Top 10 Tips for Saving on Christmas and Holiday Travel Costs

With Christmas and the holidays just around the corner, time to start thinking about ways to keep travel costs in check. After all, in this financial downturn, every penny counts. For holiday travel, you also want to be sure you reach your destination while, at the same time, keep travel costs down.

How to reach your holiday travel destination without breaking the bank? It's easy when you make decisions with holiday travel savings in mind. For example, fly a discount carrier like Southwest Airlines or pack light to avoid those budget busting baggage costs. Shop around for train deals and discounts on Amtrak, commuter lines and more. Use your AAA or AARP cards for discount lodging. Or, rent a cabin in a state park and invite the whole family for Christmas or the New Year's holiday. Use your timeshare for extra savings this holiday travel season. Or, stay home and reap the financial benefits of a more modest holiday this year.

Other ideas? Check out these Top 10 Tips for Saving on Christmas and Holiday Travel Costs. Sure to get you and your family where you're going for a fraction of the cost.

If you fly:

1. Buy airline tickets in advance. You can save time and money by booking online well in advance of your trip. Check around for deals and discounts. Be sure to consider on-time arrival and other travel data before you book your flights. The cost of unreliable flights and cancellations can easily bust your holiday travel budget.

2. Shop online for last minute, discount fares. According to the US Travel Association, 90 million adults use Internet tools to plan travel each year. Of these, 76% browse the Internet to book personal and leisure travel. You can save money by booking online at the last minute, when unsold airline tickets become available. Check around for deals and discounts. Or, fly standby to secondary markets. A little inconvenience at the beginning of your holiday travel can save you money in the long run.

3. Check around for package deals on airfare, rental car, hotel accommodations and more. Sometimes you can save money by purchasing a travel package. But, you'll need to shop around and compare package deals before you buy. The Internet is a great tool for determining where to stay, best travel routes, local holiday attractions, and so much more. Browse the American Automobile Association (AAA) website for discount packages. Visit local tourism sites for money saving holiday coupons and more.

If you drive:

4. Drive to your destination. While it may take a little longer, it ensures that you'll have ready transportation when you arrive, eliminating the need for taxi service, rental cars, and more. If you drive this holiday season, make sure you and your family buckle up for safety.

5. Shop around for discounts on gasoline. There is often a wide range of pricing options in your area. Shop around for the best deals and discounts on gasoline this Christmas and holiday season. There are a number of websites that track cheap gas, like Gas Buddy, which maintains a web listing of more than 200 websites to help you find the lowest price of gasoline per gallon.

6. Make sure your vehicle is ready for the trip. You can save big bucks by keeping your car tuned up and serviced throughout the year. Before you travel, make sure you change the oil in your car and refresh all vehicle fluids. Check out your local Jiffy Lube, Merchant's Tire and Auto Centers, Midas and Firestone dealers for a discount price comparison on oil changes and other preventive maintenance. Your local car dealership might also offer discounts on oil changes and engine checks this holiday season.

7. Drive at night and limit fast food stops. Travel when traffic is at its lowest and you'll save gasoline costs in the long run. Limit fast food stops. Pack a cooler instead with your favorite, healthy snacks and beverages. Grocery Stores like Harris Teeter and Safeway offer great value submarine sandwiches which you divide and share on your upcoming holiday trip.

For Alternative Christmas and Holiday Travel

8. Host your family this Christmas and holiday season. Don't leave town. Host the family instead. This will allow you to spend more money on food and family and less on the road this Christmas and holiday season. Staying home also saves wear and tear on the family vehicle. Staying home allows you to try your favorite recipes from Bon Appetite, Martha Stewart Living, Food Network, and more.

9. Take the express bus. You can save big bucks by taking express buses from one major metropolitan area to the next. In Washington, DC, 20- and 30-somethings take the "Chinatown Bus," among others, to the Big Apple for a fraction of the price of a full service bus line ($20/$35 one way/round trip). Or book a ticket with Greyhound. Want to go green but not sure about the environmental impact of taking a bus this Christmas and holiday season? This year, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the first national standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel efficiency of heavy-duty trucks and buses. That's right: take the bus and save the planet this Christmas and holiday season.

10. Take the train. Amtrak will carry you and your family to one of 500 destinations across the United States and offers great weekly specials. Want to save more this holiday season? Check out Amtrak's USA rail passes or multi-ride discounts. Shop online or in person for deals and discounts. There's nothing like traveling by train for great views and adventure this Christmas and holiday season.

DISCOUNT TRAVEL RESOURCES

Smarter Travel
www.smartertravel.com

Amtrak
www.amtrak.com

Southwest Airlines
www.Southwest.com

National Highway Transportation Safety Board
www.nhtsa.gov

American Automobile Association
www.aaa.com