Travel
"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." — Augustine of Hippo
“If you’re 22, physically fit, hungry to learn and be better, I urge you to travel — as far and as widely as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live and eat and cook. Learn from them — wherever you go.” Anthony Bourdain
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.” Mark Twain
GENERAL SAVINGS
Tips on how to travel on the cheap:
Take a course on travel rewards
Be flexible.. do not get set on a date, specific time or a destination and on what you do when you are there if you want to save money on travel .... just choose were the deals are
Instead of staying in a hotel... stay in an apartment or room rental like AIRBNB, couch surfing, or hostel that is family friendly or guest houses that have a kitchen. You can cook breakfast there, warm up leftovers and it give you the opportunity to meet the local people and establish a more personal connection.
You don't have to eat out every day or eat at fancy restaurants. Go to the grocery store or local market or supermarket when traveling, this will give you better understanding of local cuisine. Eat like the locals... ask them for references, go to most popular places locals love to eat
Walk or use local public transportation whenever possible...like trains and local buses instead of taxis or use an UBER/LYFT instead of renting a car if staying locally
Check Clark's travel deals of the day for free
Enroll in travel premium newsletters for a yearly fee like dollar flight club, nextvacay and Scott's cheap flights for an update on latest deals
Establish travel fare alerts to get instant notification on places you want to go using Kayak and Google flights. They alert you when there is a movement in the fares when there is a deal
Consider traveling closer to home or even enjoy taking a vacation in your own house (staycation).
Go camping
Find free things to do like going to the state park or the beach. Google it.... put "free things to do in _______" and add the name of the place you are going like NY, Miami, Europe...etc
Book your car rental when booking the airline ticket but re-shop the rental car rate again a week before your trip. If the new rate is more expensive stay with the original booking. Use AutoSlash.com that will do this automatically for you.
Beware of add-on coverage you dont need when renting a car: like collision damage waiver or personal efffects coverage in case car is stolen(you might be covered by your credit card or autoinsurer)
Use TripAdvisor to plan your trip
Buy a vest with multiple pockets as a substitute for one of a carryon 10 Best Travel Vests with Pockets (2020) | Road Affair
Always pay with a credit card
What’s More Important When Hunting for Travel Deals: Airfare or Hotels?
One of the biggest hacks I know of in travel is the Charles Schwab Bank Investor Checking account which gives you an ATM card that you can use anywhere in the world and you will never pay ATM fees as Schwab literally reimburses you the fees.
If you are staying in a city buy book passes at www.citypass.com or restaurant discounts at www.entertainment.com
How To Plan a Trip: Clark’s Best Travel Tips To Save Money
Clark Howard’s #1 Travel Rule To Save Money
What Websites Does Clark Use To Book Deals on Flights, Hotels and Cruises?
The Best Way (and Time) To Exchange Dollars for Foreign Currency
7 Small Expenses That Can Blow Up Your Vacation Budget
Vacation Planning That Won't Break Your Budget
A Travel Agent’s Secrets for Getting the Best Travel Deals
TPG's top tips for beginner and expert travelers
The Points Guy - Maximize your travel.
Budget Travel Tips to Get You Home for the Holidays
Our Tipping Guide: How Much to Leave in Every Situation
Clark Howard’s #1 Travel Rule To Save Money
7 Easy Ways to Save On Food While Traveling
6 Ways Travel Savings Can Cost You More
22 Secrets to Save Money on Travel
Planning a Budget-Friendly Family Vacation
Protecting Your Home While You Travel
A Travel Expert’s Favorite Free Travel Planning Tools
A Travel Agent’s Secrets for Getting the Best Travel Deals
A Detailed Student’s Guide to Maximizing Travel Opportunities
Vacation Planning That Won’t Break Your Budget
Best Travel Websites to Save You Money
How to Take Your Dream Vacation Without Spending an Arm and a Leg
A Retired Travel Agent’s Secrets for Getting the Best Travel Deals
How to Plan a Trip: Clark's Best Travel Tips to Save Money
9 Ways To Keep Costs Down at Home While You’re Away on Vacation
4 Tips for Converting Dollars to Euros
6 Ways Travel Savings Can Cost You More
Travel Hacks That Will Save You Money
A Retired Travel Agent’s Secrets for Getting the Best Travel Deals
7 Easy Ways To Save On Food While Traveling
Clark Howard’s #1 Travel Rule To Save Money
QUOTES:
Our Vacation Savings Plan: We just finished paying off last summer's vacation. I don't want to do that again, so we're trying something different this year. I've figured out about how much we'll want to spend on vacation next July. Everyone in the family knows our goal, and I'm putting notes and pictures anywhere I can think of to remind them to save money. We are saving everything from cash the kids don't spend on snacks after school to the overtime I earn on my job. I don't know if we'll cover it all, but it has to be better than paying off a vacation six months later!
CJ from Dollar Stretcher Tips
HOW TO WASTE MONEY ON TRAVEL
Buy package vacation deals.
Buy a vacation home.
Get an RV and only use it one or two weeks a year.
Buy a timeshare unit.
Pay for hotel internet packages.
Eat at hotel restaurants.
Use room service.
Over-pack and pay checked baggage fees.
Don’t bother to use a travel credit card that gives you frequent flyer credits.
Stay at full-service hotels with amenities you don’t use.
TRAVEL REWARDS
FREE Travel rewards course. Learn to earn and redeem millions of rewards miles by taking this course: Travel Miles 101 which is the fastest and easiest way to get started with travel rewards points and miles.
Are Airline Miles Worth It for You?
Travel Rewards 101 by ChooseFI
How Much Charge Volume Do You Need To Make Travel Rewards Credit Cards Worth It?
FLIGHTS
7 Tools To Reduce the Cost of Airfare
Check out the U.S. Department of Transportation’s “Fly Rights” guide: Know your rights and responsibilities as an air traveler and how to avoid problems.
#1 Airline for Cheapest Last-Minute Domestic Flights
Skyscanner - an airfare booking site. It searches websites around the world and in multiple languages so no deal goes unfound. This should be your starting point when researching and booking all your flights.
Going - Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) finds incredible flight deals and sends them directly to your inbox. If you’re flexible with your dates and destinations, you can score some amazing deals and save hundreds of dollars in the process!
U.S. Airlines Ranked from Best to Worst
5 Discount Airlines You Need To Know About
Report: The Best and Worst Airlines in America 2022
How To Find Cheap Flights in 3 Easy Steps
The 10 Best Ways to Get FREE Flights
The Best and Worst Airlines in America
How to Save the Most Money on Budget Airlines
7 Tools to Reduce the Cost of Airfares
9 Ways to Avoid or Mitigate Flight Delays
Flying With Your Pet? Here’s What You Need to Know First
7 Tools to Reduce the Cost of Airfare
How to Book the Cheapest Flight Possible
The Best Ways To Protect Yourself Against Airline Cancellations
LODGING: HOTELS/VACATION RENTALS/OTHER ACCOMODATIONS
Find & book vacation rentals with Homeaway. Rent everything from cabins & condos to castles or villas. The whole house. The whole family. A whole vacation.
