Some money saving travel tips

Forbes magazine introduced a new four-part series called the ‘Smart Business Owners Travel Guide’. In part one of the series, they share some of their ’secrets’ of getting there cheaply. While most of the ideas were either nothing new or just impractical….a few were, if nothing else, unique. So here is my take on the 15 tips they mention.

Become A Professional Mourner.
Bereavement Fares. If the airline even offers one (most no longer have such fares), it is very difficult to fake–most carriers require thorough documentation to support your request. However,many airlines are happy to nullify any extra charges or cancellation fees that a last minute fare might require.

Befriend Someone With A Private Jet.
Easier said than done….
And of course your friend with the jet will be jetting off to the same destination that you are.

Buy Your Plane Tickets in Local Currency.
Good tip–If you want to take the chance on buying a one-way ticket to your destination- hoping that the return fare will result in a significant savings. The only time I have done this is when my return ticket can be refunded without much of a fee. It can make a little more sense for international commuters.

Find A Good Travel Agent.
Never hurts. I have received lots of great assistance from Professional Travel Agents over the years, and I believe they can still be of great help—but not necessarily to save money. Suffice it to say, the internet has empowered every low budget traveler out there.

Frequent Flier Miles.
Da. Nothing new here. They did mention a site called FrequentFlier.com as a ‘comprehensive guide to the best reward programs’.

Get An ISIC Card.
International Student Identity Card. This is a nice tip–if you’re a student. www.myisic.com

Marry A Flight Attendant.
Supposedly for ‘free travel’. It doesn’t always work so easily. The key word here is ’space-available’. Load factors on flights are higher than ever–clearly minimizing this perk.

Milk Your Credit Card.
We all know about earning miles by using a credit card tied to an affinity program. Forbes suggests going to www.cardoffers.com for ‘comprehensive directory of the benefits and services currently available from hundreds of cards from 15 issuers.’ OK.

Moonlight As A Journalist.
The gist here is start a travel website and then go begging for free accommodations from those exotic resorts because you promise to write a review of their property. Easy….if you happen to write for Travel and Leisure Magazine.

Purchase Packages.
Vacation consolidation. In other words, buy the hotel, airfare and rental car in one fell swoop and you can save some dollars. Always a good idea if the hotel offered is your property of choice and the dates that are available match up to your needs.

Sign Up With AAA.
Fine idea if you were already planning to join because of their Emergency road service that they provide (worth every penny). Membership can sometimes give you up to a 10% discount at some hotel chains or rental car agencies. Try asking for the discount–and then never worry about membership–I’ve never been asked to provide proof of membership at my destination.

Ride The LimoLiner.
A luxury bus with a New York to Boston routing. Advance seat selection, power outlets, reclining leather seats–and most importantly–wireless internet access. Sounds great, if you have the time. And you want to go from New York to Boston. $79. www.limoliner.com.

Take The Train.
Too many schedule and destination limitations for me. Might as well take Greyhound.

Travel As A Courier.
Personally deliver packages for companies. What they didn’t tell you is that you need to be available for a flight with (usually) very little notice and you are typically limited to little or no carry on luggage. And you travel on their schedule–often returning on the same day. Learn more at www.aircourier.org.

Widen Your (Web) Horizons.
Try aggregator travel sites such as Kayak or Sidestep instead of Orbitz, Travelocity or Expedia. Good advice.

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