Christmas Decorations for Window Boxes

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10 Tips to Smooth Your Holiday Journey

Travel at holiday times can be stressful and expensive because everyone else has the same idea. With the roads jammed with cars and airports packed with passengers, journeys undertaken at this time of the year can be anything but fun. But is there a better way? Here are ten tips which will save you money and hopefully smooth your journey.

You should always schedule your trip ahead of time.  Plan the exact day you intend to depart, as well as the day you plan to make your return trip.  The longer it takes you to reach your destination, the more likely you are to overspend your planned budget.  Make as few stops as possible to help prevent this from occurring. 

If you are traveling by plane, be sure to take advantage of low cost airfare and hotel packages by planning early.  If you make your reservations ahead of time, some airlines will offer an early bird special and other discount rates.  Sometimes when you get the airfare/hotel package, you can also get discount rates.  It is important to remember that a fee may be assessed if the reservations are changed or canceled.  You will get the best deals if you plan early and take advantage of discount rates for your airfare and lodging.

Another good tip to save money will be to travel by plane for the holidays and cash in your credit card air miles. It is a good idea to make all your monthly purchases with your credit card and be sure to always pay off the balance.  Upon doing this, you will be awarded air miles, that can be cashed in for upgraded airline tickets, or even free travel during the holidays.

If you are renting a car for your holiday travel, you can still find great deals.  Shop over the internet, and make your reservation early.  You should always avoid renting a car near the airport.  The rates are normally higher, plus extra surcharges often apply at car rental agencies near the airport.

If you are visiting a big city during the holidays, you can avoid car rental costs all together.  Most big cities have public transportation available, such as buses or subways.  Public transportation will save you a ton of money, as opposed to renting a vehicle, and you can usually get all around any city using public transportation.

If you are taking your own vehicle on your holiday trip, you should make sure the tires are properly inflated beforehand.  If the tires are not properly inflated, you will use more fuel on your trip, and wear out the tread on your tires quicker.  You should also make sure your engine is well-tuned to make for an easier trip.  Saving gas is saving money; and saving money makes for easier, less stressful holiday travel.

To avoid excessive food stops, travel with a cooler when making your holiday trip.  Not only will this help you get to your destination quicker, it will also save you money you would spend on stopping for food.  Another good thing is you can pack what you want to eat and drink.  You will not waste precious time staring at a menu, nor spending the extra money.

If you are going to dine out during your holiday trip, you should do it during the week.  Menu prices are often more expensive on the weekend.  And if you dine before 4 PM, in most places you can receive the lunch rate.  The food is often the same as it is for dinner, but the lunch portions are a little smaller, and cost less.

Even when you are traveling back to your home town, take advantage of visitor centers.  You can often find great restaurant coupons there, as well as discount coupons for inexpensive holiday activities.  Visitor centers can really make holiday travel easier, and save you a buck or two, also.

Finally, to avoid extra charges during your holiday trip, only use your own bank's ATM machines whenever possible.  Withdrawing larger amounts could be helpful, if your bank's ATM is not available.  Or when making purchases at a store, you can always ask for cash to avoid the extra charges.

Holiday travel can be crowded and costly, but following these 10 tips can reduce the stress, along with the expenses.