The last thing a tourist would wish for is to cut short a trip because of an unexpected shortage of funds. Travelers to the USA fear what they see daily on television: hikes in gas prices, or a weakening dollar which makes travel more expensive.
But though rising costs are often unavoidable, they should not ruin your travel arrangements. Here are some important money-saving tips that will keep you prepared for any such troubles.
Research your destination
Before leaving, it’s good to research your destination. Make a list of priorities, and research free or inexpensive attractions. Investing in a map and a guide book for your destination will save a lot of money and time in locating various tourist hot spots. Its also crucial to pack right to avoid extra cost due to airline baggage fees.
Shop for cheap flights
Shopping around for cheap flights is a must as it forms your first step to your trip and can make or break a visit. In choosing an airline, its crucial to look at the several considerations, such as…
- Are there any discounts?
- Does the airline land in or near the preferred destination?
It’s always wise to visit various transatlantic discounters such as Meridiana fly, Air Berlin, Condor or Fly Thomas Cook and compare their offers.
Once in the USA, you may need to travel from one state to another. It’s advisable to use regional airlines which service regional airports near major cities. Cheap flights to Atlanta Georgia are available on comparison of major airlines that serves Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International airport. Such airlines include Continental, Frontier, Spirit and American airlines.
If you’re stopped over for some time in Atlanta you can pay a visit to the famous High Museum in midtown or even explore the history rich Marietta suburb which is full of civil war memories.
Jump-off cities tour
Jump-off cities are two destinations which are considered as one. Using the jump-off concept can help save you a lot of money on travel costs. For instance, a visit to the sin city of Las Vegas can easily be extended to visit the Grand Canyon which is about 250 miles away. Likewise, a trip to Washington DC may include visit to the famous Baltimore inner harbor.
Home or apartment rentals instead of hotels
Renting houses or apartments is a cheap option for families and gives the traveler a chance to interact with the locals. It’s wise to research the best available rentals which suits your preferences at your desired destination. This can save you a lot of money compared to booking a hotel room for an extended stay.
Renting an apartment can also save on cost of buying food from hotels as there is the option of preparing your own meals. When on the road, its advisable to avoid tourist designated hotels and lodges. Going to restaurants that are popular with locals saves on the costs of meals and other amenities and also gives the opportunity to experience the destination as a local.
Now you see: A few minutes invested in research will make your tour to the USA enjoyable, and a trip to remember regardless of the economic state of the country and even save some cash for those extra gifts for friends back home 🙂
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Photo by martinteschner on Flickr.