Extra Traveling Tips

• To find cheap lodgings check with social networks such as Facebook for your hotel’s Facebook page. You may find time sharers that need to rent out their condos last minute.

• You might also find discounted lodgings on sites like Homeaway.com or VRBO.com

• Check the website of your lodging for specials or sale prices.

• If your room has a kitchen, save money on eating expenses by buying from a local grocer and cooking your own meals. If anything, it’s good just for having a few snacks around.

• If it’s buy one, get one free drinks during happy hour in your resort be smart and stash second drinks in your fridge for later.

• Same thing goes for food. If you’re at an all-inclusive resort stash your unfinished plate in your fridge. This can save you from buying something else for later!

• Be sure to travel in groups of 2 or more. Carry personal items such as purses or wallets on the inside of the group. Meaning, if you are on the left of the person that you are with carry items on your right side or in right pocket. This makes it harder for theives to snatch anything.

• When traveling solo don’t be afraid to get out and explore. Before going on your trip make sure to research your destination. Getting an idea from reviews from other travelers can give you an idea of where you can safely go. But as always, apply caution when in an unfamiliar place. Don’t appear too cautious as to look afraid or draw attention to yourself but just enough to appear confident and as if you know where your’re going.

• Use common sense, do not go exploring new territory alone. If you are alone, don’t go out at odd times of the night and do not walk down less-traveled streets or alleyways.

• Be aware when wearing crossbody or messenger bags. Thieves can grab bag and easily yank it pulling you down or away. Casually keep hold of bag, if possible, just to ward off any sticky fingers.

 
Traveling Tips: Money Tips

• If vacationing on a budget, take how much you think you might need for your trip and only that! Going on your vacation with only a debit or credit card is dangerous. You are likely to spend more money that way.

• Take a debit or credit card for backup and emergency expenses only. Place in room safe to avoid use.

• Place money in seperate baggies labeled: GAS, SPENDING and TIPPING. Doing this can prevent you from going into money set aside for those specific needs.

• Having at least $80 – $100 one dollar bills helps with tipping and not having to worry about breaking bills to tip the maid or waiter.

• If traveling in a group and driving to your destination, break your gas money down into 5 dollar bills. It makes it easier to chip in without trying to get change all the time or worrying about who owes whom back.

• Don’t take large bills. Breaking large bills only adds more change and bulk to your pocket. Try to carry more 20′s, 10′s, 5′s and 1′s. It makes it easier to exchange currency if you want to have both American and foreign currency.

• Try to only take cash or traveler’s checks with you. Avoiding the use of ATM machines saves you the expense of ATM fees from your bank as well as the fee for the ATM machine used.

• Changing your phone plan if you are going out of the country can reduce roaming fees making it cheaper for you to call family and friends. You can always change back to your plan.

• Leave money in safe provided in hotel room. Only take what you need for that day or outing. Taking all your money can be dangerous. Not just for fear of theives, but you might be more inclined to spend more because you know you have it on you.