Last-Minute Travel Deals
Aug. 25, 2004 -- With summer quickly coming to an end, now may be the last chance for a getaway before a return to the standard workday schedule and back-to-school mayhem. If you are interested in getting away at the last minute, you have plenty of company.
Up to 64 percent of leisure travelers plan 11th-hour escapes, according to the Travel Industry Association of America. Here are some tips on how to take an affordable, last-minute summer vacation rich in memories but not in dollars.
Deals on Airfare
With increased airfare competition, now is a great time to get good deals on airfare. Both major and smaller airlines often release last-minute tickets at bargain basement prices in order to fill empty seats. These last-minute fares are typically released on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday for travel in the days and weeks to follow. Last-minute fares usually have a departure day of Friday, Saturday or Sunday, with a return day of Sunday through Wednesday. For example, US Air is now offering excellent deals on airfare for Labor Day weekend. You can fly from New York's LaGuardia Airport to Phoenix, Ariz., round trip for $198, pending some restrictions.
In addition to these last-minute deals, it often pays to seek out flights with a connection, as non-stop flights tend to be the most expensive. You also may want to consider alternate or smaller airports and avoid flying to destinations during their high-travel season. Also, it is usually less expensive to fly mid-week (Monday through Thursday) and Saturdays, versus Fridays and Sundays. Early morning and red-eye flights also tend be the less expensive than mid-day flights. These travel times may be a little more difficult on smaller children, but are well worth the additional effort.
Finally, if you have an e-mail address, it is an excellent idea to subscribe to receive weekly e-fare alerts from airlines that service your city most. Carriers like American and United send weekly e-fare updates with inexpensive fares from your home city to destinations worldwide.
*Mellody's Bonus Tip: Although travel sites such as Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz may offer some great deals, be sure to check with the individual airlines as the lowest fares are often available direct.
Cruising for Deals
Cruise lines never like to set sail with empty cabins. As such, there are some excellent deals to be had — especially for those near points of embarkation like Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, New York and Galveston, Texas. Cruises are a great way to include the whole family because of their all-inclusive meal, entertainment and lodging prices. Once again, the Internet can be a haven for last-minute, low-priced cruises. For example, a five-night Carnival Canadian cruise, departing on Aug. 28 and purchased on Aug. 23, sold for $195 a person (not including taxes and service charges) on www.SkyAuction.com.
*Mellody's Bonus Tip: Cruising the Internet or calling the cruise operator a couple of days prior to embarkation can be an excellent way to book an inexpensive, last-minute getaway.
Rental Cars for Less
When booking your rental car, if possible, consider renting a car at an off-airport location as the fees and taxes may be lower. For example, some rental car agencies charge an airport concession fee which can add more than 10 percent to the bill. At Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., this fee is 11.10 percent. In addition, request the smallest car which will meet your needs and always opt to fill the tank yourself before you return the car as you will end up spending significantly more per gallon if the rental car company fills the tank.
Finally, many car rental providers offer collision damage waiver insurance to cover you on any damages to the vehicle. However, if your auto insurance policy includes comprehensive collision coverage, you do not need to purchase the additional coverage. In addition, some credit card companies will pay for damages to a rental car in the event of an accident. Double-check with yours to see if your card provides this protection.
*Mellody's Bonus Tip: Rent from an off-airport agency and always ask about the free upgrade and check with your credit card company or auto insurance provider before purchasing the extra insurance.
Let Your Fingers Do the Clicking
Online travel planning has become the method of choice for many Americans, with 42 million people using the Internet to book their trips in 2003, an percent percent increase over 2002. In addition, the number of people booking all of their travel arrangements online grew from 23 percent to 29 percent. That said, for the last-minute vacation, skip the call to the travel agent. Agents often charge a service fee between $20 and $50 to book an airline ticket and thanks to the Internet, your last-minute vacation can be easily planned on your own. What's more, it may be more affordable than a planned getaway. With the increase in online travel booking, a whole host of Web sites have popped up catering to the last-minute traveler, including www.11thhourvacations.com, www.lastminutetravel.com, www.site59.com and www.sidestep.com. For example, an air and hotel package deal from Chicago to Cancun for four nights (two adults and one child), ranges from $350-$775 per person on Expedia.com. If booked individually, the airfare alone costs between $300-$540 per person and the hotel could run as high as $310 per night.
*Mellody's Bonus Tip: Avoid the travel agent and go online. The key to successful vacation planning when using the Internet is flexibility. If you are not set on traveling a certain day or to a certain location, you can maximize your savings.
Kids Travel for Free
At many large hotel and motel chains, children and grandchildren are allowed to stay for free. Generally, children must be under the age of 18 and must share the room with an adult to take advantage of these offerings. Hotels providing such benefits run the gamut from exclusive resorts like the St. Regis to lower-cost mainstays such as Best Western and Days Inn. Additionally, hotel chains such as the Holiday Inn allow children to eat for free, which can result in significant added savings. Other kid-friendly travel services include Amtrak's policy of allowing children from the ages of 2-15 to ride for half-price.
