Tag Archives: budget travel

Big Apple Savings

Vacationing in the Big Apple can put a BIG dent in your wallet.  According to a recent travel survey, the average price for a hotel room in the heart of New York City will run you about $300. Not exactly cheap, though the hit to your travel budget could sting a lot more if you stay at luxury four-star chains, such as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and Sheraton properties. So what’s a frugal traveler to do if he wants to visit Manhattan without going broke? Fortunately, there is good news for budget-conscious tourists looking to explore the nation’s most expensive hotel … Continue reading →

The Budget-Conscious Cruiser

You can learn a lot from penny-pinching travelers who enjoy cruising the high seas.  These budget-conscious voyagers know what it takes to get the most bang for their buck.  When it comes to stretching your dollar on a fun-filled cruise, consider the following: Seek Out Sales:  Many large cruise companies, such as Carnival, Princess and Royal Caribbean offer special deals throughout the year.  Some of the most popular promotions include: reserve one full fare booking and get a certain percentage off the second passenger or reserve a 14-day cruise and get seven days free.  The deals can save you up … Continue reading →

Save on Spring Break Escapes

  Old Man Winter has been walloping the nation with blizzards, brutal cold and blistering winds.  Consequently, it’s no surprise that so many people are looking to escape to warmer climates.  If you are in search of sun-kissed shores and sizzling hot temperatures, but are worried a beach vacation will blow your budget, consider the following tips: Book early:  If you want to save money on spring break travel, don’t procrastinate.  Many of the best deals are available for a limited time only.  Waiting for deeply discounted last-minute deals may cost you.  Remember, as planes and hotels fill up super … Continue reading →

Budgeting for Spring Break

Right now, millions of Americans are looking to trade in the snow and cold for sun, sand and surf.  Unfortunately, tropical escapes don’t usually come cheap.  If you are seriously considering jetting off on a beach vacation this spring, consider the following money-saving tips: Travel with others:  Group deals are ideal for families or friends looking to save cash on travel while enjoying each others’ company.  Typically, group rates are offered to parties of six or more people; however, a number of travel companies offer deeper discounts to larger groups.  For example, if you can gather a slew of extended … Continue reading →

Greyhound Helping Cash-Strapped Travelers

Given the sky-high price of gas these days, I would just as soon leave the driving to anyone else. If filling up your vehicle is emptying your wallet, you may be thinking twice about hitting the highway on a spring break getaway.  Fortunately, Greyhound is lending a helping hand to cash-strapped travelers. North America’s largest bus company just announced a bonus to its companion fares.  Now, three people can ride at half price with the purchase of one full-fare adult ticket, making group travel cheaper than ever. “Whether you’re a family gathering for a reunion, a baseball fan watching your … Continue reading →

In Search of Cheap Seats

A few weeks ago, Southwest Airlines added yet another fee to its ever-expanding list of ala carte charges.  Now, you’ll have to fork over $40 at the gate if you want to board the plane with the first group of passengers. The discount carrier doesn’t offer assigned seats like United and American Airlines, but will bump you to the coveted group “A” boarding if you cough up the extra cash.  The offer begins 45 minutes before the flight departs, though is only available if the slots are not filled by elite and business select passengers who pay upfront for the … Continue reading →

The Frugal Cruiser

Nothing is better than setting sail on a relaxing cruise that doesn’t leave your wallet high and dry. These days you don’t have to drain your bank account to afford a dream cruise.  Instead, you can save a bundle by following a few simple money-saving tips.  For example: Size:  When it comes to financing a cruise, size matters.  Massive cruise ships that house thousands of passengers and crew members often offer a boatload of amenities that may cost you a pretty penny.  By opting for a smaller vessel with fewer available goods and services you can reduce the price of … Continue reading →

Budget Beach Getaways

Sure, you can save a bundle by driving a small car to the coast and spending your entire winter vacation living out of tent that you’ve pitched on the beach.  However, there are a slew of other ways you can score a budget-friendly beach getaway without having to go to extremes.   Beach packages are readily available to a host of sunny destinations, including Hawaii, Mexico, California and the Caribbean.  The trick to saving more than a few pennies on these tropical getaways is to have social media platforms work for you.  By signing up for alerts from airlines, hotels … Continue reading →

Get More Bang for Your Vacation Buck

Old Man Winter is unleashing a cruel smackdown on the Upper Midwest. If daytime high temperatures in the single digits don’t make you want to book a tropical escape, then northern Wisconsin may be the perfect place for you to call home. For the rest of the rest of us, the thought of luxuriating in a climate that doesn’t call for 17 layers of clothes is much more appealing. Fortunately, there are warm weather vacation destinations that don’t require going into debt to visit.  For example, sunny San Diego, California, is providing visitors with multiple opportunities to get more bang … Continue reading →

How to Score Big Savings on the Road

  When you are looking for ways to reduce travel expenses start small.  You may be surprised to see that in no time those minor moves can add up to big savings. Here are a few simple money-saving tips to get you started: Stay at a hotel that offers complimentary breakfast, and then take an extra apple, banana, yogurt or granola bar to eat as a mid-afternoon or late-night snack.  It beats spending additional money feeding the vending machine or calling room service when you get hungry later in the day. Bypass big city restaurants and dine at a cheaper … Continue reading →