Travel tips to save on your trip

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By Jessica Heffner, Business Columnist 2:02 AM Saturday, May 23, 2009

A silver lining to an otherwise dismal economy is the dramatic drop in the cost of travel, especially via an airline.

If you’ve been putting off that summer vacation because of the cost, now is the perfect opportunity to take it. Here are some tips on how to save this summer.

1. Use alternate airports and connecting flights: If you’re willing to make a connection or use an alternate airport, it can lead to great savings. Compare prices with Hotwire.com and Priceline.com to see the savings of flying out of a different airport or a nondirect flight.

2. Avoid the city center: In cities with good public transit, such as Chicago and Washington, D.C., it is often cheaper to stay near the airport and commute into the city for sight-seeing.

3. Check individual night prices: Hotel rates vary from day to day based on supply and demand.

4. Be loyal: Hotels are offering tons of incentives for your allegiance. Most loyalty programs, including those of Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, Starwood and Wyndham, have eliminated blackout dates for points redemption, so you can get free nights even during peak season.

5. Avoid conventions and peak travel periods: You’ll pay a premium for everything from room rates to even meals if you are traveling during the holidays or during a big area event.

6. Book early: The sooner you book, the cheaper the cost of rooms, flights and car rentals will be. Typically, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays are the cheapest days to travel, said Rick Seaney, founder of Farecompare.com.

7. Check for discounts: It never hurts to ask. Call a hotel or airline and ask if there are any special promotions. Use the Web site Airfarewatchdog.com to find promotional codes and special offers.

8. Be flexible: Look for the best deals at a destination hot spot such as Florida rather than a specific city and you may be surprised by the differences in price between locations.

9. Bid for travel: Learn to bid on a trip and get a cheaper price by using the Web sites BiddingForTravel.com and BetterBidding.com.

10. Follow the money: With the currency markets in flux, your dreams of traveling abroad may be closer than you think. Keep an eye on global exchange rates for once-in-a-lifetime deals on international travel.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2843 or jheffner@coxohio.com.

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