Just thought I would share a few travel tips with all the readers of this LDS Blog here at My LDS Direct. Since its close to summer time, and during our Elders Quorum meeting last Sunday there was a lot of talk about taking trips to Palmyra, New York and other famous LDS Church destinations, I thought it very appropriate to share these tips that have been on my mind.
Saving money on your summer travel plans can enable you to do more activities during your trip and even make an additional trip possible. Here are a few tips to help make your summer traveling experience better:
Plan ahead - Make travel, hotel and car rental reservations before you travel. Saving these for the last minute can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Plan overnight stays, meals and activities to stay within your budget.
Back up plan - Luggage gets lost, planes are late and cars break down. Have a list of “what ifs” and what you’ll do if these things happen. Having a small budget cushion may be a good idea.
Bring meals - If you’ll be traveling by car this summer, pack your own meals. A tasty homemade lunch from the cooler may cost you less than $2 versus a $5 or more lunch at the drive-through. Having food and snacks in the car is also good for kids and emergencies.
Activities - Plan and enjoy activities that fit within your budget. Knowing what activities cost beforehand can give you a better idea of what your vacation will cost. Be sure to allow some unstructured activity time too for flexibility.
Discounts - Look for discounts or coupons on activities you will be doing. If you know someone in the area you’ll be traveling to, ask them to get information for you. Residents often get large discounts for theme parks and shows. The internet is a great resource too. Check to see if gas stations offer discounted gift cards towards gas.
Money - Bring just enough cash with you for tips, small purchases or to give to the kids. Use a credit card for large purchases. A travel reward credit card can earn you points towards your next vacation that can be redeemed towards many of your vacation expenses. Credit cards help you track spending and offer other benefits like fraud protection, dispute resolution and travel insurance.
Loyalty - Since we tend to be creatures of habit, take advantage of airline, hotel, car rental and even gas loyalty programs if possible. Many travel service providers offer their very own branded credit card offer. Build points for free travel, hotel stays, car rentals and discounted gas. All your vacation spending can add up to sizable rewards.
