservations, visit the Days Inn website.

A Little Extra Effort

As you can see from the information above, saving money on travel may involve a little extra effort. To capitalize on the Days Inn option, you have to be willing to watch your computer for the best available rate on rooms. Even after you book, you will benefit from continuing to watch the rates just in case they drop. Filing claim forms may seem like a hassle, but you stand to save a lot of money if you are staying for more than one night. You may benefit from watching your local Days Inn (or the location where you hope to stay) on Twitter. For example, the Days Inn Scottsdale, Arizona, offers this feed of discounts and special opportunities for you to enjoy during your stay:  http://twitter.com/daysinnscottsda

Travel Insurance

Since your fees are not refundable with the Days Inn when you elect this option, you will benefit from travel insurance in the case you have to cancel. Your annual travel insurance will reimburse you for the fees you have lost for the last minute changes.

Tags: days inn, hotel discount, park and ride

Gateway to the West … and free stuff

St. Louis may sound like a boring travel destination, but taking into account the rich history, cultural attractions, and free stuff … it is worth the trip. St. Louis lauds itself as having the most free attractions of any U.S. city other than the capitol. The city is very family-friendly, and many “priced” attractions are still on the cheap side.

Getting to St. Louis

The central location of the city makes it an easy trip from nearly any destination. It is near the population center of the U.S., which actually occurs closer to Kansas City. Flying into St. Louis is made easier by the fact Southwest flies direct to the city from most locations. Further, there is a metro train that runs directly from the airport to deep into the suburbs. This same train services most of the metropolitan area, making getting around once you are there very affordable.

Free Forest Park

Forest Park is among the largest city parks in the U.S. The exciting part about this park is the number of attractions packed into the area. The St. Louis Zoo is in the heart of the park, and it is 100% free. The zoo boasts more than 6,000 animals and is regarded as one of the best in the country.

Also in the park is the St. Louis Art Museum, which sits atop a stately hill. You will note the fact the city was the home of both the 1904 World’s Fair and Olympic Games based on the unique architecture. Much of the fair was held in the art museum. The exhibits include German Expressionists and a sculpture park.

The Science Center and Planetarium is also free, no matter how many members of the family you pack in. Kids will enjoy an extensive outdoor playground and exhibits for exploring once you get inside.

The Missouri History Museum also calls Forest Park home. A unique architectural site, the Jewel Box, is a glass facade in the center of the park. You may also enjoy a visit to the Boat House restaurant to rent paddle boats for a $20 charge.

Home of Beer & Baseball

Anheuser Busch and Schlafly Bottleworks both call St. Louis home. Here, you can sample beers and take tours for a minimal fee. Sampling beer is a fun activity at the brand new Busch Stadium, home to the 2006 World Champion St. Louis Cardinals. In the down town area, you will enjoy “baseball village,” a collection of shops and restaurants, the “landing” a historic area of restaurants and bars, and even get to travel up the St. Louis Arch. Underneath the Arch is a free western expansion museum to view while you wait. The trip up the arch does cost a few dollars, but the views and the experience are well-worth it for most visitors.

For Families:

• The Magic House - a donated home full of places to explore and activities for an entire family to enjoy
• The City Museum - fun for both adults and kids. An architectural work of art that serves as a giant indoor/outdoor playground

Tags: free museums, free zoos, st. louis travel

Cheap Student Travel

Students are in a unique position when it comes to traveling the world: they often have the most amount of time to do it and the least amount of money to spend. The student travel budget may not be very high, but the market is big enough that whole travel agencies are dedicated to getting students on spring break trips, European back packing adventures and semesters at sea. When you are a student considering traveling, follow a few golden rules to get the best deals.

Work with a Student Travel Agency

Travel agents may seem costly, but the savings you recoup on deals in flights and hotels often make the expense worth it. Student agents often bundle travel packages around school breaks, meaning you will be able to piggy back off of the work they have done. You will also capitalize on the other students who are taking the same trip as you, making your trip less expensive. While other travel agents may offer deals, they are often out of touch with the unique needs of students. You will find that student agencies better understand where the best places to be are for people in your situation.

Buy Student Travel Insurance

Students are often targeted for theft and crime. They also often have the highest claims for injury and illness. The crime problem follows students because they stick out in foreign countries. Foreigners know when American breaks are each year, and they know that students will be off their guard because they are taking a fun-filled vacation. Further, students are often involved in accidents because they are more likely to engage in risky behavior. Whether you plan on bungee jumping or bar hopping, insurance will cover you if something goes wrong. The worst case scenario is to end up in a foreign hospital without travel insurance.

Consider Study Abroad like a Vacation

If you are studying abroad for a semester, do not treat it as if you are moving to another country for that time. In reality, the abroad experience is more like an extended vacation. You will have the same feeling of never truly settling in to your destination. You will likely be taking advantage of weekend trips, meaning you will have to easily pack up and head out at a moment’s notice. Treating the time like a vacation will give you valuable guidelines like: travel light, pay attention to your spending, and look for the cheapest way to get from point A to point B.

