You’ve planned your road trip, mapping out a route, identifying campgrounds or affordable lodging and picking key attractions to visit. What will happen as soon as you pile into the car? Tummies will start rumbling, kids will beg for food and bathroom breaks will lead to the buying of snacks, lunch … [Read more...] about 9 ways to take a bite out of road trip food costs
Travel
10 ways to get the best deal on a rental car
Think finding the lowest airfare is tricky? Try getting the best deal on a rental car. These days, car rental rates change faster than television networks launch reality series. But there are ways to both save and be satisfied, without making you feel like a contestant on Survivor. Here are … [Read more...] about 10 ways to get the best deal on a rental car
13 ways to save money on road trips
Sometimes a good old-fashioned road trip is just the vacation you need. Driving vacations can be as leisurely or as hectic as you want, and you never have to stick to a schedule. They also can be more affordable than trips involving flights and resorts. That’s not to say there aren’t expenses. … [Read more...] about 13 ways to save money on road trips
How to find the cheapest ridesharing option
Most of my ride-hailing experiences have been uneventful — except for one recent trip to the airport. On a rainy afternoon, I failed to connect with my driver, which precipitated a soggy 20-minute delay. That got me thinking: Maybe I could benefit from some advice on how to use ride-hailing services … [Read more...] about How to find the cheapest ridesharing option
30-plus discounts teachers can use all year long
Teachers are rarely paid what they're worth. As a result, many businesses offer discounts to educators year-round. Teachers can get a percentage off the regular price, when they buy books and decorating supplies for their classroom, work clothes and more. Plus, since they can only vacation during … [Read more...] about 30-plus discounts teachers can use all year long
Vacation hacks to save money on flights, car rentals, cruises and lodging
You’ve got your destination picked out, you’ve researched itineraries and you’re ready to plunk down some cash to book your next vacation. How much you spend or save depends on the booking tricks you have up your sleeve. Know the secrets to finding lower-priced flights, hotels, cruises, car rentals … [Read more...] about Vacation hacks to save money on flights, car rentals, cruises and lodging
10 make-ahead road trip meals to save money
You're meal planning for your road trip and discovering how difficult it can be to stay frugal while on the road. Eating out during your trip is an easy way to watch your travel budget disappear. Even fast-food meals can add up. However, setting aside some time to prepare make-ahead road trip … [Read more...] about 10 make-ahead road trip meals to save money
Budget-friendly glamping in an RV delivered to you
For those of us who define "roughing it" as packing our own road-trip food until we arrive at our hotel, camping has never held much appeal. "Glamping" in an RV, on the other hand, seems like a great compromise: Enjoy the beauties of nature without giving up hot showers, electricity and indoor … [Read more...] about Budget-friendly glamping in an RV delivered to you
Budget-friendly family summer vacation ideas
With summer comes thoughts of family vacations: theme parks and beach stays and island cruises. For families on a budget, fancy resorts and international travel are likely to be costly to consider. The good news is you don’t have to be rich to enjoy a great family vacation. "A lot of people have … [Read more...] about Budget-friendly family summer vacation ideas
How to pick the best roadside assistance program
You can never predict whether you’re going to need roadside assistance for a flat tire, dead battery or other vehicle issue, but if you’re a member of a roadside assistance program, you’ll be covered when it happens. The difficult part is deciding which program best fits your family's needs. … [Read more...] about How to pick the best roadside assistance program
How to avoid costly travel mistakes this summer
Travel is going to be complicated this summer, and thinking that you can go back to the way you vacationed before 2020 could be a costly mistake. "Travelers are taking a lackadaisical approach to travel" as restrictions loosen up, says Manny Fernandez, vice president of global operations of … [Read more...] about How to avoid costly travel mistakes this summer
Tips for traveling with family and friends on a budget
Traveling with a family can be expensive, but the memories are priceless. Whether you are envisioning a relaxing trip to the beach, a thrilling amusement park visit, or exploring one of our great National Parks, there are ways to make a vacation fit your budget. With careful planning and great … [Read more...] about Tips for traveling with family and friends on a budget
Save money on gas with hypermiling techniques
Experienced drivers have all kinds of tricks for saving gas while they drive, so they can save money by not refueling as often. These run the gamut from keeping the trunk empty to turning off the engine instead of idling. If you have mastered those and want to try something more extreme to keep you … [Read more...] about Save money on gas with hypermiling techniques
How to change travel plans without paying extra
As they begin to plan their summer vacations, travelers don’t just want flexibility, they need it. That includes Katy Kassian. She doesn’t know where she’s going yet, but she knows how she’ll get there and where she’ll stay. “I’m going to drive, because it gives me the most flexibility,” says … [Read more...] about How to change travel plans without paying extra
Thinking of global travel? It’s cheap now
Thinking of taking an international trip? You're such a contrarian. Only about a third of Americans are comfortable with traveling internationally now, according to the latest figures from Morning Consult. Why the hesitation? It could be all the required paperwork — passports, COVID tests … [Read more...] about Thinking of global travel? It’s cheap now