Holiday Travel: Keeping Costs Down

Almost all of us do a bit of traveling at one point or another during the holiday season. Whether this is an annual occurrence in the form of a holiday vacation, a trip to visit family, or you've just decided to venture out for the current holiday season, travel costs can add up in a hurry. In order to help you keep expenses down, here are a few tips that might help you stretch your dollar during your holiday season travels.

Pit Stops

Choosing the right spots to make your travel pit stops may not seem like it could make a difference in the overall cost of your holiday travels, but you might be surprised. When we are on the road, we often pass through states with much lower gas prices than our part of Illinois . This means we typically wait to fill up our gas tank until we are out of the state and fill up before we re-enter. It might not seem like a big deal, but if you are traveling hundreds of miles or more, it could save you a few bucks, and during the holiday season (actually in any season), every extra dollar counts.

Know Your Airline

Knowing the rules and regulations that govern luggage during your air travels can make a significant difference in lowering your holiday travel costs. Charges for overages in luggage weight or based upon the number of bags you check can add up quickly depending on how many people are traveling with you, fee amounts, and how many bags you are bringing.

Packing Tips

Depending on how you are traveling or what airline you have chosen to fly, how you pack could save you quite a bit of money. It might benefit you to purchase certain items when you arrive to your destination rather than pay excess baggage fees through your airline to bring them with you. Toiletries and clothing that can be purchased cheaply at a discount or dollar store might keep the items you must carry in your luggage to a minimum. Also, you might consider whether a washer and dryer will be available at your destination at those particular amenities might allow you to pack lighter when it comes to clothing.

Snack Packs

Whether your holiday travels take place by car, boat, train or plane, a few extra minutes spent packing some snacks could save you a pretty penny. Knowing what your travel compatriots like and what will satisfy them while on the road can keep fast food costs to a minimum, and especially save you money purchasing costly food items and beverages in airport terminals while waiting for the plane or once on board the plane.

Efficient Road Trips

When you decide to hit the road for your holiday travels, you may be able to kill two birds with one stone. Being able to plan your stops along the route to your destination around where friends and family live could save you a pretty penny. By spending the night with these people (if they are open to and comfortable with providing such accommodations and you are comfortable accepting their hospitality), you can see and spend time with them for the holidays as well as possibly reduce your food and lodging costs as well. Even if you take these people out for a reasonably priced meal to celebrate the occasion and show your appreciation, it could still be cheaper than paying for a hotel room.

Disclaimer: The author is not a licensed financial professional. The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. For financial advice, readers should consult a licensed financial advisor. Any action taken by the reader due to the information provided in this article is solely at the reader's discretion.