flights

The 8 Most Eye-Opening Money Attractions in the U.S.

Dr Penny Pincher — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 19:32:44 +0000

Some of my most memorable vacations have centered around money — and didn't require spending much of it at all. I had my photo taken next to a $1 million stack of bills at Binion's on a recent trip to Las Vegas. Another memorable experience was visiting the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C. to see millions of dollars of being printed on the production floor.

If you get excited about money, check out these unique attractions across the U.S.

1. U.S. Mint

See the coin manufacturing process up close by taking a free tour at the Philadelphia and Denver facilities of the U.S. Mint. Learn about the process of minting coins from the design to the striking of coins. You'll be able to see how billions of coins are produced each year, and learn the history of coin-making. (See also: Where Are They Now? The Forgotten Dollar Bills (and Coins))

2. Binion's Gambling Hall and Hotel

Get a free souvenir photo of yourself standing next to $1 million in cash at Binion's Gambling Hall and Hotel in Las Vegas. Stop by to have your photo taken and come back about an hour later to pick up your free printed copy. It's pretty incredible to see that much cash up close.

3. U.S. Treasury

The main building of U.S. Treasury is the third oldest building in Washington, D.C. and has been renovated to preserve its impressive Greek Revival architecture. Some historical highlights at the U.S. Treasury include the offices of Salmon P. Chase, Secretary of the Treasury during the Civil War, and the offices used by President Andrew Johnson following Abraham Lincoln's assassination. The stately marble Cash Room has been restored to appear as it was at Ulysses S. Grant's inaugural reception in 1869. You can tour all of these sites by setting up a reservation ahead of your visit.

4. Wall Street

If your travels take you to New York City, check out the attractions of Wall Street, an area of New York City that has been focused on finance for over 200 years. Highlights include:

New York Stock Exchange: On the corner of Wall Street and Broad Street
Federal Hall National Memorial: On the corner of Wall Street and Broad Street
Museum of American Finance: Located at 48 Wall Street

You can take self-guided tours on foot, or there are other tour options available for free or under $40. (See also: 6 Confidence-Inspiring Facts About the Stock Market)

5. Chicago Board of Trade

Visit the home of the trading floors of the Chicago Board of Trade and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange to see traders at work in the pits as they buy and sell commodities. The Chicago Board of Trade building was once the tallest building in Chicago. Although it has been eclipsed by other taller buildings, it remains an Art Deco historic landmark with a glass observation deck with views of the skyline. Tours last an hour, and cost $20 per person.

6. Bureau of Engraving and Printing

If you want to see where money comes from, this is the stop for you! Learn about the production process for paper currency and watch millions of dollars being printed on the floor of the production facility at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C. The tour includes an introductory film and stops along the steps of the production process that results in legal tender. Admission is free, but a ticket is required. (See also: 10 Must-See Museums in the U.S.)

7. New York Fed Gold Vault

Unfortunately the bullion vault at Fort Knox is closed to visitors, but there is a place you can see tons of gold — literally. The gold vault at the New York Federal Reserve Bank houses approximately 508,000 gold bars, weighing in at 6,350 tons. Tour the gold vault for free and learn about the Federal Reserve System as you tour the Federal Reserve Bank.

8. Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

Visit the Learning Center and Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland for interactive exhibits and activities. Try your hand at bartering, see if you can correctly identify counterfeit bills, and even try making your own currency. Take a look inside the impressive building that houses the Cleveland Fed and learn how central banks operate. Admission and tours are free.

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This article is from Dr Penny Pincher of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Take a Cheap Spring Break Trip

Dr Penny Pincher — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 09:30:08 +0000

Spring Break can be a great time to take a trip and enjoy warm weather a few months before summer kicks off. While heading to tropical locations when everyone else seems to be can easily bust your budget, a Spring Break trip doesn't have to be expensive if you're willing to keep your travel plans flexible and expenses to a minimum. Here are some tips on how to go on a Spring Break trip without spending a ton of money. (See also: 11 Spring Break Budget Busters to Avoid)

Lodging

There are always good deals to be found on accommodations, you just need to get a little creative sometimes.

Hotel hopping

Traveling without making hotel reservations ahead of time can be a good way to save money. By late afternoon or early evening, hotels are motivated to fill vacant rooms and are ready to bargain with lower rates or room upgrades. Another advantage of waiting until evening to book your room for the night is that you have maximum flexibility in your travel plans. You can book a room near wherever you end up each day instead of planning your day around your hotel reservation.

