Freda's Top 5 Tips to Save on Caribbean Travel

[Freda Gore]

It's that time of the year when you a planning your vacation or weekend,getaway,

And that does not come cheap. With airlines raising the cost of tickets thanks to

the return of business flyers and more people now taking vacations who waited

due to the economic downturn, the cost of travel is now on the rise. However, 

there are still some great deals to find.

Listed below are 5 of my favorite ways I have used to save on travel cost:

1. Plan in advance

Some of the best deals I have come across came when I planned 3- 4 months ahead of my vacation schedule.Lots of the travel web sites are offering getaway deals. I recieve my Americian Airlines newsletter on Tuesdays offering their best sales and deals. Shop for tickets on Tuesdays.

2. Avoid the major holiday rush

Booking your vacation during a major holiday is not very smart money sense You could save almost 40 % off your tickets, if booked in advance. Tickets prices are usually higher and who wants to deal with the crowds,( Mark my word you don't want to get caught in San Juan PR airport during a holiday week- end) . To top that off most hotel prices are higher.

3. Go for packages

I love vacation packages, I believe they offer the best bang for your bucks, and there are lot to be found just do a google search, If you choose a package, always remember to find out what you are getting in you package, what's included and what's not, and it's okay to ask questions,

4. Travel lighter

In my earlier travels I always payed for checked bags and used half of the stuff I packed. Now I travel lighter, by packing only items that I know I will need. I find that 1 jeans, 1 chino shorts, 1 black yogo pants, black or white T shirts, jeans jacket that I will be wearing on the flight, sneakers and 1 stretch flats (now don't tell me I don't look fly) Just saved myself $30 bucks. And if you must have more stuff there are some airlines who offer free baggage if you are an Americian Express travel reward card holder you could be entitled to check your bag on for free. check with your card issuer and also the airlines.

5. Ideas for eating

Due to one of my travel business specality ( I am the tour host for Caribbean Culinary tour&Vacations;) I am always on the search for great Caribbean dining, both local, and fine dining. That can take a big chunk of your travel $$. Some of my recommendations to eat on a budget are, There are a lot of cooking schools with in-house restaurants great food at money saving prices, Again I eat local, I just love street side barbecues, fish frys,local bakeshops and fruit stands, out door cafe's, When I rent a villa I ask for a stock pantry they might even add a local chef to do the cooking. There are lots of ways to save if you plan ahead, you can come out ahead with some cash left in your pocket.

 

Quote: Mark Twain:

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do.


So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.