How to Save Money and Have a Vacation with Less Headaches

There are many ways to save money when traveling. Here are some of my suggestions on how you can save some money.

First, book your transportation as far ahead in advance as you can. Mega bus and Bolt bus fare prices go up every few seats. Mega bus services exists in many states. If you want that dollar fare that they advertise then do it as soon as the date you want is posted on their website. Jet-Blue policy is that plane fare goes up every nine seats. If you find your flight is on sale a month after you book your flight on Jetblue then they will refund the difference in price. Again, give yourself at least two months in advance to get the cheap deal. Also, if you book in advance on Amtrak sometimes your kids can travel for free during certain time of the year.

If you want a cheap hotel also book two months ahead also. Hotwire travel is great for last minute deals. I would sign up for Hotwire and Travel-Zoo travel deal emails and book a hotel in advance that allows a cancellation policy. Then you have a back up and don't have to worry that you can't get a refund if you cancel. If you find a last minute deal on the hotwire main web-site then you have no worries. I find a great deal for Washington, DC two day before my trip. Look in your guidebook to see if offer a description of the area the hotel is located. Another housing option if you don't like hotel rooms, is that you can book private apartments on the website http://airbnb.com for a very reasonable rate and then you don't have to pay any hotel surcharges either.

When it comes to what do for activities I suggest the following ideas: check the locale universities to see if they have any plays or festivals happening when you are there, get from your locale library several guide books on a variety of topics like family activities, food options or cheap activity options or look for free locale paper weekend guides and look online for the locale city paper's entertainment-activity guide posted at the beginning of the month.

When you arrive in the hotel buy some snacks like trail mix, rolls or fruit. Buy single serving of juice, water or yogurt that you can put in the hotel's ice bucket. Sometimes it's easier to eat a quick snack in the morning for breakfast and then eat an early lunch. With this recession a lot of hotel are cutting back on the coffee in the lobby and free breakfast. Take advantage and make a coffee and tea in your hotel room. If you happen to get a hotel that offers breakfast then take some fruit or yogurt to eat on the road. Sometimes eating options are not available in the area your hotel is located. I stayed in the downtown capital area of DC and found there no stores open on the weekend. This area caters to the business district that only in the area during the week. It a good idea before you book a hotel to ask if there any continental breakfast or eating options nearby.Also, always carry water and snack bars in your bag for the same reason. When you do find a restaurant it's a good idea to share dishes in restaurants since you won't be able to refrigerate a doggie bag. If you do have a lot of food left over, from your meal, and then give the food to a homeless person.

If you are will traveling a lot on the train's then buy day passes. Also consider using the men with bicycles that only require a tip rather then going in a cab that may charge a mileage or passenger surcharge like some taxi do. Also, be aware that places like Washington the metro train line is not open all night.If you are traveling by locale transportation then find out if it really worth it. I took the locale bus to the airport in New Orleans and almost missed my plane. But in Chicago and Washington and New York you can go by the train to the airport. Then there are no traffic delays to worry about.

I hope my tips help you plan a great trip. This way you book a trip with fewer headaches and can have more fun and surprises.