Travel Tips 1
A bump-y ride
If you have more time than money for traveling, make reservations on flights that are almost full. Check in 20 minutes prior to boarding and if the airline asks for volunteersfor bumping, be ready to step forward! Bumpees are often rewarded with free tickets to compensate them for their trouble. You may lose a few hours but you'll gain a new roundtrip ticket!
Admission is free
For Free guidebooks will steer you towards interesting and eclectic sights that offer free admission. There are state parks, scenic overlooks and monuments in destinations including Hawaii, Washington, DC, Paris, London, and the Southwest. About $10 each from Mustang Publishing.
Affordable condo rentals
Planning a holiday that will last more than a couple of days? Consider renting a small condominium for big savings. Condos provide more sleeping space than hotel rooms, the kitchen helps make mealtime more economical, and, with more space, everyone is less likely to get cabin fever. Condos that rent by the week or month in-season, may be available for shorter stays off-peak.
Age has its privileges - like 10% off!
Most airlines, car-rental companies, and hotels offer discounts of 10% or more to travelers over 50. When you make reservations, always ask if a senior citizens' discount is available, but make sure that the senior discount is a better rate than any other "special" being offered.
Baby onboard - some restrictions apply
Thinking of flying while pregnant? If you're planning on traveling during your third trimester, you may run into some restrictions, especially internationally. Be prepared with a doctor's "permission-to-travel" letter and check out specific airline policies at www.babycenter.com If your pregnancy is high-risk: Take the train.
Baggage - Don't leave the plane without it!
Did you know that transfers are at the root of 40% of lost baggage claims? If you must change planes, don't check your baggage through to your final destination. Make arrangements to re-check it between flights.
Ban the sol, Eh?
The UV radiation from the intense tropical sun (from any sun!) may damage the cornea and retina of your eyes. To ensure maximum protection while traveling, choose sunglasses that are labeled "complete UVA or UVB blockage" (absorption of UV up to 400 nm). Then go out and play!
Buckle up to be sure...and insured!
Not wearing a seatbelt may be a violation of your personal automobile insurance policy and could leave you liable for thousands of dollars of damages in the event of an accident. You may also be subject to a fine since most states have passed mandatory seatbelt laws for the driver of the car.
Check out of the check-out line
Everyone checks out at about the same time, including conventioneers, and the lines can move like molasses. To avoid being caught and possibly missing your flight home, checkout early in the morning. Just be sure to hang on to your key so you can continue to use your room until official checkout time.
Clip your coupons
Check with the local chamber of commerce in the city you're visiting to see whether they publish free coupon books. Sunny Money, San Diego's "super savings" booklet, is filled with coupons that offer discounts on lodging, meals and sightseeing - 117 in all! Order it at: www.sandiego.org
