Tag Archives: budget travel

Ways to Save on a Dream Cruise

It’s a myth that the only way you can save on a cruise is to wait until the last-minute to book and take whatever itinerary you can get.  In fact, there are several ways you can afford to escape on a dream voyage without compromising your standards.  After all, cruise lines stand to gain more when they offer discounted cabins rather than set sail with a bunch of empty staterooms.  Even if a cruise line has to lower its rates to entice travelers, it’s still making a profit from passengers purchasing photographs, souvenirs, drinks, spa packages, and other services. The … Continue reading →

Stretching Your Cruise Dollar

The best way to make the most of your next cruise is to select one that appeals to every member of your family.  After all, no one wants to waste time and money traveling with unhappy companions. In order to make every penny of your cruise vacation count look for ships which offer a range of activities for passengers of all ages.  Fortunately, these days mega-fun vessels are not hard to find.  Some of the world’s largest ships are home to massive on-board children’s play areas broken into separate zones for different age groups.  Other noteworthy features include multiple family-friendly … Continue reading →

Tolls Taking a Toll on Travelers

Nothing gets a traveler hot under the collar faster than having to spend extra money on tolls.  If paying for gas, hotel rooms and meals weren’t enough, several states have increased the amount of cash they are requiring road warriors to fork over for the privilege of driving on their asphalt. The expansion of the electronic toll system allows locals and visitors alike to speed through the express lanes without having to shell out cash each time.  Rather, drivers can pre-purchase toll devices and use them on highways, bridges and tunnels, from California to Maine. The largest toll program is … Continue reading →

Tips for a Budget-Friendly Family Vacation

When the thought of taking your family out to dinner makes you cringe because of the expense, it is hard to contemplate taking everyone along for an actual vacation. Even though money concerns may make it seem as though you will never get away, you do have options, a number of them in fact. Here are some ways that you can stretch your vacation budget. 1. Look for the budget airline hubs Although airfare prices seem to be rising, there are a number of airline hubs that tend to have the cheapest airfare tickets. Some places are just less expensive … Continue reading →

More End of the Summer Hotel Deals

It’s hard to know what’s worse these days the sky-high price of airline tickets and insane luggage fees or the record-breaking cost of gasoline. Either way any help the travel industry is willing to provide families so they can take a last-minute summer vacation is greatly appreciated (by mine anyway). A number of hotels across the country are offering package deals to aid cash strapped families the chance to travel during these tough economic times. Take a look: CHICAGO The Windy City is looking even more inviting than usual with the “Escape! Family Getaway” package being offered by the Renaissance … Continue reading →

End of the Summer Hotel Deals

Have you taken time off to take your family on vacation this summer? As the new school year creeps closer the hotel industry is trying to entice families to get in that last hurrah by offering spectacular money saving deals on accommodations. Take a look: SOUTH CAROLINA The historic Mills House Hotel, located in downtown Charleston, is offering a “One Tank to Charleston” package deal starting at $420. It includes 3-night’s accommodations; free daily parking; in-room high-speed Internet; and four tickets to one of four museum homes within walking distance of the hotel. As an added bonus you can add … Continue reading →

Saving Money on Weird and Wacky Travel

Regular readers of this blog know that I have a soft spot for wacky travel attractions and events. I get a kick out of visiting quirky spots that are off the beaten path and I always enjoy spotlighting them so as to encourage others to venture beyond their traditional vacation itineraries and see what else this fine country has to offer. If you are planning an end of the summer family trip and are looking for ways to save money on your journey consider the following hotel packages. Each includes one night’s deluxe accommodations, breakfast for two and a copy … Continue reading →

More Ways to Save in Hawaii

Now that you know how to save money on your flight to Hawaii, here are some deals that you can snag once you arrive in the Aloha State: If you have always dreamed of visiting the Hawaiian Island of Maui consider taking advantage of the Kapalua Villas’ “staycation.” The package deal is priced at $999 for two adults and includes the following: Roundtrip travel from Honolulu to Maui onboard Hawaii’s new Superferry (you’ll get passage for two adults and one vehicle), 2-nights accommodations at the Kapalua Villas, plus a complimentary choice of activity for each guest—-choose from a golf lesson … Continue reading →

Texas-Sized Travel Deals for $2

Two bucks? Now you’re talking. Great minds at the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau have come to the rescue of cash-strapped families visiting town on a budget. The group recently compiled a list of 33 attractions for $2 or less. Some of the freebies include the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, open daily, and the Sam Houston Boat Tour, which provides free 90-minute roundtrip cruises along the Houston Ship Channel. Another attraction that won’t cost you a single cent to visit is the Miller Outdoor Theatre, which hosts free productions from March through October. During the month of August … Continue reading →

Fall Fare Sale

After months of sky-high airfares, some carriers are finally offering a break to customers. Timing is key. After all, we are slowly moving from the busy summer season to the less hectic fall travel period, which is why airfare sales are popping up with more frequency. If you have been holding off on flying because your budget simply can’t take the hit, you will be pleased to know that help is in sight. Right now a number of airlines have slashed fares to as low as $66 one-way. Even flights to Canada and Mexico are reasonably priced. But as always … Continue reading →