Should You Ever Book a Nonrefundable Hotel Room?
www.trivago.com - The world's #1 hotel search. Compare 100s of sites to find the best hotel at the best rate. Read reviews, compare prices and find hotel deals.
The Best and Worst Hotel Chains in America
Should I Prepay for a Hotel Reservation To Avoid Losing My Room?
Do You Get Better Prices on Hotels from Third-Party Sites or by Booking Directly?
5 Steps to Getting a Good Deal on a Hotel Room
How Clark Uses Priceline To Save on Travel
BringFido: Pet Friendly Hotels & Dog Travel Directory
Hostelworld - This is the best hostel site out there, with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
Booking.com - This is a great resource and booking site for cheap hotels and other accommodations. Easy-to-use interface. They always have the best prices.
Trusted Housesitters - For a unique (and free) way to travel, try house- or pet-sitting. In exchange for free accommodation, you simply need to look after someone's house and/or pet while they're away. It's great if you like staying in one place a long time.
Introducing HotelSlash: The new subscription-only service promises to deliver heavily discounted rates for stays at over one million hotels worldwide.
5 Steps to Getting a Good Deal on a Hotel Room
Do You Get Better Prices on Hotels from Third-Party Sites or by Booking Directly?
5 Steps to Getting a Good Deal on a Hotel Room
What To Do if Your Short-Term Rental Isn’t as Advertised
America’s Best & Worst Hotel Chains
5 Steps to Getting a Good Deal on a Hotel Room
Find Out What Priceline or Hotwire Hotel You’re Getting Before You Book
5 Steps To Getting a Good Deal on a Hotel Room
The Best and Worst Hotel Chains in America
5 Steps to Getting a Good Deal on a Hotel Room
The #1 mistake people make at hotel checkout
Find Out What Priceline or Hotwire Hotel You're Getting Before You Book
10 Vacation Rental Alternatives to Airbnb
Travel Hacks: 10 Ways to Save with Airbnb
Homestay accommodation worldwide | Don’t just visit, live it
7 Checks to Avoid Hidden Vacation Rental Costs and Scams
The First Thing You Need to Do When You Check In to an Airbnb
HOW TO DEAL WITH BED BUGS WHEN TRAVELLING
How to Check for Bed Bugs in a Hotel
Hotel room buying guide from Consumer Reports
Hotels.com: With more than 70,000 properties worldwide, from big chain hotels to tony B&Bs, this site is worth checking before booking a room. Hotels.com offers a "Price Match" guarantee: If you find another rate within 24 hours that's lower, the site will refund the difference. The site also has reviews from guests. Use the slider bars at the top of each results page to narrow your choices by price, star ranking and guest rating. If you book here, it's advisable to confirm your reservation and preferences directly with the hotel.
* Quikbook.com: Specializes in boutique properties and deals at hotels that aren't filling up. The site features more than 1,000 hotels in more than 100 cities, and its interface is easy to use. Pick a city and a neighborhood (optional) and Quikbook turns up rates, such as $90 a night at Las Vegas's Luxor hotel (average rate is $120 to $140). Especially good deals are highlighted with the "Quikpick" tag. Check the hotel's location carefully: When we searched for a New York City hotel, Quikbook coughed up properties in Brooklyn -- true, it's in the city, but not where most visitors to New York want to stay.
* Laterooms.com: With travel across the Pond getting ever more expensive, this specialist in European hotel rooms is worth checking. Inventory is updated daily by member hotels, so deals abound, especially on short notice and during the low season. Note that you book directly with the hotel (guaranteeing with a credit card), making it less likely that the hotel can't find your booking when you arrive. We found several options for a winter stay in London at upscale hotels for less than $200 a night. When results come up, click on the hotel's name for more details and reviews from fellow travelers.
* VRBO.com: This site (Vacation Rentals by Owner) lists more than 94,000 vacation rentals around the world, with hundreds of choices in such hot spots as Hawaii. Select a U.S. state or foreign country to browse the properties, then select a region. The site's design is a bit retro, but all the information is there, including price, number of bedrooms and baths, pictures, and either a "book it" link or contact information for the owner. Some properties have calendars showing availability. This isn't the prettiest site -- the inability to sort by price is one deficiency -- but the volume of listings makes it the one to check for vacation rentals. Another useful site with lots of listings: Cyberrentals.com.
Tips: Look at tons of pictures, read many reviews and always pay with a credit card to improve the odds that you are going to have a great experience.
Rent unique accommodations from local hosts in 190+ countries. Feel at home anywhere you go in the world with Airbnb
QUOTES: Hotel Savings: I do a lot of traveling for work, and I recently realized how much money I could save on hotel expenses by calling the hotel directly. One recent stay saved me $100 on a 3-night stay just by booking through the front desk! When looking up the phone numbers online, make sure you are calling the number for the actual hotel. Several times, I got a number for a "booking service" that charged exorbitant fees. Terri fromDollar Stretcher Tips
BED&BREAKFAST
With a vast inventory of B&Bs in the United States and around the world, this site is valuable for finding small-scale lodgings like the Inn at Cranberry Farm in Chester, Vt. Search by city, state or region. You can book on the site for many of the B&Bs listed; for others you must go to the inn's own site and book there (or call). The site includes maps, reviews and details, including architectural style and year opened. And if you're so inspired by what you see that you want to buy an inn, you can check the list of B&Bs for sale.
CAR RENTALS/OTHER TRANSPORTATION
PlugShare - EV Charging Station Map - Find a place to charge your car!
International driver’s license for U.S. citizens
How To Find and Book a Cheap Rental Car According to Clark Howard
Ways To Reduce the Cost of Renting a Car
My Credit Card Offers Rental Car Coverage. Why Do I Still Need To Involve My Primary Insurance?
Why You Should Never Prepay for a Rental Car
The Man in Seat 61- This site is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. It has the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions.
BlaBlaCar - BlaBlaCar is a website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers in exchange for pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve it, and off you go! It’s a cheap and much more interesting way to get from point A to point B than by bus or train!
Discover Cars - Discover Cars is a car rental aggregator that can help you find the best deals for your next road trip. It pulls data from over 8,000 car rental locations to ensure you always find a great deal!
Credit Card Car Rental Insurance: What You Need To Know
Turo: 5 Things To Know About the Cheap Car Rental Service
How To Find and Book a Cheap Rental Car According to Clark Howard
AutoSlash Review: How To Save on a Rental Car
How To Find and Book a Cheap Rental Car According to Clark Howard
Cheapest Way to Rent a Car: Expert Tips
This Website Is a Secret Weapon for Rental Car Comparison Shopping
Should I Buy Additional Insurance From a Rental Car Company?
