I remember the first time I planned a trip to New Zealand in my pre-internet
days. It took several rounds of correspondence via snail mail, several
phone calls when there was no answer via snail mail and then several trips
to the bank to purchase the not too inexpensive draft checks that the motels
required. Those days are now gone and I figure that I saved enough for
a few more days of lodging or a few nice dinners. I'd like to share
a few of the money saving tips I've used.
First, you will want to research your destination. There
are lots of books out there and you will benefit most from one that best
suits the way you travel. Take a look at some of the different
guidebooks that have web sites, check out what others have to say on
newsgroups,
mailing lists
and or the Budget Travel Bulletin Board; or go to the library or a bookstore
and browse to see which books to buy. I always try to use toll
free numbers or e-mail to contact the
local tourist agencies for information. Obviously this holds true for
other services you need to use such as airlines, car rental agencies, hotels,
etc. For those that don't have email, but do have a fax number consider
using some of the free fax by
e-mail services.
Next, think about how you will carry your money. While credit
cards work well for payment they may carry stiff fees for cash advances.
The same holds true for ATM cards. Be sure to check with your bank
to see where you can use your card and what type of fees will be assessed.
In my case I am assessed a charge by any machine that is not owned by my
bank even if it is in the same network, and I am also charged a fee by
the other bank(at some times exorbitant). As a member of an Automobile
Association, I get travelers checks free, in addition to discounts, maps
and triptiks. I also get my passport photos at a lower cost than
from a photographer.
Next time we will look at resources for saving money on larger ticket
items like airfare, hotels, rental cars and even packaged vacations.
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