*Mellody's Bonus Tip: Before you make a reservation, ask if the hotel allows children to stay and eat for free. If they do not, ask if they will. With so many of their competitors doing so, your negotiation may prove successful.
Making the Most of Meals
According to AAA's 2004 vacation costs survey, a family of two adults and two children will pay an average $110 in meals per day. To reduce this cost, try to stay in accommodations that allow you to prepare your own breakfast and snacks. You also may want to consider making lunch your biggest meal as lunch menu prices tend to be lower than dinner menus.
*Mellody's Bonus Tip: If you are traveling with children, bring snacks and juice boxes to get them through the day without having to stop every few hours for a bite to eat.
Join Frequent-Stay and Frequent-Flier Programs
Regardless of how often you travel, you should consider becoming a frequent flier on the major airlines serving your local airport. These programs are free and your miles can add up to free tickets, upgrades and frequent flier status, as well as potential discounts on rental cars and hotels. In addition to airline programs, you should consider joining "frequent-stay" programs offered by most major hotel chains, including Starwood, Hyatt, Hilton and Marriott. These programs are free of charge and allow you to earn points for each overnight stay which can eventually lead to upgrades and free accommodations. An added benefit is preferred status, which can lead to additional discounts. For example, Marriott Rewards Members can now save 20 percent on weekend rates in Chicago-area Marriott hotels.
*Mellody's Bonus Tip: Sign up for the hotel stay program for any hotel/resort you may frequent. A flash of your membership card may earn you the chance for a free upgrade, later checkout time or complimentary breakfast.
Ask the Concierge
Often, the hotel concierge can be an excellent means to not only get a reservation at the trendiest restaurant, but a discount on dining and attractions. For example, families traveling to Boston who stay at the Royal Sonesta Boston can select a "Go Boston" package which starts at $279 per night and includes a card providing unlimited access to over 30 Boston attractions, such as trolley rides, sightseeing tours, whale watching tours and museums. Also, most museums honor membership cards from other cities — e.g., a member of the Art Institute of Chicago can get in for free at art museums in places like Atlanta, Cincinnati and Los Angeles. Finally, it is a good idea to ask the concierge if any museums in the city you are visiting offer a day of free admission as many do, especially during the summer months.
*Mellody's Bonus Tip: Keep in mind it "pays" to tip the concierge. A little generosity can go a long way.
Join the Club
Anyone who is 50 years of age or older can join the AARP (formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons) and receive discounts on everything from rental cars and hotels to admission to national parks. The cost to enroll is just $12.50 a year, but the savings are significant. For example, you can save 10 percent to 25 percent at Fairmont Resorts and Hotels, 15 percent on Days Inns and 15 percent to 50 percent at Starwood Hotels (e.g., Sheratons, Westins, W Hotels, etc.). In terms of car rentals, discounts range from 5 percent to 30 percent at Avis, Hertz and National Car Rental.
Another organization offering a wide range of discounts to its members is the American Automobile Association, more commonly known as AAA. In addition to providing roadside assistance, AAA opens the door to discounts on everything from hotel rooms to restaurants, amusement parks and online vendors, such as www.barnesandnoble.com. A standard AAA membership will cost you $54 a year and will provide access to a variety of discounts, including the lowest possible rates offered at Hilton Hotels; 10 percent to 20 percent discounts at Days Inns; 10 percent discounts on Amtrak; 5 percent to 20 percent discounts for Hertz rental cars; and $4 off entry fee for Six Flags where admission prices range from $30-$35 depending on the park.
*Mellody's Bonus Tip: Do not leave any discount on the table. Often hotels, amusement parks and car companies offer big savings for members of organizations such as AARP and AAA. Just mention to the reservation agent you are a respective member and they will let you know if there is an available discount.
Additional Travel Tips
Head for "Off-Season" Destinations: Consider spots such as Arizona, Mexico or the Caribbean in the summer months to get good "off-season" rates, which can be at least 10 percent to 20 percent lower than high season rates. Use your cell phone: Avoid making local and long distance calls from your hotel room as the phone charges can quickly add up. Skip the 1-800 number and book your hotel direct: Often, the hotel in which you are staying will be most familiar with available discounts and packages specific to that location while the general reservation hotline may only be able to offer national packages. Keep in mind helpful credit card deals: In addition to your credit card providing protection in rental car accidents, many cards offer deals for companion tickets and hotel and entertainment discounts. For example, Bank One's United Mileage Plus card offers 15,000 bonus miles with your first purchase as well as a free one-class upgrade certificate and a $25 United discount travel certificate.
Mellody Hobson, president of Ariel Capital Management (arielmutualfunds.com) in Chicago, is Good Morning America's personal finance expert. Ariel associates Matthew Yale and Aimee Daley contributed to this report.