Best and Worst Car Rental Companies According to Customers
Ways To Reduce the Cost of Renting a Car
A Cheap Rental Car Alternative To Consider
On the Road Again? 12 Road Trip Savings
The Best and Worst Car Rental Companies in America
Here’s the #1 way car rental companies are ripping people off
Renting a Car? Beware of This Unpleasant Surprise Cost
29 money-saving tips for some road-tripping fun.
Track Your Car Rental Price | AutoSlash | #1 for Cheap Car: https://www.autoslash.com/track
Did you know that car rental prices often go down? Track your car rental reservation on AutoSlash so you always get the lowest possible rental car price.
QUOTES:
Car Rental Alternative: Next time you need a car rental, call some local car dealers to see if they rent cars and the cost. Not only can the desired make and model be negotiated, but it is often far cheaper than going through a rental car company. We save 50% or more, depending on the car. T. from Dollar Stretcher Tips
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel Insurance: What You Need To Know Before You By
#1 Type of Travel Insurance You Probably Need
SafetyWing - SafetyWing offers convenient and affordable travel insurance plans tailored to digital nomads and budget travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
Medjet - A Medjet membership is a good option for travelers who are going to be far from home and want added evacuation coverage. While standard travel insurance gets you to the "nearest acceptable facility" should you get injured, a Medjet membership can get you home.
Cancel for Any Reason Trip Insurance: Should You Buy It?
InsureMyTrip Review: Why We Like It and How to Use It
Do I Actually Need Travel Insurance for Flights?
What You Need To Know Before You Buy Travel Insurance
The #1 Type of Travel Insurance You Probably Need
7 Things to Know Before You Buy Travel Insurance
Why InsureMyTrip Is Clark’s Go-To for Travel Insurance
6 Things To Do When Buying Travel Insurance
5 Money Tips To Know Before You Travel Abroad
TRAVEL PREPARATIONS
Overseas Travel Tips from Ric Edelman from Edelman Financial Engines:
Check what the country requires... some countries may require travel authorization or visas
If traveling with a minor get a birth certificate with a raised seal
have a passport valid at least 6 month after the travel is over
Carry extra passport photos with a white background. Some countries will give you a visa on the spot but you will need photos
Bring cash... at least $50 for pay for visa requirements to cross a border
enroll in the state department smart traveler STEP program: The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel ... it can also put you in contact with the consulate in case you have an emergency
Have a copy of everything in s a secure spot: passport, itinerary, children birth certificates, medical prescriptions, credit cards... in case everything is stolen
If you are carrying medical prescriptions you will need proof that you are not smuggling drugs
Make sure you tell somebody were are you going and were are you going to be in case you don't end up were you were trying to get.
Here are some ways to save time and avoid hassle when you travel:
Know what you can pack before heading to the airport.
Enroll in Trusted Traveler Programs to get through airport lines faster.
Learn health, safety, and transportation information about your destination before you leave.
What travel alerts affect me?
Heading to Paris for the 2024 Olympics? Taking a work trip to Southeast Asia? No matter where you’re going, understand travel advisories and levels of caution from exercising normal precautions to “do not travel” alerts.
What can I bring on the plane?
Before you catch your flight, find out what you can and can’t bring with you on the plane. Use this helpful guide from TSA.gov to pack properly and avoid travel hiccups.
Do I have the immunizations and medicine I need?
Protect your health if you are traveling overseas. Plan ahead and find out what immunizations you may need depending on the country you are visiting. In some cases, you may need to get your travel shots ahead of your departure.
4 Things You Should Always Pack in Your Carry-On
What Luggage Does Clark Howard Recommend?
Why You Should Consider Applying for Global Entry Right Now
TSA PreCheck® vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR: Which Is Best for You?
STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) The U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) provides safety alerts from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate when you travel or live abroad. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. BENEFITS OF ENROLLING IN STEP: 1.Receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans. 2. Help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency. 3. Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.
International travel documents for children: When a child travels to or from the U.S., alone or with a parent or guardian, they must first get their own passport or visa, just like adults. In certain situations, minors require other travel documents when: Traveling with only one parent, Minors who are U.S. citizens arrive from Canada or Mexico and They travel alone without parents or guardians.
Find out about your destination country’s entry and exit requirements,
Accessible Travel Website Launches Major Expansion
Vacation Planning That Won't Break Your Budget
Long-Term Home Winterization Tips
easy-to-follow chart for the most up-to-date information about prohibited items.
The $10 Travel Essential Clark Howard Always Packs (CO2 detector)
Know what you can or can't take on a plane
Clark Doesn’t Check Bags. What Does He Do for Underwear and Socks?
Best International Phone Plans for Frequent and Infrequent Travelers
To protect yourself, always pay with a credit card! And, strongly consider buying third-party travel insurance. Then, research coverage plans at InsureMyTrip.com. We have a step-by-step guide on InsureMyTrip here.
Plan ahead to get or renew your passport for international travel: Know the estimated processing times for passports
Should I Buy an AirTag for My Checked Airport Luggage?
The Best International Phone Plans
What Should You Do About Phone Data on an International Trip?
How to use Google Maps overseas with no data usage
What's the Best Way To Exchange Dollars for Foreign Currency? And When Should I Exchange Money?
Away From Home? Ask USPS to Forward or Hold Your Mail at How to forward or hold my mail .
Are you planning a vacation? Maybe you’ve decided to move for the season. While you’re away from home, you can keep your mail safe by having the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) forward or hold it. One option may be better than the other depending on how long you’ll be away. If you won’t be home for:
15 days to 1 year, learn how to get your mail forwarded to a new address.
3 to 30 days, get information on USPS holding your mail at a local post office.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) : is a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Once enrolled, you can enjoy benefits such as:
Alerts about safety conditions in your destination country
Ways to contact officials in case of emergency
Help to connect with family and friends during a disaster
Why You Should Consider Applying for Global Entry Right Now
Be aware of weather conditions wherever you travel inside the USA
Trusted Traveler Programs Our programs allow members to use expedited lanes at the U.S. airports, and when crossing international borders. Trusted Traveler Programs provide access to expedited lanes at U.S. airports and streamline the customs process for approved international travelers. The Department of Homeland Security offers these convenient ways to save travel time at borders and checkpoints: Not sure which one? Find the program that best suits your travel needs.
5 Money Tips To Know Before You Travel Abroad
9 Ways To Avoid Extra Costs at Home While You’re on Vacation
Should I Buy an AirTag for My Checked Airport Luggage?
4 Things You Should Always Pack in Your Carry-On
5 Money Tips for Traveling Outside the U.S.
The Life-Saving $10 Travel Essential Clark Howard Always Packs
Best International Phone Plans According To Clark
Discover what you need as an international traveler
How To Plan a Trip: Clark’s Best Travel Tips To Save Money
Take care of these four essentials for smooth travel abroad.
