Travel Tips 4
Location, location, location
Airport-based car rental agencies don't always offer the best rates. If may be more economical to take a free shuttle to your hotel and then take a taxi ride to a nearby agency to take advantage of their prices. The rental car company may even be willing to send a courtesy car to pick you up, which means more savings!
London on $6 a day/NYC on $4.50
In London, an unlimited ride pass for the bus and Underground systems (what we Yanks call "subway") willset you back abouty $6. In NYC, a 1-day "Fun Pass Metrocard" does the same thing for $4.50. Usee mass tranasit -- it's clean, safe and gets you everywhere in no time.
Lower your water bill!
Tired of paying a small fortune for tiny bottles of purified water? On arrival, buy gallon of water at a local convenience store ($1-$2) and a couple of minis for refills. Keep the minis cooling in your in-room ice bucket with ice from the machine down the hall and refill as needed.
Madness in the method - best way to exchange $$$
You can pay an additional 10% of your transaction depending on who you choose as your money changer: ATM's charge 1-2%; Banks, 2-4%; Exchange Businesses, 3-6%; and hotels and shops, a whoppoing 6-11%. Using your ATM and credit cards whenever possible will help you save money.
Mapping your trip - road closings
Don't lose valuable time, gas or patience due to unexpected detours. The Department of Transportation provides information on road closings and weather-related driving for all 50 states. After you've plot your ideal route on paper, check with the DOT to make sure that reality will match your ideal.
Over-sold doesn't mean sold-out
If you can't afford to get bumped, you should know that emergency rows and a few other seats are always held back for assignment at the gate. Increase your odds of getting on your flight by checking in as early as possible to claim these prize seats.
Packing exercise to keep shoes in shape
You'll prevent your shoes from being crushed if you pack your socks and underwear INSIDE each pair. It also saves space in your suitcase. And in a related space-saving story: Don't roll your belts...run them around the perimeter of your suitcase.
Paper (ticket) chase
With great airfare prices available online and the ease of e-ticketing, why would anyone choose paper tickets? Because in the unlikely event of a computer crash or a lost reservation, paper ticket holders have a distinct advantage. And, when flights are canceled, e-tickets are not yet "portable" between all carriers.
Passports and acceptable substitutes
Some destinations (i.e., Canada and Mexico) require proof of U.S. citizenship, but not necessarily a passport. Proof includes an expired passport, an original or certified birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the US. A valid driver's license or government id card is acceptable provided it identifies you by physical description or photograph.
Pay more and get more - the fallacy of "budget" vacations
A budget package may seen like a cost-saving idea, but accommodations with a higher price tag often have "value-added" plusses that ultimately save you more money. A mid-range hotel package may include a full breakfast and/or complimentary cocktail hour daily, or there might be free lodging for children under 12. A well-situated hotel will also help you cut down on transportation costs AND time...which is money, too!
