Travel Tips 5
Rating the airlines - with the help of the U.S. governement
The Dept. of Transporation's Air Travel Report website delivers quite a punch with consumer information the airlines would rather you didn't have. Who's got the worst on-time arrival record? Who's guilty of over-booking? Whose baggage handling is atrocious? Get the stats on the ten largest U.S. carriers at: www.dot.gov/airconsumer/index1.htm
Read U.S. government travel warnings online
Consular Information Sheets are available for every country of the world with information like the location of the U.S. Embassy in that country, health conditions, minor political disturbances, unusual entry regulations, security information, and drug penalties. To get informed, go to: travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html
Rental car insurance - who needs it?
You may already be covered for liability if you own or lease a car and your credit card company may offer CDW/LDW coverage if you use their card to pay for your rental. But be sure - call your agent and credit card company BEFORE you decline insurance.
Roughing it - smoothly and cheaply
State park cabins are a great option for budget-minded travelers who like to camp, but not pitch tents. Found in state parks everywhere (i.e., Big Sur), the accommodations range from rustic with few amenities to modern with full kitchens and linens. For details, visit the National Park Service website at www.nps.gov/
Safety tip - bell your luggage
A noisy holiday "jingle bell" attached to your carry-on may not endear you to fellow travelers, but it will alert you immediately if someone tries to move your bag. This is a very useful precaution if you're the sort of person who dozes off while waiting for a delayed flight.
Save money with late checkout
Most hotels request that guests checkout by 11AM so that rooms can be readied for new arrivals. If you've got an afternoon flight, don't pay for an additional night just for the convenience of spending a few more hours in your room. When you check in, simply request a late checkout time. Most hotels will allow you to stay in your room until 1PM (or later) at no additional cost.
See it for free - zoos and museums
Museums and zoos frequently offer special days or evenings when admission is free. Find out what those times are and plan your visit accordingly. Use the money you saved to buy postcards!
See the works
Ever watched a glassblower at work, wondered how candles are made or longed to see milk go from cow to carton? Stop wondering and start watching! Often free, factory vists provide a surprising look at how everyday items are made. Go to www.family.com and put "fun factory tours" in the search box for a list of more than a dozen great destinations...some with free samples!
Self-guided "shore excursions" for savings
Cruises offer guided excursions into various ports of call to facilitate sightseeing. But why pay a premium to be on someone else's schedule? Take one of the ship's scheduled tenders to the dock and strike out on your own. There might even be a free shuttle to take you into the most popular areas. Be adventurous, but don't be foolish! Check with cruise personnel to make sure that you are safe and informed for your travels.
Suites for the sweet - and also the cost-concious
If you're traveling with a group, consider booking a suite for your gang. In addition to hotel chains that specialize in suites (i.e., Embassy), other hotels have suites available that may prove less costly to book than separate rooms.
