What do you do when you learn that you are going to a destination that you have never been to before?
For me, it’s a multi-step process, involving some research, talking to friends and co-workers, a trip or two to the library, and maybe even a movie.  I like to gather data from a variety of sources, because I want both hard facts and opinions, and it’s rare that you can get top quality information like that from only one source.
Here are some of the things I do, and places that I look, for information:
Primary online research:  One of the first …read more

I haven’t done a round up of Money Saving Travel Tips for awhile, so here’s January’s edition.

Look for free things to do at your destination.  You can do research in advance of your trip and get a good list going of the area’s freebies, as well as check with the hotel’s concierge front desk.  Many museums and other attractions don’t have an admission fee.  And don’t overlook the simple pleasures, which often cost nothing at all:  watching the sunrise or sunset from the beach, sitting in the park and people watching, a stroll around a lake, or a walk in the …read more

December is one of those months where extra expenses seem to crop up all over the place, so hopefully these money saving tips will help take the sting out of your travel budget.
 

There’s still another week or so before the mad frenzy of holiday travel begins, and right now the planes are generally not full.  This means that there are some great fares available.  If you haven’t finished (or started) your holiday shoppingl, consider taking advantage of the low fares and take a short trip to a shopping mecca.  Get your shopping done and have a mini-vacation, too.  (Thanks to Trish at Travels …read more

After a couple of weeks away, Money Saving Travel Tips is back!
Here are this week’s tips:

Stay flexible with your travel dates and times.  Sometimes moving your departure or return date by a day or two will save you money.  And don’t forget to price out morning flights and evening flights.  If you’re searching fares online (and you should be), try different dates and times to see how the fare may change.  Remember, though, that if a change means additional hotel costs, it may not be much of a money saver.
Consider suburban hotels.  If you don’t absolutely have to be in …read more

I’m traveling out of the country right now, and it’s been hard to find a consistent time to write.  Changing time zones isn’t a problem for me, as I do it often enough. 
What’s been a challenge, is that I’m in a room overlooking the ocean, and it’s 80-some degrees out.  So my writing schedule is being totally dominated by the call of a comfy ocean-side lounge chair.
With that in mind, here are this week’s money saving travel tips.
 

Continue to look for a better price.  Once you’ve booked your reservations, it doesn’t hurt to continue to look for price changes.  I’m …read more

I had these money saving travel tips ready to post yesterday (Monday), but then got sidetracked and forgot to actually do it.
So, rather than skip a week, here is “Money Saving Travel Tips for Monday ““ The Tuesday Edition.”  (The concept has been work for Monday Night Football for awhile, so it’ll work here.)
 

Take part in “Restaurant Week,” usually a citywide promotion featuring a three course prix-fixe menu.  Restaurant is available in many cities across the country (Manhattan, Washington DC, Boston, for example), and frequently runs longer than a week.  In Seattle, November is Twenty-Five for $25, with 25 of …read more

Another Monday, and another list of Money Saving Travel Tips.
 

Don’t be afraid to leave the tourist district.  Getting off the beaten path is always a good idea when you are looking for a more authentic experience.  Sometimes, this means a few blocks in either direction, sometimes it’s just getting off at a different subway stop.  You’ll generally find that a small neighborhood has less expensive bars and restaurants.  Plus, you have the opportunity to dine with the locals rather than other tourists.
If you’re traveling with kids, investigate hotels that offer promotions catering to families.  From “kids stay free” to complimentary meals …read more

Another Monday, and another group of money saving travel tips, including a tip from a reader. 
 

If there are attractions with admission fees that you go to frequently (museum, zoo, aquarium, etc.) ask if there is an annual pass available.  Generally speaking, an annual pass costs the equivalent of two or three admission fees.
Use your public library for research.  Before you head to the bookstore to purchase a bunch of guidebooks, spend some time browsing the library shelves.  You may find that you don’t need to make any purchases at all, and can get the information that you need from the …read more

Here are this week’s Money Saving Travel Tips:
 

Share your frequent flyer miles with your traveling companion.  Some airlines allow you to transfer miles from your account to another.  A service charge may apply, so do the math to make sure you come out ahead, but if it gets you a free ticket or an upgrade it’s worth considering.
Make one meal a day a picnic.  Shop at local markets for fruit, cheese, bread, meats, and head to a park or scenic lookout point.  Even if the weather isn’t cooperating, try a picnic indoors.  A picnic in your hotel room can still …read more

After a two-week hiatus, I’m back ““ with more money saving travel tips.

Travel off-season and save a bundle.  This is a popular money saving option for flight attendants who must also stress about getting seats on full planes.  Think snow destinations when it’s summer:  Most ski resorts offer plenty of vacation options during the summer.  Also, think exotic beach locations in the summer.  Hawaii and the Caribbean have lower rates in the warm weather as opposed to what can be sky-high rates during our coldest time of year.
Step away from the mini-bar.  Although many hotels are removing them from the …read more