Insider travel tips can save you money, time andaggravation. Here are a few:
Save in Baggage Fees
New baggage rules can add $100 or more to your ticket. Checking your luggage on line before you travel reduces the fee by $5 on some airlines… Or stick with two that do not charge: Southwest (two free bags) and Jet Blue (one free bag)… Also most websites let you choose your seat on line and show which seats are already reserved. You can pick the least crowded row or section for more elbow room.
Car Rentals
Unless you have a large family, book the least expensive economy model, and you could end up with a free upgrade. Economy models are the most popular so they sell out faster, forcing the company to offer a more expensive, roomier model at the economy price.
Silver for Safety
Statistics show silver and metallic colored cars are the least likely to get in an accident, even 50 pecent less likely than a white car. Silver is highly reflective which makes it easily visible to other drivers day and night. Silver is usually one of the color choices offered in every price range.
Cars by the Hour
Zipcar, the world’s largest car sharing and car club service, is an alternative to traditional car rental. You pay by the hour, and gas and insurance are included in the price. It even offers trucks and SUVs. Zipcar is in Elon, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Chapel Hill and Durham. Membership costs $75 but you can get a $50 refund if you cancel within 30 days. www.zipcar.com
Hidden Hotel Fees
Many hotels add hidden fees for internet, local calls even their gym, whether you use the services or not. Ask the front desk about fees, explaining that you will not be using them. Better to ask when you check in. To get a better room rate, call the actual hotel site rather than the chain’s toll-free number.
Getting Better Room Rate
Best to call on a Sunday afternoon when the manager is usually not on duty. Front-desk clerks may be able to give you an even better deal. Discounts at the Marriott: If you’re 62 years or older, you can receive 15% or more on your room rate at more than 3,600 Marriott hotels worldwide, seven days a week. Book online using their secure reservations or call toll-free (1-888-236-2427) in the USA and Canada.
House-swapping
If you are going on vacation, especially abroad, you might consider house-swapping, that is, swap your home for the vacation period with another family. Information is available at Digsville.com, Home Exchange.com or HomeFor Swap.com. Annual membership fees are from $50 to $100, still far cheaper than one night in a hotel.