Carry a Student ID

Most everywhere you go on a vacation will offer student discounts. Museums, theaters, and even transit companies have reduced fares for students on a budget. You will need to have your student ID to receive these reductions at most locations. You can consider purchasing a “student pass” up front in some locations. For example, historical societies in whole cities or countries will offer you a pass to visit a multitude of locations on the cheap if you purchase a student pass through their headquarters.

Tags: student travel, student travel insurance, Travel insurance

Finding Cheap Hotels: 8 Tips

The cost of your lodging is going to be the most expensive thing you purchase on a vacation after airfare. If you can find a better hotel deal, you will be able to splurge more on other aspects of the vacation. Start with the basics when you are looking for a good rate.

1) Ask the hotel

Just asking the hotel directly can easily get you hundreds of dollars in savings. Ask about promotions, deals for AAA members or seniors, and how the hotel would recommend saving money. Especially in a recession, hotels want your business. If you tell them you need a better deal, they may just work with you to make that happen.

2) Shop around and track quotes

The Internet makes it very easy to track and compare quotes from a number of hotels. You can check sites like Hotels.com and Expedia.com daily, and you can even set up alerts for when the price of a hotel drops below your budget. If you’re not willing to do this, consider contacting a travel agent. Often, the fees you pay to book through an agent will be only a fraction of your savings.

3) Make price a priority

If you are flexible on all points but price, you will save the most money. Don’t get set on a specific hotel property. Instead, set your budget, and make this your only criterion. You may have to rough it a little more than you would like. But, its worth it when you can enjoy a better dinner each evening.

4) Skip the 800 number

Look for the contact information on a hotel’s actual site. The 800 number that you may be using through the hotel owner (aka Hilton, Hyatt, etc) is often to an agent who does not have the most information. You can call the branch of the hotel to speak with a local manager and usually find a better deal.

5) Book last minute

If you’re willing to wait until the last minute to book you’ll find the prices go down. This is only really a priority if you are driving to your destination. Otherwise, you may find yourself very stressed come the day before your expensive plane flight. Making your booking options really flexible helps you keep price as the #1 criterion.

6) Celebrate flexibility

Don’t go when you want to go, go when the price is low. You may have to travel in the off season to do this. Most locations have a lot of advantages in the off-season though, not the least of which is less crowds and cheaper air fare.

7) Book your hotel with your plane ticket or rental car

Travel agents and booking agents are happy to offer incentives for you to package your purchase. These companies have usually negotiated these deals with the hotel. They have done the legwork for you, and you can take advantage of this if you are willing to book all at once.

Buy local

Avoiding large hotel chains can save you money and add charm to your trip. You may find better service and accommodations at a local inn than you will at a large hotel. Read reviews online to determine which location is most in line with what you need. Remember: hostels are a great option for budget travelers.

Tags: budget-friendly travel, cheap hotels, Cheap travel

Cheap Travel Rules to Live By

When you are trying to save money, it is critical to make rules and stick to them. It is easy to to set rules aside on a whim when you find a great restaurant, a long line at the bus stop, or a deal on designer clothing while you are traveling Europe. Even with the best of intentions, though, a cheap traveler will be thrown off course if there are not strict rules about when and how money can be spent. These are some rules cheap travelers live by.

Take Public Transit

City buses and trains are simply the cheapest way to get around, whether you are in New York or New Delhi. When you opt for a private cab you are agreeing to spend a 200% to 300% mark up just to avoid sitting with other people. Cabs are often more direct, cleaner, and more convenient. However, when you take the indirect bus route as an adventure, you will see this option is no worse than taking a taxi cab. Using public transit will give you a good feel for the city or countryside, wherever you happen to be traveling. It will also often save you from getting swindled by local taxi cab drivers who take advantage of unknowing tourists.

Eat Street Food

Street food has culture and flair; it is often the truest indication of a country’s culinary heritage. Street food is not for the weak of stomach, however. If you have specific dietary needs, be sure to travel with trail mix, granola bars and other high energy snacks. Even candy bars can be a life saver. The last thing you want to do is spend a high price for a bottled water and some chips at a news stand. It is best to avoid sitting down at a table, as well, where tips and drink costs, even for soft drinks, can add to the price of the bill.

Rely on Cash

Take out only the cash you will need each day from a local ATM. If you are traveling abroad and afraid there will not be ATMs or will be high ATM fees, take travelers checks. Carry only the amount you intend on spending that day plus a little extra for emergency. Using a credit card can put you easily into the rhythm of spending too much on the trip and intending on paying it off later. If you are in the US, most banks will have ATMs throughout the city you are traveling to. You may even want to take out a small amount of cash before dinner to keep yourself from splurging on a pricey meal.

