subject: Lowering Your Rental Car Costs And Other Travel Expenses [print this page] Regardless of whether you're the business owner trying to reduce your company's business travel expenses, or the family about to embark on its yearly vacation, there are some simple tips you can use to reduce the costs of your next trip. Granted, when you travel you want to pamper yourself and travel in style. This is often the case whether it's traveling on business, or leaving for a vacation. However, you must also find a happy medium between spending too much and being reasonably comfortable. It isn't always easy, but it can be done. We'll look at some simple ideas to reduce items such as the cost of your next rental car, the cost of your hotel, the cost of food and finally, the cost of entertainment.
1.Lowering the Costs on Car Rentals
While it may seem like a good idea to get a navigation system on your next rental car, the reality is that these systems are extremely expensive. These systems allow you to input an address and follow a simple step-by-step process to your next designation. They typically cost anywhere from $15 to $25 a day. Unfortunately, their performance is sketchy at best. For instance, they are rarely up-to-date with the most recent information, and they are easily confused by construction and alternate routes. Ignore the temptation to go with that navigation system. Instead, opt for mapping out your routes well in advance. Come up with multiple contingency plans to accommodate any possible delays, and don't be afraid to ask for directions at your hotel. After all, it's their job to help you get to whether you're going.
2.Plan Activities Closest to Your Hotel
While this second tip seems fairly straightforward, it's ultimately something that most people ignore entirely. Try to book your hotel in and around those areas that you're most likely to visit. Measure the cost of that hotel against the possible savings on gas for not having to travel as far. While that hotel may be more expensive, it's more than likely that you won't have to go far to arrive at your destination. This will save you on gas, and it will allow you to mitigate the number of times you use the car to get around.
3.Take Credit Card Insurance on Your Rental
It's inevitable that the car rental company will try and get you to take additional insurance. In most cases, this is nothing more than a ploy. Instead, check with your credit card company and see if they provide accidental damage insurance. It's more than likely that they do. If they don't, then try and take insurance with a private company, one that covers not only your travel insurance, but one that also covers the costs of the rental.
4.Take Advantage of Offers
Does your hotel have a continental breakfast? If it does, will that help save you money? It will. Now think of other ways you can save money. To be successful means to take advantage of as many free offers as possible. If you're not already a member of a rewards program, then go ahead and join as many as you can. If you have already accumulated points, then there's no better time to redeem them than when you're traveling. You can use these points at restaurants, movies, shows and multiple tourist destinations.
You can save money on your next trip. It simply involves making the right decisions and doing your homework. You can reduce your expenses and still travel in comfort. For you next trip, take the time to review these four aforementioned tips.
