Skip to main content

Travel Deal or Dud?

Planning a last minute holiday vaca? Usually last minute travel isn't the most cost effective but if you know how to sniff out a "deal" or a "dud" you might be able to save a little along the way. According to AnneLise Sorensen, lead editor of "Make the Most of Your Time on Earth: 1,000 Ultimate Travel Experiences," here are ways to spend your money in the right place;

Travelers Insurance -- This covers the expenses if a flight or trip is cancelled, your baggage is lost or damaged or you get sick. Verdict: DEAL (if you're not covered by a credit card or another policy).

Reward Credit Cards -- Earning points toward free hotel stays and airline tickets can save you a lot of money - as long as you don't overuse the card in an effort to rack up miles. Verdict: DEAL

Oh-So-Cheap Vacation Packages -- Can a cruise really go for $199 a week? Um. No. Dig deeper and you'll find a slew of hidden charges in the fine print -- added taxes, hidden gratuity or other fees that can easily turn a relaxing getaway into an overpriced hassle that may drive the cost beyond the regular price. And watch out for those amazing airfare/hotel/rental car combo packages online. Before booking call the hotel and ask what their daily parking rate and Internet charges are. Those really good rates might just jump well past another hotel that isn't a featured "deal." Verdict: DUD

"Fourth Night Free" Offers -- They can be a good deal, but make sure the promotion isn't based on a higher rate and that you factor in the extra costs (food, car rental, taxi) for extending your stay. Verdict: DO THE MATH.

And always remember; The cheaper the travel package, the more likely it is to be inconvenient. They get you roped in for the price and then make it a complete hassle -- added travel time, extra layover. No thanks.

Also check the hotel’s location. It might be worth paying a little extra for lodging to be within walking distance of attractions and skip the hassle and costs of renting a car or taking taxis.

Check back early next week for helpful cell phone apps that will streamline your travel!
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tame the Tum: Spare tire or stress bulge?

For many women, getting bikini ready means tackling one dreaded area in particular — our tummies. Most of us still think the best way to achieve a washboard stomach is by doing hundreds of sit-ups. Not so, says A-list trainer and body guru James Duigan. James, who sculpts supermodels Elle Macpherson and Rosie Huntingdon-Whiteley among others, insists there is no ‘one size fits all’ method for getting a flat belly. Instead, he’s identified five key ‘tummy types,’ all of which require a different approach to achieve successful toning. Once you figure out your tummy type (mine is the STRESS BELLY) thanks to the UK Daily Mail , you'll be on your way to getting the perfect midriff... THE SPARE TIRE TUMMY The spare tire: This is one of the easiest tummy troubles to eliminate because it's caused by eating the wrong foods and not exercising enough. HOW TO IDENTIFY THIS TYPE These people are likely to lead sedentary lives, perhaps with jobs that k...
162 comments
Read more

CHICKEN NUGGETS anyone??

If this doesn't stop you from going through the drive thru - then we have quite a bit of work to do! "Mechanically Separated Chicken" is the actual name for this pink paste that looks nothing like chicken. Eventually this pink paste will be shaped into little boots, fried and placed in Happy Meals around the world! Clear explanation of Mechanically Separated Meat: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechanically_separated_meat Lets choose something else for lunch today shall we?
Post a Comment
Read more

Fancy Friday

Wondering what tickled my fancy (aka; something I enjoyed, adored or was satisfied by) this week? Hands down the Chicken Taco Chili I made in the crock pot. Similar to last week's " Meal in a Can " recipe but with a little more kick and ingredients. This is so freakin' easy. Beyond delicious on a chilly evening. High in protein and fiber and of course low in fat. Would I make it if it was any other way?!? Nada. And if you're a Weight Watchers guru, it's low in points too! Bonus. Having a Super Bowl gathering at your house? Whip up a big batch of this with some corn bread and you've got yourself a crowd pleaser. Great for the kids too! ~Crock Pot Chicken Taco Chili~ Recipe courtesy of skinnytaste.com Ingredients: 1 onion, chopped 1 16-oz can black beans 1 16-oz can kidney beans 1 8-oz can tomato sauce 10 oz package frozen corn kernels or 1 16 oz. can of corn 2 14.5-oz cans diced tomatoes w/chilies (mild or spicy depending on your tolerance) 3-4 boneless ski...
Post a Comment
Read more