Everyone knows that you can have a wonderful time with family and friends when you go on vacation or travel to a new and faraway place. However, sometimes disaster can strike when things don’t go as planned or anticipated. Here are some tips and suggestions to help make sure your getaway is affordable and hassle-free.

AIR RATES

Be flexible. When booking your flight, don’t tell the reservation agent your travel dates in advance. Instead, ask the agent to check each rate for the itinerary you want within a range of dates. Ask first for the cheapest rates. If you are flexible, you may be able to lower your ticket costs.

Buy tickets after midnight on Tuesday in the time zone where the airline is located. Airlines typically start selling airfares late on Friday and the lowest fares are matched by competing airlines. They usually stop matching the lowest rates on Mondays. Customers booking low fares have 24 hours to purchase tickets. All low fares that were booked on Monday but not purchased before midnight Tuesday are available for sale at that time.

HOTELS

Make hotel reservation at 4:00 pm on Sunday. You’ll have a better chance of getting a low rate from a receptionist who understands that an unsold room is a waste of revenue. Please call the hotel directly in the city you wish to visit. Do not call the 800 number; you will likely contact a national reservations clerk.

Request weekend rates. At some hotels, weekend rates are one-third of regular rates. If you plan to stay the whole week, ask for the cheapest weekend rate to be extended. Make sure the price you’re quoted reflects hidden costs like resort fees and taxes.

Consider alternative accommodation. Many hostels now offer private rooms for $25.00 to $160.00 a night. For more information, log in to Hostelling International USA at [http://www.huisa.org]. Also, some universities rent out their dorms at reasonable rates during vacation periods.

CRUISE SHIPS

Book a cruise at the last minute. Ships often sail with empty moorings. Many routes regularly have more berths than passengers. If you are flexible, you could get great last minute packages. Check with a travel agent or consolidator. Keep in mind that cruise lines now charge for extras that were previously included in packages, such as some recreational activities.

RENTAL CARS

Contact your local rental office. Local operators may offer deals to reduce a temporary surplus or rely on the local market. If you call the national toll-free number to make a reservation, you may not get the best price or the best car.

Whenever possible, avoid renting from airport lots, which can be more expensive than city lots. Compare local and national rates at RentalCars.com. Make sure you only pay for what you want and need. Here are some things to keep in mind when renting a car.

Additional insurance –
Your personal auto insurance may include rentals and the credit card company may provide coverage for damage to rental cars, but this may not be enough. To maximize your coverage:

– Make sure you have enough collision and comprehensive coverage on your auto policy.

– Pay for the rental car with a credit card that provides additional coverage.

– Check for car rental companies that have an agreement with your insurance company to provide you with additional coverage. For example, USAA offers additional coverage for Avis, Budget, and Hertz automobiles in most parts of the United States.

replacement drivers –

Most companies allow someone else to drive the car for free. But some charge extra for every other person driving the car, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Ask before booking. Breaking the rules could affect your insurance protection. If your spouse is in an accident, you may have to pay for repairs out of pocket.

gassing-

When you return the car, you have the option to fill it up yourself, prepay for a full tank at a flat rate per gallon, or pay a refueling fee when you return with less fuel than you started with. Refueling fees can be extremely high. You can get a better rate if you fill it out yourself.

Return policy
– If possible, return it to where you picked it up or be prepared to pay more. The return charge is based on the distance between the pick-up point and the drop-off point.

Late Fees –
Return the car on time. Most rental agencies give you a grace period of one hour, but don’t try it. Returning it late can result in high overtime charges.

AUTOMOTIVE TRAVEL

AAA makes “summer driving season” sound so mandatory, like something horrible will happen to you if you don’t log a certain number of interstate miles by Labor Day. If you love to take road trips, here are some tips to make your trip smoother.

Leave early, stay late. To avoid rush hour traffic, especially during the holidays, leave a day before other travelers and return a day earlier or a day later.

Plan ahead.

Know your route and have a backup plan in case of heavy traffic or road closures. Carry a vehicle safety/emergency kit with you. Make sure your car is in top condition. Long summer drives put a lot of stress on a car. Get a pre-trip checkup.

The tires must have enough treads. If you don’t know what to look for, have a mechanic check the entire width of your tire, including the rims.

The brakes need to be checked, usually by having a mechanic remove all four wheels. Take into account the thickness of the brake linings and shoes. Calipers, devices that cause friction when pressing on the brake pad, and rubber hydraulic lines should also be checked.

Steering components such as the front end and steering related parts including ball joints and bushings should be examined.

Take your time.

“Better late than sorry.” Plan extra time and arrive safely. Take 15-20 minute breaks every few hours and stretch your legs. Don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids. Don’t eat and run. Take a walk after eating to get your blood flowing.

When traveling with children, keep toys, books, games, and snacks within reach to keep them busy. Try a recorded story or sing along. Also try these two tips. Hang a bag on the back of the front passenger seat to store toys, bottles, crayons and other favorite items. Give older children maps of the United States and pencils, markers, or pens. Then, while driving, they can watch