1. The question I get asked most often is “What are the cheapest travel destinations currently?”
There are lots of good options. Some of the countries hardest hit by the economic crisis offer great value for tourists, such as Iceland, Brazil, Ireland, Greece, Spain, South Africa and the United Kingdom. Also, look to the “other Americas.” You can stay and eat really cheap in Ecuador, Peru, Costa Rica, Argentina, Belize, and Guatemala. If you’re interested in Asia, the best bargains can be found in Thailand, Bali, and Vietnam. In the South Pacific, Fiji and Moorea usually have good deals. There are some lovely places in Mexico that will only cost you about $25 a day, such as Puerto Vallarta, Cozumel, and Cabo San Lucas. While there is a small part of Mexico that is dangerous currently for tourists, these places are nowhere near there. But it is always a good idea to check for travel advisories from the U.S. State Department before booking any travel. The same is true about checking with the county health department to find out about inoculations (both required and recommended). www.state.gov
2. Avoid peak season. If you can’t, book well in advance or last minute to ensure best deal.
3. Look for all-inclusive, such as cruises and resorts that offer lodging, food (some cruises and resorts offer complimentary alcoholic beverages with meals), entertainment/activities, and tipping in the package.
4. Comparison shop. Don’t grab the first deal you see. Check out at least 3-5 options and carefully compare what’s included. Is tipping included? Does the price include parking? Are any meals included? Are there any add-on fees, such as port taxes, surcharges, or resort fees? Sites such as Tingo, www.tingo.com, will steer you towards the best hotel deals (and the best part is they will let you know if a lower rate becomes available than what you paid so that you grab it. I recently saw $309 hotel rooms in Hawaii for $99).
5. Ask about unadvertised discounts and “perks.” These range from AAA discounts to free gas or restaurant cards or free night stay (s). Also, do a quick search online to see what comes up when you plug in keywords.
For more cheap travel tips, check out THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CHEAP TRAVEL: SAVE UP TO 90% ON LODGING, FLIGHTS, TOURS, CRUISES, AND MORE! Available on www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com
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