Fun ways to travel cheap this holiday season
Riis Valcho
Rising costs and a slowing economy could put a big squeeze on travel plans for many people this holiday season. Many families are staying at home to help cope with tighter finances, but with falling gas prices and the travel industry desperate for American travelers, there are sure to be good deals to be found for those who want to get away for the holidays.
So where are students heading off to this year, if anywhere at all?
Ashley Morris, a second year Psychology major from Phoenix, says her family takes a trip to Sedona for Thanksgiving each year.
“We’ve gone up to Sedona for as long as I can remember. It’s so beautiful in fall, with the leaves changing, and the chilly air. It’s good family time,” says Morris.
Yet some people think the best way to handle hard times and tight budgets is to do something out of the ordinary.
Lindsey Phillips, a second year business major from Seattle, plans on doing just that.
” I am going back to my little hometown outside of Seattle to see my family and snowboard,” Phillips said.
For those individuals or families who do want to a take a trip this year, they can find good deals if they plan ahead and know where to look.
David Boynton of Horizon Travel in Scottsdale believes there are great ways to find deals on travel well beyond the casual road trip to grandma’s this holiday season.
Boynton explained the importance of retaining the “big picture” of a good trip: time, destination and seasonal activities.
If traveling out-of-state, look for air and hotel combination packages on the Internet and compare pricing. Often times, a car rental can be booked directly from the travel site as well.
At the airport, try to avoid peak days and times and find cheaper connecting flights rather than nonstops.
As for hotels, make sure to book through discount sites and stay near the beach rather than on it or in a suburb rather than the center of the city.
Also consider going down a star rating or two for hotels or and find a vacation rental rather than a hotel or resort. Another alternative is to arrange a home exchange.
If a rental car will be required during the trip, book at an off-airport location and drive a smaller car.
There are many options out there to find ways to travel at a managable price and now may be the time to get out of townwith friends or family and try something new and memorable.
