Strategies to save on travel expenses

Here's one: Booking flight at last minute may be a loser


01:07 PM CST on Wednesday, February 20, 2008

The Boston Globe

Are you one of those people who waited till the last minute to book a flight, thinking you would snag a bargain airfare? You might wish you had heeded this from the United States Tour Operators Association:

"When it comes to airfare ... waiting for last-minute bargains, contrary to popular belief, does not guarantee the best price. Booking early will often help lock in the best price and the best routing."

That is one bit of advice that emerged when the association surveyed its members, who move more than 11 million vacationers yearly. Here are more hints and strategies:

*A strong euro means that a four-star hotel can cost $450 or more per night, and meals and sightseeing can cost more than you had counted on. Both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Europe suggest looking for cruise-tour prices bundled in dollars at the time of purchase. That protects against further devaluation.

*Choose train travel over renting a car.

*Travel in the shoulder seasons (just before and after a destination's busiest time) to get value pricing.

*Look for discounts for children 17 and younger.

*With an escorted tour, more features are usually included in the package price than if you visited the same places on your own.

*A lower-priced tour may not always be the best buy, because it may not include as many features as another. Look for packages and tours that include as many meals as possible, because dining is one of the biggest expenses on the road.

The Boston Globe