Finding Affordable Pet Care When You Travel
The Only Way You Should Pay for a Cruise
International Travel Tips: 26 Things to Know Before Going Overseas
How To Pack a Carry-On the Right Way
How to pack for a month in a carry on
TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR: Which Is Best for You?
Clark Howard’s 4 Travel Rules To Follow Right Now
9 Ways To Keep Costs Down at Home While on Vacation
6 Frugal Ways to Protect Your Home While You're Away
How To Plan a Trip: Clark’s Best Travel Tips
Going on Vacation? Here’s How To Set Up a Mail Hold
How to Fit Two Weeks’ Worth of Clothes in a Carry-On and Other Travel Tips
The Packing Hack That Will Solve All Your Suitcase Woes
Download this complete list of ALL my favorite travel companies and have it handy on your computer, tablet, or phone for when you need to book your travels! These companies will save you a ton of money on your trip!
Worldschooling: How Our Children are Educated as We Travel
The Pet Travel Policies for North America's Top Airlines: Which Pets Are Allowed to Fly and How
TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
What’s the Best Way To Get a Deal on Disney Hotels and Resorts?
My Daughter Will Be Traveling in Europe. Are Hostels Still a Thing? Should I Worry?
Disney discounts, deals & coupons guide - MouseSavers.com
The Best Destination Dupes for the Most Overcrowded Vacation Spots
Worldpackers - Worldpackers offers travelers a way to find volunteer experiences overseas. In addition to working at hostels, they can help you find homestays and experiences with NGOs and eco-projects all over the world!
Talk Walks - This is my go-to walking tour company. It offers in-depth tours in a dozen destinations around the US and Europe, and the guides are always insightful and entertaining. If you want a tour that's more comprehensive than your average free walking tour, go with Walks.
EatWith - EatWith allows you to eat home-cooked meals with locals. Hosts their own prices (so they can vary wildly), but this is a great way to do something different, pick a local’s brain, and maybe even make a new friend. Use code EATWITHSUMMER08 to get 8% off your summer experiences!
Get Your Guide - Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. The site has tons of tour options in cities all around the world, including cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
The Only Way You Should Pay for a Cruise
Check out our 15 cheap vacation ideas for the whole family.
15 Tips to Plan a Disney Vacation on a Budget
A Travel Agent’s Secrets for Getting the Best Travel Deals
12 Cheapest Places to Travel in the USA
10 Cheapest Countries To Visit and Have a Great Time
Reap the Rewards of Off-Season Travel
This Website Can Help You Find Bargain Cruises
Clark Howard’s #1 Travel Rule To Save Money
Check this website for information on cheap travel: Thrifty Traveler - Pay Less, Travel More
9 Travel Destinations for Introverts
6 Easy Ways to Get Free Travel
How To Travel On A Budget - 17 Budget Travel Tips
Cheapest Months of the Year to Visit All 50 States - Reader's Digest
QUOTES:
BRAD BARRETT from ChooseFi: "Google Maps ranks as the #1 most important app on my phone. It is truly essential.
I just realized I have a tip for Google maps I hadn’t even shown to my wife, as we learned the hard way while in the mountains on vacation and her maps navigation stopped working when her phone lost its internet connection.
You can download offline maps BEFORE you go somewhere you may have spotty internet connection, and it’s really easy to download:
Open Google Maps, then type the name of the city or town (not the specific address) you’re going to in the search bar. For this exercise, I typed in ‘Richmond, VA.’
On the next screen, just above the blue “Directions” button, you actually click on the name of the city (that doesn’t look clickable, but is!)
The next page gives you some city info but there’s also a “Download” button on the right side. Click that and then you can zoom in or out and download as large an area as you want.
Since we live in Virginia, I downloaded an offline version of nearly the entire state so we never have to worry about getting lost. I recommend this for your local area!"
MONEY EXCHANGE
What’s the Best Way To Send Money Overseas?
Oanda.com: This currency converter can tell you just how much your dollar is worth in more than 100 countries worldwide. As discouraging as this can be these days, it's good to know so you don't get ripped off. You can also print a handy, wallet-size "cheat sheet" listing current rates that show, for example, one euro is worth $1.49, two euros are worth $2.97 and so on. There's also a history link here, so you can see what those euros were worth when you spent them, a valuable tool for expense reports. Another good site for currency conversion: XE.com.
Never buy foreign currency before you get to your destination. You will get a much better deal on exchange once you land than you will ever get by getting the exchange money in advance. There are 2 ways that are best ways when traveling overseas to get your money:
1) Use a credit card for as many purchases you can and use a credit card that doesn't charge a foreign currency transaction fee.
2) Use your ATM card and find out from your financial institution what ATMs you are allow to use in that country that you don't have to pay a fee for using the ATM.
Use these tips and you might get a 20% better return on your money.
What's the Best Way To Exchange Dollars for Foreign Currency? And When Should I Exchange Money?
5 Money Tips To Know Before You Travel Abroad
Best Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees
The Best Way (and Time) To Exchange Dollars for Foreign Currency
Best Ways to Exchange Money While Traveling
4 Money Tips To Learn Before You Travel to Europe
How to handle money when you're traveling overseas
Transfer money overseas to love ones (for example to someone who lost money overseas on a trip):
1) Transfer Money Online | Send Money Abroad with TransferWise
2) PayPal: Send Money, Pay Online or Set Up a Merchant Account
4) Square Cash - Send Money Instantly
5) Remitly
6) World Remit
COMMUNICATING WHILE TRAVELING
The Best International Phone Plans
Traveling Internationally? Buy a Local SIM Card for Your Phone
* WiFi-FreeSpot: Why pay for WiFi? This directory lists thousands of free WiFi locations, including hotels, cafes, RV parks, vacation rental properties, even libraries. Also useful: JiWire.com.
Cheap ways to communicate when traveling:
1) Find internet cafes around the world by checking
TripAdvisor.com - TripAdvisor Official Site where you will find internet cafes wherre you can communicate by e-mail by using a card... you will buy internet minutes.. better to buy a block of internet minutes
2) If you want to protect your communication, rent a sat phone for the time you will be traveling. Sat phone minutes are pricey but text not so much. Go to Telestial.com and look for information on renting a sat phone and what it will cost you especially text messages back and forth.
TRAVEL HAZARDS
Traveling? Medicare Might Not Cover You
7 Ways to Protect Yourself From Theft While Traveling
Warning: Do Not Use Public Cell Phone Charging Stations
How Should I Safeguard My Passport When I Travel Abroad?
How Should I Safeguard My Passport When I Travel Abroad?
Traveling soon? 5 smart tech steps to take before you hit the road
8 Ways To Prevent Identity Theft While Traveling
What to Do When Your Belongings Get Stolen Abroad
How to Eat Street Food Safely While Traveling
6 Ways Travel Savings Can Cost You More
HOW TO Replace Your Missing Passport While Abroad:
You've retraced your steps and searched through your belongings, but realize your passport is gone. If your passport is misplaced or stolen, you’ll need to take action right away. Take steps to replace it before returning home:
Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Explain your situation and report your passport lost or stolen.
