Bragging about...TRAVEL

The current economic climate has forced us to make tougher decisions.  It's not just about making the dollar stretch, but also about making trade-offs to make the most out of your life.  

A new Cornell study revealed that while the joy of material things fade, the joy of experiences actually keeps growing.  Bottom line - memories are the gifts that keep giving.  

So next time you think of buying that fantastic leather bag you must have, think about all the memories you could be making on a trip of a lifetime!  

It's cheaper than you think.  Here are my easy tips on making those memories: 

1) Visit SkyScanner.com: 

• Search for a time period to "EVERYWHERE"
• The site will then list the lowest fare to a number of destinations
• This will help you narrow down your search to the cheapest place to travel 

2) Choose a destination: 

•  In addition to using SkyScanner's flight destinations, try these useful tips:
•  Travel off-peak because everything will be cheaper - flights, hotels, excursions
•  Try places you've never dreamed of like Morocco!
• Word of caution: When choosing a destination, think about the cost of living in that destination.  For example, Turks & Caicos is a cheap, direct flight from NYC but food is EXPENSIVE!! So be sure the math works in your favor.

3) Then visit SkyScanner.com again to search for the cheapest flights: 

• Be ready to leave EARLY in the morning - it could save you hundreds of dollars!
• Don't be afraid to choose a flight with a long layover - that could mean exploring yet another city! 
• Try to sneak in a weekday arrival/departure
• Word of caution: The cheapest fares are "T-class" fares that are usually non-refundable, non-transferrable, so make sure you're 100% sure!!

4) Chose a hotel: 

• Review www.TripAdvisor.com for the top hotels
• If you plan on staying in one city for the entire stay, visit homeaway.com, airbnb.com, or even tripadvisor.com to find an apartment.  This way, you can buy groceries and cook a bit at home - easier on your budget, easier on your waistline. 
• Plus, living in a hotel room can get tiresome after a few days.  This way, you have more room to move about.  

5) If you do decide on a hotel, SEARCH, SEARCH, SEARCH!!

• There is no one website to search for the lowest rates for hotels
• Begin the google.com or bing.com search for that particular hotel
• Compare and contrast the rates you get from a multitude of sites 
• My trick: I sometimes find lower rates for the same room with the only difference being breakfast and if you have a kitchenette or are near a restaurant, it comes out cheaper to buy your own!
• Also, you can often find another room in the hotel without a balcony, say, and save at least $50/night
• Lastly, by searching a number of sites, you can capitalize on the inevitable computer glitch.  ;) 

6) Now that you've booked your hotel and flight, REST EASY!!!

• The rest is fun! 
• For a one-stop shop, visit Frommers.com for suggested itineraries
• To create your own customized itinerary, go on www.TripAdvisor.com to figure out exactly what people recommend you do on your vacation
• Make a list of must-see's and excursions, but don't book anything until you get there - once you get there, you can easily negotiate rates and compare vendors face to face
• Last, but not least, go buy yourself a tour book online.  Buy it used, even, but make sure it's for the current year! You'll thank yourself later for investing the $10 in LonelyPlanet or Frommer's.  Not only will it guide you on what to see and do, but it will contain maps when you get lost and give you perspective on the country.  Plus, a book is cheaper than a tour guide! 

Got any Travel Deals to Brag About? 

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