Cost Saving Tips for 2009 Travel Plans

You can save a lot of money making travel arrangements six to nine months in advance. Now is the time to start planning for Spring Break and summer travels. Whenever plans are made in advance, you can make decisions and complete some reservations early saving lots of money.

Most cruise ships and a lot of hotels will give you a "lock-in rate" if reservations are made nine months or more in advance. Usually these reservations are not refundable, but the savings is worth the risk. But that's where planning helps out. If you start your researching now and review your findings with your family, you will have more of certainty of keeping any reservations made well in advance.

Even airlines will provide lower prices when advance reservations are made more than nine months. However, keep in mind that Last Minutes Deals will always have the best prices you will be able to find.

Some cruise ships are introducing new routes and new packages and for those who make reservations earlier, they will find extra amenities as well as lower prices. And third and fourth passengers are even given lower rates with some as low as $99 for a four day cruise.

International vacations packages will provide a cost savings as well when reservations are done well in advance. You will find many resorts adding on extras for those willing to make a non-refundable reservation at least nine months in advance.

Finally, always remember that combinations provide the most savings. So whenever you can combine air and hotel or air and car rental, you savings will be even better. You can save a lot of money making travel arrangements in advance. Be sure to do your homework and look for all the extras as well. The savings will make your vacation or trip that much better.

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Gerald McDowell is owner of Internet Travel Agency. When you travel next time, book all of your travel needs such as Airline, Hotel, Car, Event Tickets, Cruise, Flowers, Vacation Packages & More with at McDowellTravel.com.

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There are (5) Comments

Posted By: Mindy Gilbert Date: September 19, 2008

As a Vacation & Cruise Specialist, I always encourage my clients to book early to lock in prices, as well as the best availability for accommodations and airfare.

"Most cruise ships and a lot of hotels will give you a "lock-in rate" if reservations are made nine months or more in advance. Usually these reservations are not refundable, but the savings is worth the risk."

I do have to disagree with the statement above. In most cases, cruises will lock in rates and WILL refund the deposit if the client needs to cancel prior to final payment. Cruise line penalties typically begin after final payment if made.

Some hotels may have non-refundable fares but I try to bundle my client's hotel stay with airfare and transfers through a tour operator. Their cancellation penalties are relatively low. I always recommend travel insurance and some of my tour operators offer "cancel for any reason" policies so if plans change, the client is can file a claim to get back any non refundable cancellation fees. Some of the insurance companies that I recommend offer cancellation for work related reasons so if the client must cancel due to issues at work, they can also claim the non-refundable cancellation fees.

A good travel professional can always guide you in the right direction.

Posted By: Eric Date: September 20, 2008

As a Travel Expense Manager I offer my customers with more practical options to reduce travel expense by controlling more manageable expenses. What I mean in current situation because of high fuel cost & high inflation we have no control on air or hotel fares, at this time we manage travel expenses by controlling more manageable expenses like Cell Phone Roaming etc ..

We at www.rebelfone.com offer country specific Sim cards to travelers abroad which help them to save up to 85% on their roaming bills (cell phone bills is a huge expense while traveling abroad for most of the business & leisure travelers now).

To an extent with this we try to compensate the other higher expenses and keep the total budget still in control.

Posted By: Karan Sarin Date: September 20, 2008

ctical options to reduce travel expense by controlling more manageable expenses. What I mean in current situation because of high fuel cost & high inflation we have no control on air or hotel fares, at this time we manage travel expenses by controlling more manageable expenses like Cell Phone Roaming etc ..

We at www.rebelfone.com offer country specific Sim cards to travelers abroad which help them to save up to 85% on their roaming bills (cell phone bills is a huge expense while traveling abroad for most of the business & leisure travelers now).

To an extent with this we try to compensate the other higher expenses and keep the total budget still in control.

Karan

Posted By: M. Joyce McMenamin Date: September 20, 2008

Yes, I agree -- but sometimes I have found bargains at the last minute also and have received upgrades at the last minute too.

It depends on where and when you're going.

In 2009 I think a lot of people in the US will be staying closer to home for vacations.

Posted By: Ann (Nealon) Petronio Date: September 22, 2008

For the most part, you are correct. Cruises and tours, in particular, often offer early-booking bonuses and special incentives. And if you plan to travel during a key week (February school vacation, December holidays, etc.) you should definitely book as early as possible. BUT, I do sometimes find some great last-minute specials for my clients who are flexible with their plans and can travel with very little notice.