Provide details and materials ahead of time including your timeline to return to the U.S. and a passport photo.
Requesting a new passport can take time so act immediately. Get more information from the State Department to replace your passport.
SEARCH ENGINES
A Travel Agent’s Secrets for Getting the Best Deals
Flight Aware is a digital aviation company and operates the world's largest flight tracking and data platform. With global connectivity to every segment of aviation, Flight Aware provides over 10,000 aircraft operators and service providers as well as over 12,000,000 passengers with global flight tracking solutions, predictive technology, analytics, and decision-making tools.
Use Kayak.com/Explore to find deals right now.
Nomadic Matt's travel site: Matt's mission is to help other people travel better for less by producing content that is more comprehensive than any other website out there.
Follow Clark Howard's #1 rule to travel cheap
Travel booking and planning guide by Clark Howard
Hotel Booking Guide: Scoring Hotel Deals - Clark Howard
Clark's secret to finding the cheapest flights possible - Clark Howard
26 Travel Websites to use when booking your next vacation
6 Ways to Protect Your Home While You're Away
How to Prevent Identity Theft When Traveling
Get alerts for cheap international flights. Join 80000+ cheap flight aficionados and save an average of over $600 per ticket on your next international flight.
Other search engines to look for fare deals to Europe:
1) Search Flights, Hotels & Rental Cars | KAYAK
2) Mobissimo: Flights Travel & Hotel Search Engine Website | Cheap ...
3) Hipmunk: Cheap Flights, Cheap Hotels, and Travel Search
Shopping for rental car deals? Use AutoSlash - The #1 Site for Cheap Car Rentals
offers cheap car rentals, discounts and coupons from top brands like Hertz, Avis, National, Enterprise, Budget, Dollar, Thrifty and others.
last-minute deals. Book wherever, whenever on your mobile device for tonight, tomorrow and next week.
For trip overseas if you want to use data at no cost or do video calls or audio cost that cost nothing... try all this apps:
1) Kakao Talk Mobile Messenger Has Over 100 Million Users Chatting ...
3) Viber | Free calls, text and picture sharing with anyone, anywhere!
Download all of them for trips overseas.. if one doesn't work use another. They use WIFI.
MagicJack: Whether traveling for work or fun, magicJack makes it free and easy to call back to the U.S. Forget international calling cards or buying foreign phone service. magicJack is portable and keeps you connected on calls to the U.S. from other countries at no charge! Once you have magicJack, you can free up your international call expenses so you can spend more on travel.
Find details about the area and plan your trip using:
Flights and hotels that are the cheapest:
1) TripAdvisor: Read Reviews, Compare Prices & Book: go to city-->hotel-->look only for 4-5 star hotels--> dates (try different dates)
2) Google Flights: look for destinations under explore
The best 5 translation apps for travelers
Global Entry vs TSA Precheck: For domestic and international travelers, Global Entry and TSA PreCheck have made clearing security and customs much easier, allowing you to skip the lines at both. Here's what you need to know about the two programs and how to get them.
8 Ways to Save on Smartphone Costs While Traveling
http://www.wisebread.com/8-ways-to-save-on-smartphone-costs-while-traveling
Other phones calling services that are cost effective to take overseas:
or use Venmo - Share Payments a free digital wallet that lets you make and share payments with friends. You can easily split the bill, cab fare, or much more
For best deals try:
For apps that look for fares try:
For best hotels try (dont do less than 4 stars):
For ideas on what to see use (always chose highest ratings-of more than 8 people that have been there):
Need help planning your trip? Try Rome2Rio based in Melbourne, Australia, is organising the world's transport information. They offer a multi-modal, door-to-door travel search engine that returns itineraries for air, train, coach, ferry, mass transit and driving options to and from any location.
About David's vacation rentals Years ago we learned about a great way to save on deluxe accommodations at Walt Disney World (and other Disney destinations): renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points. DVC members own timeshare “points” that they can use for stays at Disney Vacation Club resorts. Sometimes owners are unable to use the points before they expire, so they will “rent” them to others. Using DVC rentals could save you hundreds of dollars compared to booking the same deluxe accommodations through Disney directly!
Budget Travel: How to Save Money on Sightseeing and Train Passes
http://www.thepennyhoarder.com/budget-travel-international-trip/
Google Flights offers users flight search tools that make it easy to quickly find the best flight. Whether you’re planning a trip on your desktop, tablet or phone, you can use Google Flights to search for countries, states, islands and more from any origin in the U.S. and many countries around the world. Google Flights
10 of the Most Fantastic Train Trips in the U.S.
Rent unique places to stay from local hosts in 190+ countries at Airbnb
More Airline travel buying guide by Consumer Reports
The Global Greeter Network is an informal association of Greeter programs around the world. Greeters are volunteers that love their city so much they volunteer to show their city to visitors. Not as a guide, but more like a newly met friend! Greeters will show special places that mean something in their lives. They would also show things visitors specifically ask for such as parks, shopping, architecture or a less wellknown neighborhood.
GuidedByALocal is an online community serving as a platform to connect locals and travelers from around the globe. Connect with locals from over 500 cities worldwide and get local travel advice that goes beyond your typical travel guide.
Traveling soon? Want to meet locals on this trip? This site will match you with people who know and love the city you're visiting next. If they're available they will contact you directly. It's that simple.
Rent a Local Friend: Find places and experiences to enjoy like a local
Tours by Locals:Connecting travelers with local guides worldwide, since 2008
Vayable: Discover and book unique experiences offered by local insiders.
Book a trip online by checking several search engine sites first and then go to each individual airline and other discount airlines like Spirit Airlines, Southwest, AirTran and JetBlue directly to see if they have any special deals that appear only on their website. Popular search engines: www.expedia.com, www.orbitz.com , www.travelocity.com , www.kayak.com, www.mobissimo.com and
www.sidestep.com and www.lastminutetravel.com .
www.FareCompare.com tells you when the best time to buy a ticket is. Farecompare is a database of more than 77,000 possible routes in the United States and Canada and nearly 5 million fares. It displays historical fare information between two destinations, helping you predict the best time to purchase a flight based on historical price data. But sometimes a price that shows up on the site will be unavailable when you try to book the flight. They can provide free email alerts when price drop.
www.airfarewatchdog.com is known for fast posting of time sensitive, last minute bargain fares. This free service sends you an e-mail when the price of the plane ticket you want drops when you sign up for fare alerts.
www.farecast.com gives you predictions on price changes on airfares. Airfares tend to trend upward the closer you get to your departure date but not always. This website will tell you if you should buy now or wait based on the site’s prediction of whether the prices will rise or fall.