Hotel loyalty programs

Sign up for hotel loyalty programs at all of the hotels where you typically stay. It doesn't cost anything, so you might as well rack up some points toward a free stay every night on your trip. I keep a list of all of my hotel programs and account numbers in my wallet to make it easy to register at check-in. (See also: 10 Surprising Ways to Save Money on Hotels)

Check-in discounts

Many hotels offer a AAA discount of 5 percent to 20 percent off your bill when you present your AAA card during check-in. If you are in the military, you might be able to save on your hotel bill by showing your ID and asking for the military rate. Sometimes you can even get a discount simply by asking the clerk for their best rate or if they have a less expensive room.

Vacation rentals

You might be able to save money by finding a privately-owned room or house at your destination instead of a hotel room. Airbnb and Vacation Rentals By Owner offer tons of lodging options all over the world, so check to see what deals and unique accommodations are available for you. (See also: 10 Vacation Rental Alternatives to Airbnb)

Transportation

Whether you're traveling by plane, train, or automobile, there are plenty of ways to save a few bucks.

Drive instead of fly

It is often less expensive to drive instead of paying for airfare, especially if you have multiple travelers and your destination can be reached within hours. Plus, if you drive, you won't need to rent a car at your destination. Driving keeps you in control of your trip schedule and gives you flexibility to adjust your plans at any time without the same hassle or fees you'd run into via flight.

Minimize your travel distance

You don't necessarily have to head overseas to soak up the sun and stick your toes in the sand. There are lots of places across the country with nice weather that would be perfect for a Spring Break trip, so pick a relatively close destination to save on gas and hotel expenses on the way. Plus taking a shorter trip makes it possible to drive instead of fly. (See also: 4 Underrated U.S. Cities You Need to See This Summer)

Gas discounts

Use a fuel loyalty or fuel discount program. You will be buying a lot of gas on a road trip, so you might as well take advantage of discounts and rewards as you go. Pay for gas with a credit card that provides rewards, and check out gas station loyalty programs at Speedway, Shell, BP, Exxon Mobil, or your favorite gas station. (See also: Best Gas Rewards Credit Cards)

Food

Spring Break eats can cost a pretty penny, but they don't have to. If you eat smart on your trip, you can have amazing meals and still stay within your budget.

Bring provisions

Start your trip with food supplies on board to minimize expensive stops at convenience stores and fast food places along your route. Pack apples, PB&J sandwiches, bananas, granola bars, nuts, and other healthy food that travels well.

Cook your own meals

You can save real money if you buy most of your food at grocery stores instead of restaurants while traveling, and preparing meals yourself. Pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables, and ingredients to make sandwiches. Bring a cooler on your trip to fill with free ice from the hotel to keep your refrigerated items cold when you are on the move from one hotel to the next. (See also: Eat These 6 Foods to Stay Healthy While Traveling)

Keep water handy

Buy a case of bottled water at a grocery store or drugstore. You'll want lots of water at the beach, and a cheap bottle of water from a 24-pack is about 10x less expensive that an individual bottle of soda from a vending machine or convenience store.

You can also bring a reusable water bottle and fill it at coffee shops, airports, rest stops, and anywhere there's a fountain. And that'll cost you $0. (See also: The 5 Best Aluminum and Stainless Steel Water Bottles)

More ways to save

Beyond accommodations, transportation, and food, there are other ways to stretch your Spring Break dollars.

Avoid tourist traps

At many beaches, you can rent an umbrella and chairs for about $20. If you bring your own food and water, that's all you need to spend for a day of fun. Also, visit parks and other nature areas on your trip instead of expensive attractions that are designed to extract money from tourists at every turn. (See also: 11 Incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites Right Here in the U.S.)

Pack for the weather

Even though your destination may be known as a sunny spot, it can still get cold at night. Check the weather forecast before you go and bring the full range of clothes you will need so you won't need to buy a sweatshirt or jacket at your destination. Remember to pack that summer gear you probably haven't seen since last year such as your sun hat, swimsuit, sunglasses, beach toys, and sunscreen.

Find free Wi-Fi

Taking advantage of free Wi-Fi at hotels and other businesses is even more important on a Spring Break trip since you will likely have lots of pictures and videos to share. Make sure you don't overrun your phone's data plan and rack up extra charges sending selfies from the beach. (See also: 6 Ways to Slash the Cost of Wi-Fi When You Travel)

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This article is from Dr Penny Pincher of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: How to Score the Best Deals on Flights

Amy Lu — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 08:30:06 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found articles on how to score the best deal on flights, ways to get free gift cards, and what you need to do before buying your first car.

