How to Have Cheap Vacations in Europe or Anywhere and Live to Brag About It - Part 1 of 3
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Attention travelers planning vacations in Europe or just about anywhere else: When it's cheap travel you're after, the fun(?) begins with figuring out when to book, for which season, for what destination, whether to buy or build your own vacation package, where to look for discount shopping, and then how to save money once you get to where you're going.
As you know, plotting to save money on anything always takes more time and effort than needed when money is no object. So when it comes to creating a discount vacation, it's pretty obvious that you'll need to be patient, flexible, somewhat adventurous and armed with as much relevant information as you can get.
Oh, you could always change from "somewhat" to "highly" adventurous, and downgrade from cheap travel to dirt cheap travel. You know, like sleeping in airports, for example. Which involves the dark science of picking the best spots where the chairs are softest and where you're least likely to be kicked out by Security.
But we'll assume that you want just a little more comfort and class with your cheap vacations in Europe and elsewhere, and that you want to live to brag about it.
MONEY-SAVING TIPS FOR BOOKING STRATEGIES
If you're traveling by air, the two most extreme ways of getting cheap
airfare are to book way far in advance or try for an absolute last minute deal.
Both are gambles because obviously, your unique circumstances may change after
you've booked a distant date, and you may not be flexible enough for whatever
arrangements come with last minute travel.
The next best booking strategy is to avoid Friday and Sunday departures. Not only that. You can also be an accomplished saver by choosing undesirable departure times like those that make you get up at 2:00 a.m. to catch your flight or that make you travel all night. Oh, and while you're at it, you can save even more by booking flights requiring multiple stops and plane changes. (See, what did we tell you, discount vacation travel can build strength of character.)
Now what about hotel savings to go with your cheap airline ticket. Maybe you get a great last minute flight but the hotel rate is so high that it would have cost you less to just relax and steer clear of those last minute adventures altogether. Unless...
Unless... yes that's it! Be brave and don't even book a hotel until you've hit the ground. You'll probably find more than one hotel that'll give you a discount because they have empty rooms that were just canceled. Heck, if you're feeling extra bold you can start by brazenly naming your own hotel discount before even asking what's available.
One way or the other, finding a discount hotel is usually easier than finding a cheap flight. And of course, bed and breakfast is also a money-saving option.
So that's Part 1 of our most compelling cheap vacation tips. They'll work for vacations in Europe or the tropics or just about anyplace else you have in mind.
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