The web site of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (www.natca.org) offers airport specific reports on how to avoid delays like fly mornings at JFK and weekends at Logan. At www.flightstats.com you can check the specific flights you are considering and see their record of on time departures and cancellations. Also check www.avoiddelays.com which publishes rankings of the worst offenders, those airlines, flights and airports that had the most and longest delays last summer. As a general rule plan to fly as early in the morning as possible (6:30am instead of 9:00am) and when making reservations allow at least two hours between connecting flights. Better yet pay for a direct non stop flight and it may be worth the extra money. Give yourself a buffer day to make sure you get at your destination before the start of that important meeting or event. At www.fly.faa.gov/flyfaa/usmap.jsp (the air traffic control system command center) you can find information on flight delays by region or airport.
www.tsa.gov under “For Travelers”, “Air Travel” and “Wait Times” will tell you how long you will have to wait in the security line for your particular flight if you type in your airport, day and time.
Get reviews of hotels and restaurants online by going to www.TripAdvisor.com and www.TravelPost.com (for hotels mainly) or www.IgoUgo.com and
www.RealTravel.com (for reviews on lodgings, restaurants, night life and attractions.
Before you book your next vacation log on to www.tripconnect.com/ww and hear from others who have been there.
Here are places you can check first if you travel alone: www.tauck.com (Tauck World Discovery waives single occupancy surcharges on a wide variety of tours and cruises and itineraries include USA, Canada and Europe). Another option: Britain’s Just You offers trips exclusively for solo travelers In Europe and Asia…. www.justyou.co.uk )
At www.kayak.com you can also find the lowest priced cruises and amusement park passes.
Houseboats are available for rent on many lakes and rivers. They can range from 44 to 75 feet and most models have berths for eight or more people and are equipped with water slides. Additional equipment such as scuba gear, kayaks and fishing tackles are also available. For facts about houseboating go to www.ehouseboatsite.com and to find a rental at your destination visit www.houseboatrental.com
Another affordable option is renting an RV with rates anywhere from $70 to $200 a day. The largest motor homes get about 8 miles a gallon so your greatest expense will be fuel. On the other hand you save on lodging: staying in an RV campground can run as little as $22 per night. Online resources include www.rvamerica.com and www.GoRVing.com
Many times the bargains and special deals a Travel Club offers, you can get them yourself by going online. You can obtain better travel arrangements on your own this way. Remember that some initial fees for travel clubs typically range from $2,000 to $10,000 with annual renewals of $150 to $200. Save this money by finding discounts on hotels, airfare and cruises online yourself.
Find cheaper parking next time you fly by parking at an off site lot next time. They are a short distance from the airport but a free shuttle service is available and they can cost 70% less. Try www.longtermparking.com
If you are renting a car while traveling always check your car insurance and your credit card..... see if you are already covered for travel insurance before buying.
Save money by renting a house instead of a hotel room especially if you are traveling with three or more people…you can find a vacation rental at www.homeaway.com
Some Bed and Breakfast offer discounts or gift cards to help pay for your gas when you stay at their inn. Visit www.bedandbreakfast.com and click on “Free Gas Promotion”.
If you are wondering if you should fly or drive go to www.fuelcostcalculator.com were you can choose the starting and destination cities, then put your car’s make and model to find out the gas bill.
www.Flyertalk.com/forums is a great place to get information on how to manage your airline miles.
If you need a few extra frequent flier miles to get a free flight or upgrade you can go shopping instead of taking another vacation. Many airlines allow you to earn frequent flyer miles when you shop at major retailers through their website. Find out if your favorite airline offers this option at www.webflyer.com.
Spend your free time doing a “volunteer vacation”. You will sweat like locals, eat like locals and will try to do something meaningful too. Check three of the most established volunteer groups: Cross Cultural Solutions which works in 12 nations (1-800-380-4777) www.crossculturalsolutions.org; Global Volunteers that has programs in the United States and 18 other countries (were they may end you to teach English)(1-800-487-1074) www.globalvolunteers.org and Habitat for Humanity that sends teams around the world through its Global Village Program (1-800-422-4828), www.habitat.org . Patrol beaches to collect and relocate eggs of endangered sea turtles and help hatchlings reach the sea. Contact Tropical Adventures *800-832-9419, www.mytropicaladventure.com . GAP Adventures (800-708-7761, www.gapadventures.com , Earthwatch Institute (800-776-0188, www.earthwatch.org) and i-to-I 800-985-4864 www.i-to-i.com. Aid researchers with wildlife surveys and help them collect biomedical samples from South Africa to South America. Contact Earthwatch Institute or i-to-i. Volunteer to feed and groom dogs, cats, horses and other abuse or unwanted animals near Kanab, Utah. You can feed and groom the animals, take them for long walks and train those that need new homes. Contact Best Friends Animal Society 435-644-201 X119 or www.bestfriends.org . Another place you can look is Volunteers for Peace 802-259-2759 www.vfp.org.
ABOUT WWOOF. Want to live and learn on organic farms worldwide? Want to share your life with other like-minded people? WWOOF is a worldwide movement linking volunteers with organic farmers and growers to promote cultural and educational experiences based on trust and non-monetary exchange, thereby helping to build a sustainable, global community.
If you are considering a trip check out the guidebook Volunteer Vacations (Chicago Review Press 2006) by Bill McMillon, Doug Cutchins and Anne Geissinger which includes essential information on everything from trip locations to program fees for 150 organizations.
You can find people who will let you stay in their homes for free (or the cost of utilities) in exchange for taking care of pets, watering plants or picking up the mail. It will cost you an annual fee of $35 to enlist at www.housecarers.com
Get cheap last minute travel by going to www.freetraveling.com which lists great bargains for last minute travelers. You can also use these websites to buy last minute hotel rooms from someone who's trip has been cancelled and they are stuck with it (you can get a cheaper room or if you are the one were your plans have been cancelled and are stuck with a non-refundable hotel night you might get your money back:
At www.seatguru.com you can find more than 275 seat maps from 40 airlines. It lists seat measurements, different features and even rates them. Very important information to know if sitting with enough leg room to stretch is very important to you.
Log on to www.uhaul.com/boxexchange and the site will hook you up with new neighbors looking to unload their cardboard boxes instead of buying them if you are moving.
If you are concerned about the health risks of traveling abroad consult with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which offers health information and advice for international travelers through www.n.cdc.gov/travel . The site lets you search information by destination, listing the vaccines needed in different parts of the world. It also has information about food and water safety and how to seek health care abroad.
The International Society of Travel Medicine has a travel clinic directory by state at www.istm.org plus a list of clinics abroad.
www.Yapta.com will track your flight and email you about getting a refund if the price drops.
ALL AROUND TRAVEL AGENCIES
When Do You Need a Travel Agent?