Why Timing Is Everything When Saving Money on Travel

Nick Wharton — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 08:30:15 +0000

Nearly half of Americans say they won't be taking a vacation this summer, according to a poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The top reason: cost, named by 49 percent of those who'll be staying home.

Traveling in low season may just be the answer to this nation without vacation conundrum. By traveling outside of summer and public holidays, or by going abroad during the less popular times of year, you can save a considerable amount of money on your total travel bill. Here's how.

First of all, what is peak season?

Typically peak season refers to the time of year when the most tourists (foreign or local or both), descend upon a popular travel destination. In many countries, peak season falls around Christmas, New Year's, Easter, and over some summer holidays.

The exact dates of peak season will depend on where you're traveling to, what festivals are on, and what the majority religion is in the country. For example, Easter is extremely busy in the Philippines, while there isn't much rise in tourism in Muslim countries during the Christian holiday.

Similarly, Brazil is extremely busy during Carnival in February, but the date of Carnival is different in many South American countries and it's different on Caribbean islands as well. It's best to do a bit of research to find out exactly when "offseason" happens in your selected destination.

Pros and cons of offseason travel

Of course, there are a few cons to offseason travel or everyone would travel then, so it's important to cover those here. While many people might worry that they'd be constantly drenched if they travel during rainy season, that's often not the case. In many places, heavy rainfall does occur in the off-peak months, but typically it falls for an hour or so and then goes away.

If you're really worried about weather, you may consider traveling in the "shoulder season," which is a good middle ground between high season and low season. (See also: Best Times of Year to Travel Anywhere)

Pros of low-season travel:

Cheaper prices.
Fewer travelers.
Some great local festivals happen in the offseason.

Cons:

May not be optimal weather.
Some sights and hotels may be closed.

How to save on accommodations

Hotels, hostels, B&Bs, and vacation rental apartments all tend to jack up their prices during the most desirable travel periods. Take, for example, a three-bedroom home listed on Airbnb in Manzanillo, Mexico. If you book this particular apartment in July, when it's not peak season, it's only $166 a night, while the same apartment booked over Christmas this year will run you $330 a night!

This isn't just on Airbnb, either. I've personally been traveling over the Christmas season for nearly eight years straight and I've always had a hard time finding accommodation deals for that time period. Typically I end up spending at least 50 percent more, simply because I'm getting close to Christmas. (See also: 10 Surprising Ways to Save Money on Hotels)

How to save on flights

We all know that hotels aren't the only ones jacking up their prices during the holiday and peak seasons. Airlines have been doing this for years. According to a study by CheapAir.com:

"Over the course of the entire holiday booking period, travelers paid an average 50 percent more for a flight during the holidays than for the same flight during a non-holiday time. That means a $300 ticket during off-peak time cost $450 during the holidays."

That's no joke! I've personally paid as much as 60 percent more on my airfare, simply because I was flying during a public holiday or during a festival. Traveling in the offseason could save you a lot of money on your airfare. (See also: 10 Flight Booking Hacks to Save You Hundreds)

How to save on food

Believe it or not, even restaurants give discounts in the offseason. I have been in some towns where nearly every restaurant offers a "local discount" during the offseason because there are so few tourists that it is the only way they can make money during the slower months.

During a trip to Thailand in 2014, I watched many restaurants on Railay Beach change their menus over to get ready for the peak season. All of the prices I had come to know (and love) suddenly went up by as much as 20 percent. As peak season starts, many restaurants will hike up their prices, so traveling off-peak can save you money on food as well! (See also: How to Eat Street Food Safely While Traveling)

Offseason is a fine season for travel

When I first started traveling frequently back in 2008, I was always checking the weather to make sure that I was planning my trip for the perfect time of the year. The only problem with that theory was that everyone and their dog had the same idea and my trips cost me a lot more than they had to.

Today I use the offseason or the shoulder season as much as I can and I'm able to travel for far less. So can you. Next time you plan a holiday, consider going when fewer others do. The amount you save could mean that you can go on a longer trip, or maybe budget in another holiday throughout the year.

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This article is from Nick Wharton of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

9 Ways to Avoid or Mitigate Flight Delays

Holly Johnson — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 08:30:13 +0000

If you fly even a few times a year, chances are at some point you'll have your flight delayed or canceled. About one in five flights by the major U.S. airlines have been canceled or delayed this year, according to the Department of Transportation.

