Summer Excursion: Tips to Save Cash on a Road Trip

The Great American Road Trip (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There is nothing like getting together with a group of friends to travel on an adventure. The memories will definitely last for a lifetime. Here are a few money-saving tips to keep in mind when taking a road trip.

Check the tire pressure

Before hitting the highway, travelers should always check the vehicle’s tire pressure. Not only will this enhance their safety, but it will also allow the vehicle to get the best possible gas mileage. By maintaining the proper air pressure, the cost of the trip can be reduced by at least $50. However, remember to periodically recheck the tire pressure along the way.

Scout the free attractions

Contrary to popular belief, a road trip does not have to cost a great deal of money. Although amusement parks can certainly be entertaining, there are several other ways to have fun. The key is to find the free attractions in the area. For example, a lot of mountain areas offer free hiking trails to the public.

Always pack food and water

As most travelers already know, eating out at restaurants can become very costly. This is why vacationers should visit the grocery store beforehand. After everyone pitches in to buy the food, someone can make sandwiches for the entire crew. The food and water can easily be kept fresh in a cooler.

Keep an eye out for hotel specials

Most hotels offer special rates at various times of the year. While some hotels advertise their specials on social media sites, there are others that may contact customers via email. For example, hotels rates are typically more expensive around the Fourth of July. After this popular holiday has passed, there are usually a lot of affordable hotels in Washington DC.

Use apps to find the cheapest fuel

Depending on the distance of the road trip, there is a good chance that travelers will have to refuel at some point. Luckily, there are several phone apps that help people to find the least expensive fuel. This is great news for the sightseers who are trying to have fun without breaking the bank. 

The summer is the perfect time of the year to hit the road. These tips should certainly help everyone to keep some extra cash in their pocket.

Traveling in Times of Crisis

Travel Guides (Photo credit: Vanessa (EY))

During the period of financial crisis traveling is not easy and that is not good for many countries in which the tourism sector, is one of the most important. People still want to travel but are more reluctant to do so because of the current crisis hitting Europe in general and more particularly countries like Portugal, Italy and of course Spain. Of course this crisis causes problems to all over the world or it will in the near future.

Due to the current situation there have been many questions tourists have made, such as whether to save rather than traveling or is it better not to travel at all as this usually involves excessive spending on many occasions.

There are many deals on offer in travel agencies and wrapped packages made to consume, but this is not to everyone's liking, since more and more tourists like to choose what type of accommodation, flights, dates or days will travel. So there have been many alternatives to travel in order to save more. One could point out a way to move between neighboring countries or within the same country, for those who like to travel by car but not wishing to have the option to share car. This medium is unknown for many but very effective and very safe also, you pay a price per trip, depending on the length of it and there is no concern.

For trips where the destination is not so close, we all know the famous company Ryanair which is cheap and with a multitude of destinations. Make you sure you have an international travel insurance that covers all your needs and pocket. What is left to do is choosing accommodation and for that there are many deals if you are looking for an alternative to standard hotels and usually the price does not reference quality. To find a property to the desired extent you can do your research online where you can find different types of accommodation such as a room in a shared flat, an apartment or an entire house, as well as Bed and Breakfast, hotel-like accommodation with basic facilities for sleeping and breakfast.

With all the alternative media that exist today is hard to resist making a vacation or a trip without having to spend a large portion of the payroll. Thanks to these new ideas materialized in companies, we can save enjoying the pleasure of traveling.

3 Tips Retirees Can Use to Budget for a Vacation

You've looked forward to traveling once you retired, and now you're there. Unfortunately, while retirement may free up time, it might also restrict certain expenses. This doesn't mean you can't see the world; it just means you're going to have to carefully plan to make it happen.

1. Consider Travel Options

When it comes to travel, there are some forgotten options that are budget friendlier, and in some ways, a nicer way to go. For example, consider Amtrack, the national rail company here in the United States. The travel itself could be the vacation. But, if trains aren't your thing, there are some very comfortable Greyhound busses that can get you just about anywhere you want to go in the United States.

If you decide to take the great American highway, you can save some money by packing your meals. Too many stops at McDonalds add up quickly. But if flying is your thing, consider internet sites like Travelocity or Expedia. Also, if you travel at odd flying times you can save money. 

2. Plan in Advance

Say you want to enjoy one of the many Caribbean cruises that leave port this fall. Plan ahead and break the cost down — then decide how much you need to set aside each month so that, come vacation time, you're more worried about running out of margaritas than the cash in your pocket.

There are computer programs you can use, not to mention special accounts you can open at your bank, to help you budget and save money. Some people put the change in their pockets into a jar. But it's just a simple budgeting principle to put a bit aside. You probably did something similar when kids were still in the house. During retirement, it will still work the same way.

You might also check on any senior discounts offered at places you visit. It couldn't hurt and it just might save on your overall expenses. But do this in advance, don't take off hoping to find these offers en route.

3. Remember: Where You Stay Affects Eating Options

One of the best parts of the vacation is eating out. Once again, advanced planning can help you meet your budget goals. First of all, decide how much money you will need to eat out during your trip, and save up accordingly. If done right, you can eat out every night if you want to.

Another option has to do with where you stay. If you have access to a time-share condo, they come with kitchens. You can generally buy food cheaper than it costs to eat out, you'll just have to make them yourself and clean up after. This is not as convenient, but could be even nicer and a bit more intimate.

There are really many ways to save on the costs of a trip, or to save up for a great get away. Remember to plan ahead and understand how your planning relates to every step of the trip. The more consolidated ideas you can come up with, the more money you can save.