Save Money Taking a Last Minute Road Trip
Get a Bargain Travel Deal Going by Car at the Spur of the Moment
Dec 26, 2008
If you have a yearning for a vacation but don't have the cash, you might be surprised at the deals you can find as long as you are flexible and willing to travel now.
The days of planning a vacation well in advance are over, unless you want to spend more only to get less in return. Your vacation dollars will go farther if you are willing to travel on a moment's notice and don't mind putting miles on your car.
How to Find Bargains by Travelling at the Last Minute
- Pinpoint a vacation destination within a day's drive of your home. Whether it's a lake, an ocean, mountains, or a city, if you book a vacation within a few days of travel, you can almost pick your price, especially if you don't mind going during the off-season. If a hotel has rooms available one or two days before you plan to arrive, chances are they won't be able to sell them. So you are in a win-win situation. As long as you are willing to negotiate, you might end up with a rock-bottom deal. Of course, this won't work if there is a convention in town, or you are calling during the height of the tourist season, but in today's economic climate, hotels and resorts are happy if they can at least fill most of their vacancies.
- Call the hotel directly. Sure, check with the major travel web sites, but somentimes you can negotiate a better deal directly with the resort. It just takes polite persistence and talking to the right person. If you are getting nowhere with the desk clerk, ask to speak with a supervisor or manager. Even if you can't get the deal you had hoped for, you might at least be able to finagle a room upgrade. You've heard the saying, "Simply ask for what you want." That couldn't be more true in the hotel business. Be clear and concise. And make sure there are other resorts in the same area. So if you don't like the prices, it's easy to move on to the next hotel down the street. Competition is fierce, with fewer vacationers and more room vacancies.
- Keep an open mind. If you had your heart set on Floriday, but the sunshine state is a three day drive from your home, settle for a lake vacation instead. Find a place that is off-the-beaten-path. Ask friends and relatives where they like to travel. You might get some good tips on places are are less expensive and not as touristy. And if you are used to a beach vacation, try a city trip this time. You might be suprised at how much a town only a couple hours away has to offer.
Finally, remember vacations are about spending time with loved ones. Being with friends and family in a sleepy little town might be a lot more fun then an expensive theme park vacation that stresses everyone's nerves and pocketbooks.
The copyright of the article Save Money Taking a Last Minute Road Trip in Consumer Education is owned by L. Marie Dubuque. Permission to republish Save Money Taking a Last Minute Road Trip in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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