New Travel Site Chases Best Fares
With all of the popular travel sites already on the Internet, is there room for another? Here's a clever site that searches through the most traveled sites and sites that you might not know about to find you the best deals. In addition, this new site allows you to easily customize the search or refine the search to match your needs. Try out the new Yahoo Farechase and see what you think.
Be Sure to Check "Low Fare" Airlines
Often, the most widely used travel sites don't show flights from low cost airlines. These airlines could save you money and in some cases, provide even better service than the "big guys.". Always check airlines such as Southwest, JetBlue, Midwest Airlines and Virgin Airlines are just some of these carriers. We've used Suntrips for Hawaii, Southwest, and JetBlue and have had great experiences.
Check Your Fares By Visiting Both Travel Sites and the Airline Site
You'd think that airline prices would be somewhat consistent. It's not what we find. For example, a recent search on three of the largest travel sites found different fares for the same trip. And, when we visted the airline's sites, we found different prices (or different schedule availabilities). Some travel sites charge a fee to book the ticket. Check before you book.
Investigate Package Deals
You'll find many packages combining flights with hotels and/or cars at substantial discount when you buy the entire package through the travel site. For example, on a recent trip to San Diego for a conference, we saved almost $100 on the car rental alone by booking it along with the flight.
Hotel Maps
You can also now use sites such as Google (or Yahoo) to see actual maps and satelite images to see where your hotel is located in relation to highways, beaches and adjacent hotels.
Sign up for Airline (or Hotel) Newsletters
You'll find special offers that are not available to the general public in these email newsletters. For example, we received a coupon good for $50 off a flight when signing up with one of the airlines. Two airlines we use send us weekly updates with last-minute flight specials. We've saved hundreds of dollars on these flights. Last, you'll find special offers or upgrades that are only available to subscribers of these newsletters.
Plan Ahead or Take Advantage of Last-Minute Specials
Prices on flights are lowest when you book in advance. Typically, 21-day advance purchase is better than 14-day or 7-day. So, planning ahead can save you money. If you need to travel on short notice, check Farechase and other travel sites for last-minute specials.
International Travel Deals
Despite the sinking value of the dollar, there are some “bargains” in Europe and other places. For hotel rooms, check out www.opodo.com, a site owned by major European airlines. Eurocheapo.com reveals hundreds of budget priced hotels in European cities. Check out venere.com for special offers in Italy and octopustravel.com for British hotels. Always check guide books for hotel quality and reviews first before booking. And, compare costs by using the larger travel services (Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz, etc.) Also check out www.octopustravel.com
Put Your Luggage on a Diet or Pay
Airlines are looking for revenue and they’re watching the weight and size of your bags. Expect to pay fees if your bags are overweight or oversize. Most airlines have installed more accurate scales to weigh bags to a tenth of a pound. If your bag exceeds the weight limit by even a few ounces, you’d better be ready to pull something out of your bag or be prepared to pull out your wallet and pay.
Typically, airlines allow each passenger to check up to 2 bags of 50 pounds each, measuring up to 62 linear inches each (add up the height, width, and length to get the linear inch total). Go over the limit and pay $25 for even a pound over 50 and pay $80 for oversize bags. Extra bags are $80 each for one to three bags.
You’ll also find that airlines are getting even stricter with carry-on bags. Be sure your carry-on bag meets the size and weight limits. Most people are surprised when told they have to check a bag (or pay excess baggage fees) for heavy or oversize carry-on bags. Avoid surprises by carefully reading the baggage requirements posted on your airline’s web site.
But, most people find they “over-pack” and regret having to haul tons of unused “cabana wear” with them, when all they really needed was a few good “mix and match” sets of clothing.
Have An Idea to Share?
Send an email to marketing@tonerrefillkits.com. Share your idea and let us know how much money you've saved with your tip.
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