Travel Smart This Summer Using These Time-Saving And Budgeting Tips


Summer is a great time to get out of town — but whether you’re flying, taking a road trip or camping in the back woods, there are ways to make your travel cheaper and more efficient. You only have a limited number of vacation days every year, and it takes a great deal of planning to line up the schedules of everyone in your family. Once you’re ready to get started, make sure as little time as possible is wasted.

One great place to ensure your time isn’t wasted is at the airport. Look at the TSA blog for tips on what to pack and when to arrive. Sure, arriving early doesn’t at first glance sound like a time saver, but if you make your trip through security easier, you can choose how to spend those extra minutes at the airport. The TSA recommends having your boarding pass and ID ready. Also review the list of what items to pack in your carry on luggage and what to check.

TSA tip: there’s no size limit on stick deodorant, but if you use a spray or gel, it must be 3.4 oz size or less. To avoid unexpected seizures at security, review any questionable items on the TSA’s “Can I check my…” website page. If you can’t imagine flying without water, consider taking an empty bottle with you. The Huffington Post recommends filling it up at a water fountain once you’ve cleared security.

But before you even get to security, take a bit of extra time to plan your trip to get the maximum enjoyment out of your budget. Forbes reminds travelers to consider budget airlines, particularly if going to Europe where cheap flights abound between destinations. Booking a hotel and flight package can save you a bundle, but don’t take the first one that’s offered. Check multiple booking sites and even then, look closely at the specifications. A flight that’s cheap on paper may have hidden costs for baggage or meals — fine if you can go without, but problematic if you are traveling with a fussy toddler or kids that need to be entertained.

While those websites can save you a lot of money, it’s important to think of your security when planning your vacation and when you travel. iPass recommends researching a site before using it for the first time. It’s best to avoid free WiFi when away from home. If you can, pay with credit instead of debit, simply because credit cards have more security features than do debit cards. Plus, debit cards let hackers access your cash, while credit cards let them get your credit — which is actually someone else’s money until you’re held responsible for it.

Remember to pack smart, both before you get on a plane and while you’re sightseeing. Pack as little as possible and try to stick to a carry on. That way, you won’t have to worry about lost luggage or keeping your belongings safe while you are on vacation. Many things you would typically pack, such as disposable toiletries, are easily purchased at any destination. While you’re traveling in exotic locales, however, or even just camping away from it all, keep a stash of hand sanitizer and tissues with you. That way you’ll always be ready for bathroom duties, messes made by kids, and won’t be stuck if you are in an area of the world where facilities are scarce or ill kept.

[Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images]

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