{ask me anything} Finding the Best Travel Deals

It's almost that time of year....  everyone is planning their summer vacations or just wishing they could plan one.  I've been getting a lot of questions lately related to traveling, so I thought I'd cover it over here:

"How can I find the best travel deals?"

We love vacationing (who doesn't?), but with all the added costs it really adds up! With our annual extra-long fishing trip and with in-laws in Germany, we really have to make sure we get the absolute best deals at every corner.

I thoroughly utilize the web to help me in the process of planning family vacations!  Other places to look (not online) include your Entertainment Coupon Books, AAA, your car insurance, your credit card company (our AMEX offers deals), and even Costco!

Airfare:

Cheaper than it was a couple of years ago and we're seeing much better deals, but it can still take a large chunk out of your budget, especially if you bring luggage. Here are a few tips for getting the best deal on airline tickets:

• Months before we are planning on flying anywhere, I sign up with Airfare Watchdog to get alerts on the best prices. You'll even be able to see the trends, like when is the best time to buy. They hook up with places like CheapTickets, Priceline, Hotwire, etc. to make sure you're the first to know of the lowest price. Usually buying your tickets early (months before your trip) or late (right before your trip) will bring you the best price as well. Don't wait too last-minute though, that can sometimes double the price.
• Being flexible about your dates and flight times will let the airlines show you the flights that will cost you the least. Or travel off-peak dates to get the best rates.
• Use Frequent Flier Miles or Credit Card Points- We have gone on trips before and have only paid the sales tax. (Thanks to our American Express!)
• Try nearby airports - It may end up being cheaper to fly into a smaller, nearby airport.
• Ask for a discount - If you buy your tickets and they show up cheaper within a few days, call and ask for an adjustment. It will completely vary by airlines but I have had success with this in the past. It doesn't hurt to ask!
• Know the airline's policy regarding luggage.  Most airlines charge for your bags now and they'll charge extra it's it's too heavy -- weigh it before you leave the house so there are no surprises at the airport.  We've been there at check-in trying to move stuff from  bag-to bag to get it under the weight limit -- not fun.

Car Rentals:

You may be able to bypass this if you have friends or family who can cart you around. But, if you do need to rent a car, here's a few pointers:

• Use Rental car loyalty programs -Many are free to join and you'll earn rewards, discounts, and upgrades. Check with your credit card (like Amex) and warehouse membership (like Costco) because sometimes they offer the best discounts.
• Compare online - My favorite sites to use are: Cheap Car Rental, Car Rental Express, and Vroom Vroom Vroom.
• Use Coupons and Discount Codes - These are all over the place. The Entertainment Coupon Books always have a ton!  Also, call AAA (if you have it), your credit card, or Costco.
• Know your Coverage - You may not need the extra insurance at all and this will definitely save you a few bucks.
• Be Flexible - While we love traveling mini-van style, cramming into a sedan will be worth it if we can save a couple hundred bucks.
• Fill up the gas tank yourself before returning it since the gas they use must be made out of gold -- it costs about 2x as much!

Hotels:

I always compare hotels/prices using websites like HotelsCombined and HotelComparison-- even TripAdvisor which probably gives you the best reviews.  When booking, go through Ebates or Shop@Home to get cash back.

Also, keep an eye on Half off Deals and Groupon because I have noticed some hotel discounts on there a while back. Check in the Entertainment Coupon Books -- they have discounts with the hotel companies as well.

On a side note, when we went to Disneyland last Fall I thought I found a great deal at a hotel -- I really thought "how bad could a Days Inn be by Disneyland?"  I, seriously had never stayed at one before and the pictures looked good.  Anyway, we checked in, saw roaches crawling under the bed and everything was dirty so we checked out and stayed at the Marriott for twice as much but it was so worth it!  So, if roaches give you the heebies then don't just go for the cheapest. (My poor mother-in-law - she was such a trooper!)

Eating on the Cheap:

Food can be costly, especially since you are grabbing what you can on-the-go. To avoid eating yourself out of your budget, take these pointers:

• B.Y.O.S - Bring your own snacks. I throw together gallon-size plastic baggies filled with healthy snacks such as nuts, dried fruit, crackers, etc. These "snack packs" usually tide us over in between flights and on car rides. This is the perfect time to throw in some food FREEBIES! :) If you're going on a road tip, make sure to stock a cooler with hearty sandwiches, fresh fruit, and bottles of water.
• Know where you're going - Since I know the whereabouts of where we'll be and what's nearby, I can easily print off coupons for local eateries before I even leave the house. Check out Restaurant.com and do a zip code search to try out some new restaurants for super cheap!
• Save where you stay - Stay at a hotel that offers a free breakfast. You can scratch one meal off your list. Also, try for a hotel that has a microwave & a fridge in the room -- you'll save a ton of money by doing a little grocery shopping and keep things like yogurt, fruit, your own bottle water, etc.
• Eat big at lunch - Most places offer lunch specials and since dinner prices are almost always higher, splurge on a big lunch so you can save when it comes time for dinner.

Keeping the Kids Happy:

I'm throwing this in here because it doesn't matter how frugal you make the trip, if the kids are cranky then the whole trip can be ruined. Funny how they have that effect, huh?

• Keep it family focused - Find activities that will keep the kids entertained and engaged. Research your destination before you go and find free things to do during the day - check out local parks, sites, trails, exhibits, and memorials. If you find some destination spots you'd like to hit up, go directly to their website to check for printable coupons. Request FREE Travel Guides by mail or download HERE.
• Pack a fun bag - While traveling in the car, keep a backpack or tote filled with fun things for your children (i.e. books, games, binoculars to peek at passing cars...)
• Play games - "I Spy", "I'm Thinking of...," "What's that smell?" (just kidding) - Keep the kids busy and pass the time by keeping the mood light.
• Keep them fed - For goodness sakes, keep them fed.  Nothing says whiny like an empty belly. Stay away from the sugary snacks, though, those can amplify the bad moods.
• Make them their own CD w/ their favorite songs and bring DVDs, if you have a DVD player.

Since we're going to be gone for almost 3 weeks, I have already mapped out the local grocery stores and drugstores (No CVS- Drats!). I'm already gathering coupons from The Coupon Clippers and The Coupon Master.

So, what's your frugal travel tip??  Did I forget anything?