Don't get caught in a tourist money trap. Learn how to save big with our savvy strategies, from avoiding hidden charges to cashing in on off-season deals, and finding the best bargains on hotel rooms, vacation packages, flights, and more.
Getting Started
1. Travel during the off-season. Examples: Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Canyon are most expensive in summer, the same season when tour operators and hotels in the Caribbean and Mexico slash rates. Caribbean cruises are less expensive when you go in the fall versus winter or spring—though you'll want to avoid isles in the so-called "Hurricane Alley." Hotels in Hawaii offer 10 to 20 percent off room rates from mid-September to mid-December; and Europe's best deals are offered between Thanksgiving and Easter.
2. Plan ahead. Discounted vacation packages for travel during Thanksgiving and Christmas are offered as early as August. Book your winter cruise a year in advance for early-bird discounts, and take advantage of rail fare reductions just after the holidays. From August through October, ski resorts post deals for the upcoming winter season.
3. Buy a vacation package. When planning a vacation with multiple components—airfare, accommodations, a rental car—a package can save you up to 30 percent versus purchasing each part of your trip separately.
4. Don't wait until the last minute to get—or renew—your passport; the longer you wait, the more it will cost. Routine applications generally take up to six weeks to process for a fee of $75 (renewal) or $100 (first-time); both fees include passport, security, and execution fees. A two-week turnaround will cost an extra $60, plus two-way overnight delivery costs. Get more information from the U.S. State Department.
5. Purchase travel insurance from a third party for better coverage and/or a lower rate. Check into MedJet Assist, which offers medical evacuation services if you're hospitalized more than 150 miles from your home. A one-year membership for a single person cost $225, and family memberships cost $350—spare change when you consider that being airlifted, especially from a remote location, can cost you tens of thousands of dollars.
6. Become a member of AAA. Depending on your destination and itinerary, AAA can earn you deep discounts on hotel rooms, cruises, tours, and more. Amtrak, for example, offers 10 percent off train tickets for members, while Hertz offers 10-20 percent off rental cars. Basic primary memberships cost about $61 a year, but the savings will pay off.
7. Let the deals come to you. Subscribe to free e-mail newsletters to save time and money on airfare, hotel rooms, vacation packages, and more. Two good bets: Traveler's biweekly A*List deals newsletter , which also offers discounts on guidebooks and a free map, and SmarterTravel.com, which creates money-saving newsletters tailored to students, families, and senior citizens. The free Travelzoo Top 20 is a great general resource for weekly travel deals.
8. When booking a multi-leg flight turn to a website with ITA Software. This simple-to-use technology allows you to search for airfare then e-mail an agent to see if a lower price can be found elsewhere. Sites such as Orbitz and CheapTickets.com use this software.
9. Keep your honeymoon and other special occasions under wraps, at first. Some companies will try to charge you more, reasoning that you'll want to splurge on this special getaway. Once your reservations are finalized, share the reason for your trip: You might get complimentary champagne or a free upgrade at your hotel.
10. Trash your "cookies," small files stored in your Internet browser that record the websites you surf—and the transactions you make. Say you go online and purchase a plane ticket from Chicago to Omaha. The next time you visit that site, you could be quoted a higher rate than what's actually available because of your spending history. Avoid this problem by deleting these files before each new search; it usually means clicking on the "Tools" tab and selecting "Clear private data." Detailed instructions for your specific browser can be found under the "Help" option in the browser menu.
11. Buy any electronics you might need before you depart—this includes small items like converters, headphones, and cords. They can be difficult to find while traveling, and when they're in plain sight they're usually exorbitantly overpriced. A single, all-in-one travel converter is a great buy, since it's relatively inexpensive, reusable for multiple trips, and can save hours of frustration in pricey electronics stores abroad.
12. Packing well can save you from buying a $60 sweater just like the one you have at home (only more expensive). Pack layers and pack light, but always bring at least one warm item. Especially with summer air conditioning in places like Australia, you might find yourself wearing that hooded sweatshirt more than you expected.
Booking Plane Tickets
13. Consider an alternate airport. Often cities are near multiple airports, and fares can vary dramatically from one to the next based on location and air carrier service. Washington, D.C., for example, is within driving distance of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International, and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. But fares are often lower at Baltimore Washington, because it's farther away. Just make sure you have transportation from the alternate airports—travelers often buy cheap tickets into London's Gatwick or Stansted airports only to find they have to pay steep carfares to get to London proper. Heathrow airport, on the other hand, has quick and easy access to London's tube system. If making flight connections in Europe, bypass major airport hubs such as Charles de Gaulle in Paris and Heathrow in London. Switch planes in less trafficked Dublin instead.
