Memorial Day Traveling on a Budget
Memorial Day is coming up! This year, the day of remembrance is Monday, May 28. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), 32.1 million people will be traveling over Memorial Day weekend. That’s a lot of money going toward plane tickets, gas and hotels. It’s important to follow some money-saving strategies to avoid making a big dent in your wallet.
The frugal-friendly financial experts at Miss Money Bee have created some important tips to cut down those expenses for your Memorial Day travels.
Booking a flight. Airfare is the major expense for any getaway. Flights during holidays are typically more expensive, according to Nicole Hockin of Hotels.com. If you’re planning to go anywhere, looking for flight deals in advance is the best approach to take. You can subscribe to websites like airfarewatchdog.com, which will send you emails about cheap flights in your city as they become available.
Traveling by car. Gas prices are treacherous. Nowadays, a gallon of gas costs more than a gallon of milk. Be sure to take advantage of that Smartphone and download the Gas Buddy app. This app will show a list of different gas prices at your surrounding location or zip code to let you see where the cheapest gas is. It’s also important to check your tires and oil. What’s worse than having to call a mechanic or tow truck for a few hundred bucks when you can take precautions? Also, be sure to enroll in a prepaid toll program because it will save you both time and money.
Booking a hotel. If staying with friends or family is not an option, then it’s important to book a hotel room for the best price possible. Once again, the earlier, the better. Look through comparison sites like Expedia or Travelocity to find the best rates. Usually there are specials where you get a discount if you stay three consecutive days or more. These discounts can save a lot of money. Also, a lot of hotels include a free continental breakfast, so before running out to a restaurant, take advantage of that inclusive meal. Also, avoid spending a fortune on fancy resorts. Small hotels or even motels will be sufficient.
Exploring the area. You don’t need to rent a car or call a taxi to explore your destination. The best way to really see a new place is to go on foot. Walk around and enjoy the scenery and see new sights. Public transportation is cheap and efficient. It’s also smart to buy an unlimited bus or subway pass for three days if you’re in a big city.
Have a happy Memorial Day, and safe travels!