Travel Tips 1
A BUMP-Y RIDE
If you have more time than money
for traveling, make reservations on flights that are almost full. Check
in 20 minutes prior to boarding and if the airline asks for volunteers
for bumping, be ready to step forward! Bumpees are often rewarded with
free tickets to compensate them for their trouble. You may lose a few
hours but you'll gain a new roundtrip ticket!
ADMISSION IS FREE
For Free guidebooks will steer you
towards interesting and eclectic sights that offer free admission. There
are state parks, scenic overlooks and monuments in destinations
including Hawaii, Washington, DC, Paris, London, and the Southwest.
About $10 each from Mustang Publishing.
AFFORDABLE CONDO
RENTALS
Planning a holiday that will last
more than a couple of days? Consider renting a small condominium for big
savings. Condos provide more sleeping space than hotel rooms, the
kitchen helps make mealtime more economical, and, with more space,
everyone is less likely to get cabin fever. Condos that rent by the week
or month in-season, may be available for shorter stays off-peak.
AGE HAS ITS
PRIVILEGES - LIKE 10% OFF!
Most airlines, car-rental
companies, and hotels offer discounts of 10% or more to travelers over
50. When you make reservations, always ask if a senior citizens'
discount is available, but make sure that the senior discount is a
better rate than any other "special" being offered.
BABY ONBOARD - SOME RESTRICTIONS
APPLY
Thinking of flying while pregnant?
If you're planning on traveling during your third trimester, you may run
into some restrictions, especially internationally. Be prepared with a
doctor's "permission-to-travel" letter and check out specific
airline policies at http://www.babycenter.com
If your pregnancy is high-risk: Take the train.
BAGGAGE - DON'T
LEAVE THE PLANE WITHOUT IT
Did you know that transfers are at
the root of 40% of lost baggage claims? If you must change planes, don't
check your baggage through to your final destination. Make arrangements
to re-check it between flights.
BAN THE SOL, EH?
The UV radiation from the intense
tropical sun (from any sun!) may damage the cornea and retina of your
eyes. To ensure maximum protection while traveling, choose sunglasses
that are labeled "complete UVA or UVB blockage" (absorption of
UV up to 400 nm). Then go out and play!
BUCKLE UP TO BE
SURE...AND INSURED! -
Not wearing a seatbelt may be a
violation of your personal automobile insurance policy and could leave
you liable for thousands of dollars of damages in the event of an
accident. You may also be subject to a fine since most states have
passed mandatory seatbelt laws for the driver of the car.
CHECK OUT OF THE
CHECK-OUT LINE
Everyone checks out at about the
same time, including conventioneers, and the lines can move like
molasses. To avoid being caught and possibly missing your flight home,
checkout early in the morning. Just be sure to hang on to your key so
you can continue to use your room until official checkout time.
CLIP YOUR COUPONS
Check with the local chamber of
commerce in the city you're visiting to see whether they publish free
coupon books. Sunny Money, San Diego's "super savings"
booklet, is filled with coupons that offer discounts on lodging, meals
and sightseeing -- 117 in all! Order it at: www.sandiego.org
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