14. Slip an easily compressed duffle bag into your suitcase. If you learn your luggage is too heavy when you check-in, you can quickly repack—and avoid hefty fines for overweight luggage. Also consider packing an empty bag for bringing home souvenirs; it's one thing to spend money on trinkets to bring home, it's another to buy a new duffel or suitcase to carry them in.
15. Fly on a small, low-cost air carrier such as JetBlue or Southwest. Many of these airlines now offer perks comparable to the bigger airlines (TVs in every seat, free snacks), and who can argue with rockbottom prices? For a directory of U.S. carriers, try ReidsGuides.com. For European carriers, check out Air-ticket-cheap.com; if going to Asia, log on to Attitude Travel.
16. Shop around for the lowest fare. Log on to sites such
as Expedia,
Orbitz,
and Travelocity
to compare fares between major airlines. Once you find the lowest fare, check
the airline's own website before you book it; some offer special discounts only
available on their site. And don't forget to log on to the websites of low-cost
carriers. Many of them, including Southwest and
17. Turn to consolidators or wholesalers, sometimes called "bucket shops," for savings. These companies buy blocks of tickets from major airlines then sell them to consumers at a deep discount, especially during the off-season. For a list of brokers, visit Airbrokers International.
18. Subscribe to an e-mail alert to track dips in airfares as they occur. Travelocity's free FareWatcher, for example, allows you to monitor up to five routes by sending you an alert every time there's a change in price. Hotwire will e-mail you when fares drop on routes that you've traveled before.
19. Share miles. Some airlines let their frequent fliers transfer their miles to other members seeking award-level status. With Delta, for instance, any member can transfer up to 30,000 miles for $0.01 per mile and a $30 processing fee. If you're some miles short of a free ticket and know someone with miles that would go unused, pay your friend for the fee and it's still a bargain. Note: Policies vary by airline.
Getting Around
20. Choose wisely when it comes to ground transportation. Taxis, which are often required by their organization or local government to charge higher rates within airport boundaries, can be the most expensive option. Many major airports have quick and reliable shuttle or subway services into the city center, where you can catch a cab to your hotel at a fraction of the cost.
21. When booking a rental car, get an estimate from one company, then see if a competitor will beat it. You can also save money by renting through agencies away from the airport (but not if you're crossing state lines). If you decide to purchase rental car insurance, which can be pricey, check first to see if you're covered by your company (if on a business trip), credit card, or personal auto insurance. Check whether associations you're a member of offer discounts on car rentals—AAA membership, for example, can save you a significant amount with some companies. Also ask about car fueling costs. Some companies offer gas cheap by the gallon, but charge a one-time fee for filling up if you return the car anything other than full. If you've only used a ¼ tank, you should fill it up yourself to avoid the fee, but if you're running on empty it's more cost-effective to return it that way. And if the company offers an optional GPS system with navigation, don't automatically turn it down because of the fee. Consider the extra costs of getting lost (burned gas, ruined plans, getting charged extra when the car is returned late) and you just might find a GPS system to be a worthy investment in a carefree and successful road trip.
22. Bike: It's a fun and affordable way to get around. In Copenhagen, for example, more than 125 bike shops offer 1,300 free bike rentals for visitors between May and December. In Amsterdam, bikes are the most popular way to travel, and for $10 per day, cheaper than taxis. The popular Paris velibs—sturdy bicycles parked at stations around the city—cost one euro for a one-day access card and the first half-hour is free.
Staying Connected
23. Some telephone providers have cell phones that can be used globally, but the monthly fee to activate universal usage is often high. Rent or purchase a prepaid cell phone before you travel internationally to avoid these charges altogether (make sure it can be used in the country you're traveling to, and that its service extends to any destinations you might want to call). Check out Telestial, which offers prepaid phones that work in 200 countries. Alternatively, buy an international calling card. You might have to use pay phones, but the savings are worth it.
24. Look into the London Business Card. It's intended for business travelers in London and sells for $10. Users get discounts on photocopying, mobile phone rentals, and at restaurants, theaters, and shops.
25. Somewhere in the middle of instant messaging, video chatting, blog posting, sharing digital pictures, and sending out e-mails, we wonder how people stayed connected before lightweight laptops made travel with a computer easy and fun. If you're bringing a laptop along, check sites like wififreespot to find outlets at your destination that have free Wi-Fi, and Travel Post for a handy list of free Wi-Fi carrying airports. Downloadable software like Skype lets users call or video conference computer-to-computer for free, and saves travelers from spending money on both Internet cafés and expensive international calling plans.