Either event can mean missed connections or disruptions to your schedule at your destination. A cancellation can mean being stuck in an airport for hours or days while you wait for another flight. When it comes to shorter itineraries with a quick turnaround, you could even be delayed so long you miss your event. (See also: Your Flight Was Canceled. Now What?)

Worried about getting to your destination on time? Consider these strategies.

1. Fly morning routes

If you book the last flight of the night and it's canceled, you can guess what will happen. You and every one of your fellow passengers will try their hardest to get on the next flight out the following morning. And yes, an overnight stay is imminent.

If you fly morning flights, on the other hand, you'll have a good chance of squeezing onto another flight later in the day. This is especially true with popular routes that feature several flights departing from your home airport on a daily basis.

2. Book nonstop flights whenever you can

The more stops or layovers on your itinerary, the more opportunities for delays or cancellations you'll face. This is especially true if some of your stops are in areas where inclement weather is common, or if you're traveling to an airport with a poor on-time flight record. If you have an extremely tight connection time (less than 60 minutes), a delay on the first leg of your flight increases your chances of missing the second leg. (See also: How to Get Through the Airport Faster)

3. Fly on off-peak days

According to a recent study from CheapAir.com, the cheapest days to fly this summer are Tuesdays and Wednesdays. You'll save $62 per person on average if you avoid Sundays (the most expensive day to fly). You can also save if you avoid the month of July altogether and travel instead during late summer or fall, when airports are less crowded.

This is the simple result of supply and demand. Since weekends and certain months are busier times to travel, airfare costs more.

But there's another reason to avoid those busy times. The more flights that are scheduled and in the air, the more chances of something going wrong. If you want to reduce your chances of having a flight canceled or delayed and perhaps save some money in the process, avoid flying on busy weekends and choose off-peak days instead.

4. Consider flying out of smaller airports

Another way to reduce the chance of delays or cancellations is to avoid congested airports. The more flights coming in and out, the more schedule changes may take place. By choosing an airport with fewer flights, you may reduce your chances of having your travel plans spoiled by a cancellation or delay. If you live in an area with more than one airport, consider flights from the smaller of the two.

5. Avoid airports with a bad reputation for delays

Some airports are more prone to cancellations and delays than others, for various reasons. MileCards recently profiled the best and worst airports in the country in terms of on-time departures during the summer.

According to its study, Newark has the worst 10-year record for summer travel, with only a 66.5 percent on-time rate. New York's LaGuardia and Kennedy airports, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago O'Hare, Philadelphia, Miami, Washington Reagan, and Columbus round out the top 10 worst airports.

If it's feasible to avoid these airports, you can add this strategy to your delay-avoiding arsenal.

On the other hand, Kahului, Honolulu, Salt Lake City, Orange County, Phoenix, Seattle, San Jose, Minneapolis, and Las Vegas are the best for on-time summer travel, according to the report.

6. Avoid holidays and other peak travel times

This tip goes without saying. Whenever you travel over a holiday or peak travel time, there's more chance of something — anything — going wrong. Peak travel times can include entire seasons like "summer," but they can also include peak travel weeks like spring break and winter break.

It also depends where you're traveling. While "peak" travel time to Europe is summer, winter is the most popular time to travel to the Caribbean.

You can't always avoid traveling during peak times, but it helps to keep the fact that delays and cancellations are more likely during these times in mind. If you're going to travel during peak travel season, using some of the other strategies on this list could lessen the impact of a delay or help you avoid one.

7. Have alternative flights picked out and ready

Here's another smart tip: If you are paranoid about cancellations, try choosing your alternative flights and having the information about them written down and easily accessible. That way, if your flight is indeed canceled, you'll be ready to let the airline know a solution to your issue. By having flights picked out, you can beat the masses who aren't prepared and have no idea what to do next.

8. Check your credit card

The agents at the gate not being helpful? Does your credit card have a concierge service you can call? Does it give you access to an airport lounge (where you cannot only sit out the delay in quiet and comfort, but where there are available agents that are not as harried as the ones at the gate facing a long line of angry and irritable customers)? Can you book a new flight with your points so you don't feel the sting of the extra charges as much? Some may even provide a refund for your delayed or canceled flight, as well as for charges incurred because of it, if it includes the right travel insurance.

A good travel credit card can help you in a travel pinch. (See also: 6 Types of Travel Insurance Credit Cards Include That You Didn't Know About)

9. Never check a bag

This tip may sound crazy, but if you're worried about flight delays and cancellations, never check a bag. Once your bag is on a flight, you could experience severe hardship tracking it down if you wind up on another flight leaving later that day or the next day. By sticking to carry-on only, on the other hand, you can ensure your bag is always nearby — and never in luggage purgatory.