* Orbitz.com: Typically our first stop -- but certainly not our last -- when booking a trip, Orbitz clearly displays flights on an easy-to-read grid, showing airlines, number of stops and prices. The grids for hotels and cruises also make comparisons easy, and Orbitz offers deals on air-hotel and other packages. Orbitz's advanced software has a knack for finding low-cost combinations, such as flights to Europe or Asia that combine two airlines for the best deal. Another nice feature: the "My Trips" tab, an intuitive way to keep track of your recent or upcoming travels. The "Deals" tab on the home page has some good offers, but it isn't easy to find them based on your departure city.
* Expedia.com: Still the 800-pound gorilla of online travel booking, Expedia offers competitive prices on flights, lodgings, cruises, packages and rental cars. There are sections on vacation rentals, deals and activities. But Expedia doesn't always show all options. For example, if you're booking a rental car in Orlando, Expedia only shows its "Preferred" vendors. These don't include Avis or Thrifty, even if they have the best price. (You can select companies not on the preferred list by using a drop-down menu.) That said, Expedia remains a valuable resource for savvy shoppers who know how it works. Another all-around booking agency worth checking: Travelocity.com.
* Kayak.com: The pitch: Search more than 140 sites at once and find the cheapest fares. Sounds good, and it often is, but remember that you should never rely on just one site for the best deal. Kayak searches dozens of airline sites for each flight query. Handy slider bars let you sort results by departure times, return time, layover duration and total time of the trip. You can also select preferred airlines or search only for nonstops. When you query, you can automatically compare Kayak's results with that of other booking sites, including Orbitz and Expedia, and see how they measure up. The site recently merged with SideStep.com (see below), but both sites will remain separate, with improved technology on each.
* SideStep.com: SideStep, now a subsidiary of Kayak.com, scans more than 100 flight and hotel suppliers to find low fares based on your preferences. In our tests, SideStep and Kayak came up with the same results for both nonstop and one-stop flights. We give a slight nod to SideStep because its intuitive matrix comes up automatically, allowing easy comparisons among airlines and by number of stops (on Kayak, you have to click the "Matrix" tab to see this). Both sites have slider bars to narrow results by arrival and departure times, layover duration and total flight time. As with Kayak, you can use SideStep's "chart" feature to see historical fare patterns.
Also helpful: BookingBuddy.com, which links to booking engines from individual airlines to aggregators like Kayak. Enter your departure dates and destination and click on any of the featured options, such as Expedia, Cheap Tickets or Hotwire. We don't see huge value here, but it's a way to avoid retyping your flight info into one search site after another
BUDGET
What Does Clark Enjoy Doing on Vacation?
TravelZoo.com: Well-organized and full of bargains, this site may be best known for its e-mail newsletter that highlights travel deals. Use the box on the home page to enter your destination, such as Mexico, and the 'Zoo spits out bargains. Also see AirTreks.com for round-the-world or multi-stop international flights.
* SmarterTravel.com: Editors vet and display deals on flights, rental car, hotel, cruises and vacations, and often offer coupons to get better deals. We've used the site to get a rental car on Kauai for about $20 a day (at Alamo) when other sites were showing prices of about $50 for the same car. And unlike at some other sites, almost all the deals on SmarterTravel exist; they don't mysteriously go up in price when you try to book them. Also see BudgetTravel.com, with features and advice from Budget Travel magazine and up-to-the-minute news on deals around the world.
CRUISES
Booking a Cruise? Here Are 5 Ways To Do It for Less
Ranking the 10 Best Cruise Lines for Your Money
When and Where Should I Look for a Deal on a Cruise for a Large Group?
* Cruise Critic: A definitive resource for cruise reviews and advice, Cruise Critic combines magazine-style features (such as top destinations for 2008), user-generated content (including videos), port profiles and late-breaking news. Click "Destinations" for detailed advice on dozens of options from Alaska to the South Pacific, then go to "Boards" for forums where you can read cruise reviews or post a question. And when you get back, you can post a review or photo to contribute to this lively, cruise-obsessed community. See also the similarly encyclopedic CruiseMates.com and the well-organized CruiseReviews.com.
and then use this site and let independent agents compete to offer you cruise deals. Compare offers, and contact agents directly for more information or to book.
#1 Place You Should Never Buy Travel Insurance for a Cruise
The Only Way You Should Pay for a Cruise
Check Clark's data base related to Cruises
QUOTES:
Time To Reshop Your Cruise Cabins: You can reshop your hotel and your car rental the week of your trip. Often you’ll find a cheaper price.
But did you know you can reshop your cruise cabin as well? Clark booked a summer Caribbean cruise as a high school graduation present for his son Grant. Recently he got an interesting marketing email with what looked like a great deal. Upon investigating, he found that cruise prices in general have fallen. The full-force “revenge travel” demand has lessened. Clark also saw something else interesting – a lowest-price guarantee. He looked up the same cabin on the same ship on the dates he’d previously booked and found a much lower rate. So he contacted the cruise line and asked for the difference.
They offered him a cruise credit or to refund the difference. “I got actual money back -- 22% of the cost of the cruise back,” Clark says. “That was good stuff.” So if you’ve previously booked a cruise for this summer or later, re-check the rates. If the cruise line offers a lowest-price guarantee, you could get a major refund. Clark Howard
DESTINATION GUIDES
* Frommers.com: This established guidebook line has placed all its content online, meaning you can get anything that's in the books on this site. The site features everything from detailed destination advice to outspoken opinions from lead blogger Arthur Frommer, who founded the series with "Europe on $5 a Day" a half-century ago. Daily deals and news keep the site fresh, and you can sign up to receive alerts by e-mail as well. Features on top destinations and topics such as "Travel Insurance: Do I Really Need It?" round out the site. Also see Fodors.com, which denotes top picks for restaurants and hotels around the world.
* LonelyPlanet.com: Once a guide for budget-conscious backpackers, LP now has a massive mainstream following. The site has maintained an intrepid attitude and has a vibrant message board. Unlike Frommer's, LP does not put all its travel content online, but you can buy chapters "by the slice" using a service called "Pick & Mix." Rates typically vary from $2 to $7 per chapter, with discounts for buying multiple chapters. Another useful site for off-the-beaten-path travelers: RoughGuides.com.
* RickSteves.com: The expert on travel to Europe brings his engaging personality to this wide-ranging site. Beyond guidebook-style info, there's the Graffiti Wall forum, where travelers swap opinions, and audio streams of Steves's radio show. Another excellent site for Europe-bound travels: Durant Imboden's EuropeForVisitors.com, with country guides, hotel recommendations and travel articles. The monthly magazine Travel News is packed with timely updates.
* About.com/travel: Experts showcase their advice and link to other resources on the topic. There are pages for just about every popular destination, from China to Las Vegas. A handy menu in the left column links to the most popular travel pages. The site also features pages on topics such as theme parks, golf and honeymoons/romantic travel.
* Viator.com: Many travelers spend hours researching airfares and hotels but don't plan what to do once they get there. Viator solves that problem by showing dozens of activities for popular destinations. The site can help you avoid getting shut out of must-sees and can save you time by helping you skip the long lines. Choose a destination, such as France, and see top picks, deals and tips for what to do, including a Versailles bicycle jaunt and a Paris pastry- and chocolate-tasting tour.
