High gas prices and a weaker U.S. dollar aren't stopping millions of Americans from exercising their rights to some much-needed R&R. Whether you're hitting the road or taking to the skies, one thing is certain—traveling on a budget is the way to go this summer!
Just because you're traveling on a budget doesn't mean you have to sacrifice the trip of your dreams. All it takes is a little creativity and some savvy spending. With help from the experts, you can stretch your dollar further.
Money expert Jean Chatzky is teaming up with three value vacation experts to get you off the ground and onto the beach, ski slopes or anywhere else you dream of going—travel editor Pauline Frommer of the Frommer travel guides, Today's travel expert Peter Greenberg and Yahoo! Travel Director Fiona Lake Waslander.
Travel Off-Season
In sports, the off-season is a time for athletes to relax. When it comes to vacations, the best time for you to relax is also the off-season. Imagine going anywhere you want for less money and avoiding the crowds.
Peter says he's a big fan of the Caribbean or Colorado in the summer, not the winter. Similarly, he suggests Alaska in the winter, not the summer. When you travel off-season, Peter says you can avoid long lines, crowds and higher prices.
Don't Book Your Flight Too Far in Advance
The early bird certainly catches the worm, but not always the best airfare. Self-proclaimed "travel detective" Peter Greenberg has sleuthed out the prime time to book your flight.
The best time to start comparison shopping for flights 45 to 60 days before you'd like to travel. Airline computers are intentionally set up not to give you a deal outside that time frame because they are looking at the law of supply and demand, Peter says.
Know the Rule
If your plane is delayed for any reason other than weather, Peter says you need to invoke Rule 240. "It is the one rule airlines never want you to know about," he says. "If you invoke Rule 240, that means the airline has to take the ticket and endorse it over to the next available flight." The next available flight can be on any major airline, Peter says. Almost all the big domestic airlines participate in Rule 240, he says.
If you still face a delay or cancellations, Peter recommends keeping a written record of every person you speak with. Having records to refer to will help you get a refund or a voucher for your trouble.
Stay Flexible
If you have some leeway in your vacation days, Fiona warns against locking yourself into a calendar. The best thing to do is thoroughly research your options online. The more flexible you can be with your dates and flight times, the more you can save.
You don't always have to book everything yourself, either. If you're traveling with other people, Pauline recommends using online consolidators to purchase a hotel and airline package in one.
Avoid Hotels
Sure, you have to stay somewhere, but hotels aren't always the best value for your money, Pauline Frommer says.
Try renting a room in an apartment, or even the entire place. Also, if you live near a tourist attraction or big city, take advantage of apartment swapping. You can trade up through companies that can be found online. Pauline says to go with a larger company for the widest array of options.
Get a Guarantee
If you do choose to stay in a hotel overseas, Peter says to get your hotel to guarantee your rate in U.S. dollars so you are not affected by a further slide of the dollar against a foreign currency.
Live Like a Local
Pauline also recommends avoiding tourist traps by eating at neighborhood restaurants where the locals eat. Here's how to find them:
Go Where the Dollar Takes You Further
Is the exchange rate of the dollar dashing your dreams of traveling overseas this summer? It doesn't have to. If you're traveling internationally, Pauline says to try to go where the dollar still has purchasing power—South and Central America and Canada are great options.
Peter says destinations like Turkey, Switzerland and Croatia haven't switched over to the Euro yet and are more budget-friendly.
And don't rule out Portugal, El Salvador and the Philippines, Fiona says. These affordable destinations are rich in culture, history and natural beauty, she says.
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