It’s the first official day of summer and we know that many of you have planned or will be planning trips during this peak travel season. We have compiled some tips for you to use on your next trip. From saving money, TSA tips and more, we’ve got you covered for summer travel.
Tips for Saving Money:
1)Refunds: If your airfare drops, check into getting a refund. There are different fees and policies for ticket refunds depending on the airline. Alaska, JetBlue and Southwest Airlines all will offer refunds if the price of their airfare drops. A few of the airlines charge change fees so the refund may not be worth it in the long run but its worth checking out.
2) Research, Research, Research: Use sites like Bing Travel, airfarewatchdog.com and hotels.com to find the best fares and room rates. Bing Travel will forecast if they think fares will go up or down based on patterns seen. Look out for flash sales on hotel rooms. Also, call hotels in the area and ask them for unpublished rates. Sometimes you can find better deals this way.
3) Coupons: Find local deals where you are traveling via Groupon, Living Social and the hotel that you are staying at on your trip. Sign up for G-Trot to get more information on social deals. Don’t be afraid to search online for specials and deals for your destination.
4) Save on Gas: All of us are concerned about rising gas prices. Use tools like AAA’s mobile app, aaa.com/mobile to find the lowest pump prices in the area you are driving. You can boost the gas mileage on your car by driving the speed limit and not accelerating or breaking suddenly.
5) Trip Insurance: Look into trip insurance. This protects your trip from unforeseen circumstances such as weather that may cause your trip to be cancelled. www.insurancefortrips.com is a great resource.
Tips for traveling by plane: (information found on www.travelsense.org)
1) Arrive Early: Those who arrive earliest for an overbooked flight stand the greatest chance of staying on board.
2) Keep a close on all belongings: Be aware of your surroundings and keep a close eye on your tickets, wallets, purses and other belongings at all times.
3) Avoid getting bumped: Get an advanced seat assignment. Check in online within 24 hours of departure. If all else fails get to the airport early.
4) Know your Airline’s limits: now all the size and weight limits of your airline for your luggage. Weigh your luggage beforehand to ensure it is not overweight.
5) Remember 3-1-1: You may take toiletries that 3 ounces or less that fit in a one quart-size clear plastic bag and one bag per person must be placed in the screening bin.
Tips for Traveling by car:
1) Plan your itineraries and arrange accommodations well in advance. Hotels, restaurants and rental car places get booked quickly during the peak summer travel season. Ask your travel agent for special deals. Make sure you have an appropriately sized vehicle that will accommodate your travelers, luggage, and souvenirs you may buy.
2) Get a Tune up. If you are traveling with your car, make sure you have your oil changed, and your brakes, fluids, tire pressure and windshield wipers checked.
3) Get an early start: Travel during late night or early morning hours to avoid traffic gridlock. The worst times are typically after meals since most travelers wait to leave after they have eaten. Make sure that your driver is rested and prepared with the appropriate directions for your trip.
Tips for Saving Money:
1)Refunds: If your airfare drops, check into getting a refund. There are different fees and policies for ticket refunds depending on the airline. Alaska, JetBlue and Southwest Airlines all will offer refunds if the price of their airfare drops. A few of the airlines charge change fees so the refund may not be worth it in the long run but its worth checking out.
2) Research, Research, Research: Use sites like Bing Travel, airfarewatchdog.com and hotels.com to find the best fares and room rates. Bing Travel will forecast if they think fares will go up or down based on patterns seen. Look out for flash sales on hotel rooms. Also, call hotels in the area and ask them for unpublished rates. Sometimes you can find better deals this way.
3) Coupons: Find local deals where you are traveling via Groupon, Living Social and the hotel that you are staying at on your trip. Sign up for G-Trot to get more information on social deals. Don’t be afraid to search online for specials and deals for your destination.
4) Save on Gas: All of us are concerned about rising gas prices. Use tools like AAA’s mobile app, aaa.com/mobile to find the lowest pump prices in the area you are driving. You can boost the gas mileage on your car by driving the speed limit and not accelerating or breaking suddenly.
5) Trip Insurance: Look into trip insurance. This protects your trip from unforeseen circumstances such as weather that may cause your trip to be cancelled. www.insurancefortrips.com is a great resource.
Tips for traveling by plane: (information found on www.travelsense.org)
1) Arrive Early: Those who arrive earliest for an overbooked flight stand the greatest chance of staying on board.
2) Keep a close on all belongings: Be aware of your surroundings and keep a close eye on your tickets, wallets, purses and other belongings at all times.
3) Avoid getting bumped: Get an advanced seat assignment. Check in online within 24 hours of departure. If all else fails get to the airport early.
4) Know your Airline’s limits: now all the size and weight limits of your airline for your luggage. Weigh your luggage beforehand to ensure it is not overweight.
5) Remember 3-1-1: You may take toiletries that 3 ounces or less that fit in a one quart-size clear plastic bag and one bag per person must be placed in the screening bin.
Tips for Traveling by car:
1) Plan your itineraries and arrange accommodations well in advance. Hotels, restaurants and rental car places get booked quickly during the peak summer travel season. Ask your travel agent for special deals. Make sure you have an appropriately sized vehicle that will accommodate your travelers, luggage, and souvenirs you may buy.
2) Get a Tune up. If you are traveling with your car, make sure you have your oil changed, and your brakes, fluids, tire pressure and windshield wipers checked.
3) Get an early start: Travel during late night or early morning hours to avoid traffic gridlock. The worst times are typically after meals since most travelers wait to leave after they have eaten. Make sure that your driver is rested and prepared with the appropriate directions for your trip.