FREQUENT FLIER
WebFlyer.com: Frequent-flier guru Randy Petersen keeps his eye on bonuses and other deals for mileage junkies. Airline and other loyalty programs are rated by Petersen and his staff; use the "Head2Head" feature to compare them. The MilesLink newsletter keeps members up to date. And the robust discussions at the site's related forum, FlyerTalk.com, make this one of the best all-around destinations for frequent travelers to get advice. Also see the excellent FrequentFlier.com and MileMaven.com; the latter is especially useful for finding mileage bonuses.
HIDDEN PROVIDERS
* Priceline.com: This site's almost irresistible premise of "naming your own price" for hotels, airfares, car rentals, cruises and vacation packages has lost a bit of its luster during the past few years of full flights and crowded hotels, with less inventory to offer. (Bright side: If the economy continues to tank, the days of the $40 hotel room may return.) To bid for hotels, you select the city and neighborhood, then enter your price. If Priceline has a hotel in its database willing to accept the price, you get a room. We prefer Priceline's bidding feature for hotels rather than flights: We like to fly when we want (with Priceline, you have to accept departures at any time of day), but if we can get a three-star hotel for $68, we don't really care if it's a Radisson or a Sheraton. Wondering how much to bid? You can now see winning bid amounts in 27 cities on the site, but check the sites BetterBidding.com and BiddingForTravel.com for more detailed info, such as hotel names and failed bid amounts. Note: Priceline also offers standard travel booking, similar to Expedia and Orbitz.
* Hotwire.com: Similar to Priceline, but you don't bid. Hotwire shows, for example, a three-star hotel (without displaying its name) near the San Francisco airport for $59 a night; you decide whether to book it. All fees are shown before booking. Hotwire also shows the list price ($95 for this hotel), but bear in mind that "rack rates" are often higher than most guests pay.
LAST MINUTE
Lastminute.com: This easy-to-use site, which features the content of the now-defunct Site59, has some great last-minute getaways, especially if you're willing to go offseason. The day we checked, a three-day weekend in Madrid, booked on five days' notice and including hotel and round-trip air from Washington, was going for $485 per person double -- including all taxes and fees, a refreshing approach. Also see SkyAuction.com, where you can bid on eleventh-hour trips.
www.luxury.com auctions off vacation dealsto the highest bidder.
OUTDOOR/ADVENTURE
Away.com: The destination guides here are superb and feature stories such as "Adrenaline Nation," showing the best places -- organized by region -- for raising your pulse. Other features offer recommendations for more sedate trips, such as a section on family road trips. Also see the similarly extensive GORP.com and the National Park Service site, http://www.nps.gov.
Recreation.gov Discover new experiences, historic landmarks, and outdoor escapes right down the road or across the country. From camping, hiking, and horseback riding to wildlife viewing, monument tours, and ranger-led activities – you can find it on Recreation.gov!
Explore the forest Your national forests and grasslands are 193 million acres of vast, scenic beauty waiting for you to discover. Visitors who choose to recreate on these public lands find more than 150,000 miles of trails, 10,000 developed recreation sites, 57,000 miles of streams, 122 alpine ski areas, 338,000 heritage sites, and specially designated sites that include 9,100 miles of byways, 22 recreation areas, 11 scenic areas, 439 wilderness areas, 122 wild and scenic rivers, nine monuments, and one preserve. And remember, “It’s All Yours.”
PublicLands.org is a not-for profit educational organization whose mission is to inspire and educate the public about the natural and cultural heritage resources and recreational information on all public lands in the Western states. They offer all you need to know about visitor facilities, surrounding areas, appropriate maps and guides, and the rules and regulations for each area.
TRAVEL COMMUNITY
* BootsnAll.com: People love to talk about where they've been and share advice, and sites have sprung up to serve them. The easy-to-navigate BootsnAll targets young, independent travelers, with links to hostels and low international a irfares. But the heart of the site is the BootsnAll Community, with well-trafficked message boards and "Ask an Insider," where you can get advice from an expert or someone at your destination. Two more excellent communal sites: VirtualTourist.com and Igougo.com.
TRAVELER REVIEWS
* TripAdvisor.com: This site provides advice and recommendations from fellow travelers -- more than 5 million reviews at last count -- and uses those reviews to rank hotels and attractions by popularity. However, the site's organization is clunky, so use the "Browse by Destination" box to zero in on your destination. Rankings, based on consumer reviews, help you find the most popular hotels for a destination. You can also upload images, so the whole world can see that hotel's cracked sink or stained ceiling. While some reviews are suspect, the sheer volume of reviews generally makes it possible to trace trends. Use the map on the home page to document your wanderings visually. Travelers also speak out at HotelChatter.com, WhereToStay.com and TravelPost.com.
* JohnnyJet.com: An extensive directory of travel sites by category. Some sites are a bit dated, but there are still hundreds of useful links. Sign up for the weekly newsletter to follow Johnny's global peregrinations and links to stories in newspaper travel sections.
Cheap Family Travel: See how a large family travels on a budget. See the places that they recommend to visit as they travel the United States. Follow along on their vacations to Florida, Colorado, South Dakota, Boston, California and others.
TRAVELING ALONE
Lonelyplanet.com Over the years, Thorn Tree has helped hundreds of travellers make connections, meet up and head out on the road. Our Travel Companions branch is one of the most popular sections of the forums and we want to ensure we can continue providing a safe space for members to find others with similar interests and plan trips together.
Travel Buddies | Find a travel buddy Travel Buddies is the perfect place to find a travel buddy. Find a travel partner today with Travel Buddies and share the adventure!
Solo Traveler is a massive resource of destination information, how-to tips, money advice and safety suggestions. We've helped over 4 million travelers get on their way.
The Truth About Solo Cruise Cabins - Cruise Critic Solo Cruise Cabin Breakdown. We've "singled" out the major players in the solo cabincruise market, outlining which lines and ships offer single-occupancy cabins (sometimes called studios), what ...
Look for local travel clubs in midsize or large size cities.
Look for Church or Senior citizens clubs
TRAIN AND BUS
www.amtrak.com cuts 15% off most fares for riders who are at least 62, while www.viarail.com (Via Rail Canada) offers travelers over 60 a discount of 10% off the full adult fare. For those 60 and over, both systems knock 10% off the North America Rail Pass which is a one month ticket to travel to more than 900 destinations on both sides of the border. Via Rail Canada also offers a “Bring a friend” program that lets you take a companion along for free (except during winter holiday seasons).
Other places to check for long distance buses are www.boltbus.com and www.megabus.com
PODCAST ABOUT TRAVELING
Practical Tools to Travel the World Cheaply
Radical Personal Finance Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/radical-personal-finance/id896153632?i=1000530498111