Travel Tips for 2009

Money Saving Budget Travel Resolutions

It started early in 2008 with airlines that began charging fees for a second checked bag. Some airlines then began fees for all checked bags. What followed was a list of new airline fees that sometimes bordered on the comical: pillow and blanket fees; charges for peanuts and soft drinks; cash costs for headphones, too. In short, it's no longer enough to shop for the best airfares. You can't control airfares, but you can control these other costs by adopting frugal habits: limit the amount of baggage you bring, pack your own snacks and yes, some headphones.

It's good to look for free attractions in the expensive places you visit, but let's face it: some of the things you want to see will involve hefty admission fees. Good budget travelers research the admission costs for each, add to get a total, and then look at pass options for their destinations. These passes tend to be offered in large cities or major tourist destinations with multiple attractions. The passes eliminate the need to stand in long ticket lines. Sometimes, additional discounts are offered on transportation, too.

Have you looked at what passes for a routine room rate these days? In cities like New York and London, you can pay $400 or more for one night in a very ordinary hotel room. If you're like me, you think that money could be better spent on other things. One way to drop your lodging costs to zero is to consider a home exchange. You can join a service for a one-time fee and search data bases for homeowners who are willing to swap domiciles with you or perhaps offer a host exchange. Either way, you'll benefit from a no-cost alternative to expensive hotels. If you're interested, just be certain you're happy with the arrangements before you agree to do it. Ask questions and don't be afraid to say "no."

Speaking of expensive hotel rooms, you can find them along the so-called Las Vegas Strip. Many otherwise responsible budget travelers get caught up in the excitement of a trip to Vegas and they book expensive four-star rooms as "part of the experience." But for those budget travelers willing to shop a little, it is possible to book a four-star hotel for $175/night or even less. There will be busy times during the year when this is far more difficult, but it's always worth a look before you agree to a high-priced four-star. Check out 10 four-star Las Vegas properties where it's possible to find these kind of prices. Also check out other budget tips for Vegas on food, other hotels, transportation, casinos, and attractions beyond Las Vegas.

National Parks exist in many countries. Frequently, they offer low per diem costs and a great deal of value for your money. We can use the term "national parks" in a generic sense to include national forests, state parks and forests, and recreation areas of all descriptions. The incredible Horseshoe Bend overlook near Page, Ariz. is in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Get the picture? Find a scenic wonder along your route to some big city and spend a few days admiring natural beauty. Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is within a day's drive of many of the population centers in the eastern U.S. Guidebook publishers such as Lonely Planet and Let's Go provide excellent descriptions of parks all over the world.