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SO YOU WANT TO SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL: PART II
by Arthur A. Hawkins II
Here’s more on how to create and use your own personal travel plan to save time and money. Wherever you choose to go this year, it will likely cost more to get there this year. Why not level the playing field?
- Timing is everything. Leaving and returning at the right time could save you 25% or more. Compare the cost of travel at different times and dates then adjust your travel accordingly.
- Junk your clunker. Vehicles on their last legs can cost you a fortune to maintain. However, a good car should last 5 years at the very least.
- Leave the driving. Air, sea and rail travel may by viable alternatives. No frills airlines like Southwest Airlines have made flying cost effective for domestic travel.
- Separation anxiety. Regularly check the treads on your tires. Make sure there is no separation, balding or uneven spots. If you spot any problems replace tires immediately. Also you may want to change tires if your make or model is known for separation.
- Tune in. Take advantage of media (radio, TV, newspapers, Internet) tips and features, i.e., a list the “cheapest” gas stations and travel bargains.
- The sober truth. Never drink and drive (the life you save may be your own. . . your loved ones too)
- Slow down. No jack rabbit starts or high speed driving.
- Chill out. Hostile drivers are more stress sensitive, according a State University of New York study. They also have higher muscle tension and blood pressure when listening to driving narratives. So relax and ease up on your aggressive driving.
AVOID THE RUSH
Rush hour drivers and travelers may relieve the pressure by leaving a half hour or so earlier or later. The alternative is spending up to 40% of your road time in traffic jams. The average Chicago area motorist loses $570 a year stuck in traffic, according to the 2001 Urban Mobility Study by Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University.
THE WHOLE ENCHILADA
- Compare the cost of airlines, cruise lines, hotels and rental cars. The Internet is a good source to use.
- Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate. The travel industry is competitive. Use this to your advantage. Get prices from several competitors. Be sure to use different departure times and dates. Follow up and ask for their best deal. Don’t forget about travel consolidators.
- Bundles of joy. Bundling travel, lodging and meals into a nice neat travel package may yield a substantial discount.
- Feast on leftovers. See if any last minute deals, especially unbooked space, are available. Steep price cuts may be offered.
- Use YOU discounts. Take advantage of the special rates offered to affinity groups, seniors, kids and students. Also consider starting a travel buyers club at your associations, clubs, office, school and church.
- Frequent flyer programs and reward plans may help you recoup some money.
- Don’t overlook travel agents. They can save you the hassle of planning your own trip and may offer unbeatable bargains.
Bon voyage!
You can find more timely travel tips and ways to save on travel at the Travel Smart link at http://www.TimeManagement4U.
com
RESOURCE INFORMATION***
This information ws inspired by “The Know-it-all Reference Guide,” by
Arthur Hawkins II. Send for copies at
Information Research Lab
9824 Western Ave. Suite 144,
Dept.African Spectrum,
Evergreen, IL 60805, USA.
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