Practice Patience

If you are patient when you travel, you will save big. This means everything from watching plane ticket prices to waiting in line for free attractions. Going on vacation with a set schedule will make you subject to the swings of the prices at the attractions you are visiting at any given time. By maintaining your flexibility, you can allow prices to dictate everything from when you travel to where you go.

Tags: cheap travel advice, cheap travel rules, traveling with cash

Cheap Travel to England

For the past year, travelling to England meant facing a terrible exchange rate with the pound. The rate has changed, and it is less expensive to travel to the UK with dollars today. Saving on hotels and travel will allow you to enjoy more of the fine dining England has to offer.

Budget Hotels
Seek hotel chains that are based in the U.S. if you are not opposed to “buying American” even though you are abroad. Booking rooms at a Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, or Premier Inn will put you right in the thick of a lot of tourist destinations without paying for the historic or local flavor of other accommodations. Booking early will save you money on all accounts as these hotels do tend to get full.

Apartment Exchange
Nearly every city in the UK has apartments available for rent. If you live in a desirable location, you can seek out a home exchange to save on any money spent at all. Otherwise, inexpensive apartments can still be a bargain. You will likely have the flexibility and space to cook meals at home and stay in on occasion, saving you money over hotel options.

Hostels
If you are not concerned over privacy of your accommodations, staying in a hostel may allow you to enjoy many benefits while keeping your expenses low. Foremost, you will have the opportunity to meet fellow travelers and engage in more community activities. Hostels are also often close to transportation and major attractions, making them very convenient.

Bus and Coach Travel
Taking the bus or National Express Coach will likely save you money over the railways. You can also seek out seasonal offers for discounted rates. These sell-out very quickly and are typically not offered year round. If you find a good rate, booking in advance is the best way to assure you will get the rate in the future. Travelling by bus means travelling light. Expect to have to walk a mile or more from the bus station to your ultimate destination. Skip out on toiletries and luxury items and opt for the essentials to make it easier on yourself.

Railways and Trains
Rail tickets are generally inexpensive if you book in advance. Like plane tickets, the prices can go up and down tremendously as the date approaches. By watching prices closely and booking when rates are low, you have a good chance at getting a ticket for as low as bus ticket prices. You will certainly save money over other forms of transit.

Money exchange tip: You may save from using an ATM in the UK over using a currency exchange service. The rates charged at currency kiosks in the airport tend to be higher than the foreign ATM fee, and ATMs are accessible throughout the UK. Bring travelers checks and some pounds for emergency, but plan on doing a lot of your exchanging once you get there.  

Tags: cheap England travel, cheap european travel, Cheap travel

Ireland on a Budget

Ireland is extremely friendly to travelers and has a number of completely free day trips for you to take in. We will concentrate our conversation on a few locations, as Ireland is vast and spread between Northern and Southern Ireland.

Dublin

You can get a free walking tour of Dublin for your iPod from VisitDublin. The 12 guides also offer maps for you to print and take as you go. Much less expensive than paying for a tour, and you have the freedom to go at your own pace, lengthening time at the places you’d like to view longer.

A walking tour of Dublin is not complete without tours through famous garden grounds in Phoenix Park, which is the largest green space in Europe. The National Botanical Gardens are additionally free to visitors. Because Dublin weather is moderate year round, you will have the opportunity to take advantage of the parks no matter when you travel. A whole day of family fun for zero dollars.

Speaking of zero dollars, all of Ireland’s National Museums are free to the public. The list includes the Natural History Museum, the National Gallery and the Museum of Modern Art.

Belfast

A walking tour of Belfast will reveal the complexity of its residential quarters. Similar to townships or neighborhoods, the quarters each have their own theme. For example, Queen’s Quarter is famous for its student-friendly living complete with universities and museums.

St. Anne’s Cathedral is open to the public for sweeping views of the Roman architecture. The cathedral has a rich history to provide plenty of opportunities to dive into Irish culture. The new “Spire of Hope” is 100 meters tall and a feat of modern engineering placed marvelously with the antiquity of St. Anne’s.

Complete your Belfast tour with a trip to St. George’s Market. This location boasts year-round Friday farmer’s markets since 1604. The history of the landscape mixed with the jazz and music of the modern culture set in a picturesque Victorian neighborhood. Fridays and Saturdays are both great days to visit, and the market will not disappoint in terms of culture and fun.

Quick Tips

There are a few sites in Ireland which are not offered for free to the public. If you are looking for ways to save, try the Ireland Visitor Discount Pass, which reduces prices to historic scenes throughout Ireland. You can print a pass from the Culture and Heritage Ireland site and enjoy the discounts year round.

Dublin has a similar discount offer, called The Dublin Pass, which comes at a small fee of $20 each day. This pass then admits you to over 30 attractions. The pass is sold in blocks up to 6 days, and you will be required to have one for each person.

The Heritage Card will get you in free to any site maintained by the Office of Public Works. The price varies, but it is around $30, and you will make up those discounts likely in the first day of usage.

Tags: cheap european travel, Cheap travel, ireland travel