Posts Tagged ‘budget-friendly travel’
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
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.
