Cost-Cutting Travel Tips

Suppose you love to travel - but need to watch your budget. Here are some money-saving tips:

• Travel off-season. In summer, visit ski areas for great hiking and lots of activities; in winter, head for beautiful, empty beaches. Rates in New England are highest during the October foliage season; visit after Labor Day but before the leaves turn for great prices, perfect weather, and no crowds
• Visit cities on weekends, the country midweek. Country inns are most crowded on weekends, while city hotels are busiest midweek with business travelers.
• Stay multiple nights in the same place. Nearly all independent properties have weekly rates;, and many offer midweek promotions -- stay three nights and the fourth is half-price. If the extended stay rate is not advertised, ask! Your "home-away-from home" can become a base for area explorations.
• Stay within an easy drive of the best-known destinations. You'll pay a premium to overnight in well-known towns. In a neighboring town, the rates may be 10-50% less.
• Watch for specials. To find special deals on www.Inns.com, go to Advanced Search, enter your destination, then check the "Specials" box to select properties offering specials deals and packages. When you find a place you like, sign up for their email list of packages or last-minute specials. If you're on the road and looking for a place to stay in the last minute, ask if there's a "walk-in rate." If applicable, ask about senior and/or AAA rates.
• Book the least expensive room in the most expensive inns. Even luxury properties have a few affordable rooms--terrific values if you don't mind slightly cramped quarters, lack of a view, or a hall bath. Who knows, they may even upgrade you for free if space is available and you ask very, very nicely!
• Be realistic. Don't expect to find bargains or even availability for peak periods like holiday weekends, college graduations, big football weekends, major conventions, and so on. At such times, book well in advance or risk spending a night in the no-tell motel, miles from your destination!
• Be reasonable. A beautifully restored historic home or newly built luxury lodge, furnished with quality decor, fine linens, and expensive new bathrooms, with wonderful meals and attentive service costs more than a budget motel. After all, dinner at a fine-dining establishment costs more than at a fast-food restaurant! Focus on the value not just the price.