26. Public computer services are often easy to find. Internet cafés (a directory can be found at http://cybercaptive.com/) usually offer rates by the quarter hour—look for places that don't seem to cater to tourists. You might have to negotiate your time in the local language, but they often charge less than the touristy places. Some local libraries offer free Internet facilities. Edinburgh City Libraries in Scotland, for example, offers free computers with Internet in 26 locations across the city. The computers are available by the hour, and individuals must bring a passport, driver's license, or ID card to sign up. Check your destination's city council or public library site for similar services.
Planning Activities
27. Free is the magic word. Check Traveler's Free Cities Index to discover freebies at your destination. Madrid's Museo del Prado, for example, offers free admission on Sundays. In London, the National Gallery, the British Museum, the Tate Modern, and the Museum of Natural History are all free, as are the Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. Plan ahead to maximize your chances of visiting an attraction when it's free, and keep a notebook with a listing of free activities in the city; this way you won't fall into the trap of spending money to kill time. Next time you have time to spare, you can pull out your book and find a free site nearby.
28. Buy theater tickets the day of the performance. Booths in London and San Francisco, for example, sell tickets the day before the show for a fraction of the cost. At the two TKTS kiosks in Manhattan, discounts range from 25 to 50 percent when you purchase tickets the morning of the show. Other great ways to find discounts of up to 50 percent on Broadway shows: Theater Mania, Playbill, and Broadway Box. For off-Broadway productions, check out Off Broadway Online.
29. Invest in CityPass. These little booklets offer admission to dozens of attractions—plus discounts at local restaurants and shops—for one low price. You can buy them for several U.S. cities in addition to Toronto, Canada.
30. Purchase a multi-day subway pass. If you plan to make several stops, you'll save a bundle. Pick up a brochure at the information desk or kiosk in the local metro or subway station for more information. For details on subways in New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C., log on to HopStop.com.
31. Book your adventures after arriving in your vacation spot—often local tour operators will offer better rates, and supporting the local economy is always a good thing.
32. For domestic travel, buy an $80 Annual Pass that covers the entry fee to thousands of federally managed recreation sites, including National Parks.
Shopping
33. Visit small neighborhood markets instead of big, flashy shopping venues. That artisan tapestry or handmade jewelry will cost less, and you'll support local businesses and have a more authentic shopping experience. And don't underestimate the markup on items sold in those big shopping centers. Items for sale on Paris's Champs-Elysee, for example, are reliably more expensive than the same item at a different location.
34. It may sound funny, but if you see a picture you like, take a picture of it. Copies and prints sold to tourists are often overpriced and don't pack well (they get bent, torn, or permanently tube-shaped). Instead of paying for an expensive print-out, take a digital picture. When you get home, you'll have a souvenir that you can make your desktop background, send as an e-mail postcard to friends, or print out and frame on your wall. This trick works for any trinket you want to remember but just can't afford to buy or carry with you.
35. Consider bringing home local candies and sundries as novelties to share with friends; they're more intimate and cultural than costly souvenirs, and your friends will get a sense of local life. Who wouldn't want a box of Classic Dark Chocolate Tim Tams in favor of an overpriced Australia fridge magnet?
36. Avoid public restrooms located in stores—the temptation and pressure to purchase items once you've entered is often too strong to deny. Instead, keep your eye out for free municipal toilets, such as those in Paris, where visitors can make a mid-street pit stop sans guilt.
Exchanging Currency
37. Convert money at a local bank for the best rates. ATMs affiliated with major international banks are great, but be wary of foreign ATMs; while you won't be charged a conversion rate, you may be charged hefty fees by your bank. Learn your bank's policies before you leave.
38. Pay with a credit card. Often you'll get the lowest possible exchange rate, and you'll be protected from unauthorized charges. Even better, make purchases with a single frequent-flier card to rack up miles. Insider Flyer offers comparisons of these cards. Caveat: Some banks tack on conversion surcharges of up to 3 percent. Some banks will cancel cards for erratic spending patterns, and it usually takes at least a phone call to clear up. Tell your bank your travel plans ahead of time so you won't be caught cardless en route.
39. Get a VAT reimbursement. In Europe, this value-added tax, which is included in every purchase you make, is meant for residents only. To get this money back, pick up a form each time you make a purchase, and save your receipts. Once you're back home, fill out these forms and mail them to the VAT processing agency, which will mail you a reimbursement check. Or look for a Global Refund outlet at the airport, which will give cash refunds on the spot.
40. Pick up an American Express Travelers Cheque Card. Cash, in dollars, pounds, and euros, is accessible via select ATMs, and the prepaid card isn't linked to your bank account. You can add more money at any time. And, like travelers checks, these cards can be replaced within 24 hours if lost or stolen.
41. Have foreign currency delivered to your doorstep. Wells Fargo lets you order 14 different currencies online. Travelex World Wide Money offers more than 100 foreign currencies, and gives free online quotes for services.
Finding a Place to Stay
42. Stay in a U.S. national park lodge in winter. If you're willing to brave the cold, you could save up to 40 percent. For a complete listing of national park lodges, log on to US-Parks.com.
43. Negotiate your room rate once you're there. During off-season slumps, some properties will barter. Go between 4 and 6 p.m., when the reservations agent will want to fill canceled rooms. Offering to pay cash and staying at least three nights will increase your chances of getting your asking price.
44. Instead of staying in a hotel, rent a condo or villa if vacationing for more than two nights. You'll cut costs, and you'll have the comforts of home—like being able to cook in your own kitchen, which can save bundles of cash on food. Check out ResortQuest, Rentalo, and Rent Villas.
45. Hotels in European capital cities can be costly. Seek out accommodations one or two neighborhoods away from the action. Compare costs at Venere.com. Just make sure transportation to city center doesn't cancel any money you save. If you can't walk to the sites you want to see, factor in transportation to guarantee your hotel arrangement is truly cost effective.
46. Don't settle for "brochure rates." Ask about current promotions, discounts for AAA and AARP members, and credit card rewards programs such as Blue from American Express. (For more credit card reward programs, check out Credit Card Guide.) Make sure to look into best-rate policies in which some hotels will match their competitor's rate if it's lower. Also, check out Quikbook.com, which offers up to 60 percent off hotel rooms throughout the U.S. And when you do get a deal, carry a printout of the quoted price with you. You won't often run into businesses deliberately trying to take advantage of you, but if discrepancies arise a simple letter or e-mail can do wonders for getting the rate you were promised.
47. Purchase a meal-inclusive package at your hotel. Often the lowest room rate doesn't include meals, so a room that looks cheaper could really add to your overall budget.
48.
49. When washing clothes, it's often cheaper to support local independent businesses as opposed to hotel laundries. But if you really want to save, wash clothes in the hotel sink or bathtub with hotel shampoo; hang them on the shower curtain rail to dry.
Dining Out
50. If you're in a major city and your food budget is tight, be economical with dinner (get a big sandwich at a cheap deli, assemble an inexpensive meal from groceries). Then, to sample local specialties, splurge on desserts. Your overall tab will likely be less than the cost of dinner without dessert a fancy restaurant.
51. Pay for meals in Hong Kong with a credit card. Though not widely advertised, some restaurants partner with credit card companies to offer discounts of up to 15 percent on meals.
52. Go for tapas. Instead of sitting down to a multi-course meal, look for a wine bar that serves appetizer-size portions. These dishes can offer a flavorful, satisfying meal less expensively.
53. Head off the beaten path. Ditch the "hot" touristy districts and seek out a small neighborhood for a more affordable (and often more authentic) dining experience. An example: Just ten minutes from Krakow's Old Town is the Kazimierz District, which teems with less expensive bars and restaurants.
54. Beware of hidden charges at restaurants. At some places in Italy, for example, a 15 percent charge is automatically added to your check as soon as you sit down at a table. Before being seated ask the hostess about these hidden fees. Some restaurants will charge extra for table service but not for meals eaten at the bar. And take-away is nearly always the cheapest option.
55. Take part in "Restaurant Week." Major cities such as Manhattan, Washington, D.C., San Diego, and Boston celebrate their gastronomic riches with three-course prix-fixe menus that showcase some of their specialties and provide an affordable way to sample some of a city's finest fare. Check for cities, dates, and prices at Opentable.com.
56. Make a picnic. Shop at a local market for regional delicacies, then head to a scenic park or lookout for dining al fresco. Two of our favorite spots: the longest park bench in the world at Gaudi's Park Güell in Barcelona and Vancouver's famous Stanley Park Seawall.
57. Be wary of hors d'oeuvres you didn't order—they're not always complimentary. In some parts of the world (think Portugal and France) these appetizers come with a price, and no matter how much you eat, you'll be billed for the lot.