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This article is from Holly Johnson of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

What to Do If You Get Bumped From a Flight

Brittany Lyte — Thu, 11 May 2017 08:30:11 +0000

Overbooked flight? Somebody's going to get bumped — a common, but inconvenient aspect of travel by airplane. Indeed, it's within an airline's power to deny ticket-holding passengers a seat on a flight. Of course, passengers have some control in these situations, as well. The next time you're forced to give up your seat on an oversold domestic flight, know that these are your rights, from the federal Department of Transportation.

1. Remember that airlines must seek volunteers first

Before an airline can bump anyone involuntarily, they need to first find passengers who are willing to give up their seats. If you have some flexibility in your schedule and can arrive at your next destination a bit later than originally planned, you can give up your ticket in exchange for a later departure time. If you decide to volunteer to give up your seat, find out whether the airline is able to issue you a new ticket or if you'll be flying standby. If it's the latter, find out whether the airline can offer you any compensation toward food or lodging while you wait. It could be a while, and, as we all know, airport cuisine isn't cheap.

2. Ask about compensation

If you are bumped involuntarily, ask an airline representative what, if any, compensation you are entitled to. You are entitled to compensation if, for example, the airline fails to arrange substitute transportation to get you to your final destination within one hour of your originally scheduled arrival time. The amount depends on the price of the ticket and the length of the delay. For example, if your new travel arrangement itinerary is scheduled to get you to your domestic destination between one and two hours after your originally scheduled arrival time, the airline is required to pay you 200 percent of your one-way fare to your final destination that day (up to $675 maximum).

3. Request a written copy of your rights

DOT requires each airline to offer all involuntarily bumped passengers a written statement describing their rights and explaining how the carrier decides who gets to fly on an oversold flight and who doesn't. This is your guide to navigating any bumped seating situation. You will be less likely to miss out on any compensation owed to you if you request and keep a copy of this with you.

4. Seek a refund for any prepaid upgrades

If you prepaid for an in-flight amenity, such as premium seat selection, and you do not receive those services on your substitute flight, the airline that bumped you must refund those charges. There will be times an airline is unable to honor prepaid amenities if, for example, the plane you are on for your replacement flight is not equipped with the same bells and whistles available on your original booking.

5. You get to choose: free tickets, vouchers, or a check

You have the right to insist on compensation by an on-the-spot check for the dollar amount equal to the ticket price. Alternately, airlines may offer free tickets or dollar-amount vouchers for future flights. The choice is yours!

Our advice: If you paid a higher-than-normal rate for your ticket, opt for the check. This way, you'll have a shot at rebooking a new trip for less, leaving you with the leftovers to spend however you desire.

6. If you aren't compensated fairly, you can pursue a complaint

If being bumped costs you more than the airline will pay you on the spot, you can try to negotiate a higher settlement with their complaint department. But don't cash the check or use the voucher while you're negotiating. As soon as you spend your compensation bucks, your right to haggle for more is gone.

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This article is from Brittany Lyte of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Beware These Sneaky Fees on Discount Airfare

Holly Johnson — Mon, 01 May 2017 08:30:14 +0000

Discount airlines have broadened the base of those who can afford to fly. These no-frills carriers slash prices by limiting benefits and offering an a la carte airline experience. But sometimes, flying a discount airline isn't nearly as cheap as you think.

If you've ever priced airfare, you've probably wondered why discount carriers offer lower prices and how they do it. How can Allegiant Air afford to let you fly from Cincinnati to Fort Lauderdale for $122 or less? And how can an international airline like WOW Air stay afloat when a round-trip flight from Boston to Reykjavik, Iceland costs less than $320? (See also: Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards)

The answer is "unbundling," an industry practice that's been growing for the past decade. Back in the day, when you bought an airline ticket, you automatically got an advance seat assignment, checked bags, carry-ons, and even meals (it's true — ask your grandparents).

Then came deregulation and rising fuel costs, and multiple airlines went bankrupt. Those that survived sought to boost profits by unbundling all those included services, meaning you had to start paying for many things that were once baked into the airfare. Airlines pitched this as a consumer benefit — why pay for checked bags if you're just bringing a carry-on? And it is a good deal for some passengers, but it's also a way for the airlines to make money — more than they made before unbundling.

Hidden fees on discount airlines

Discount airlines have taken the unbundling concept to the extreme, making them the most beloved airlines by some, and the most despised by others.

Not only will you be charged for checking a suitcase, you'll also pay extra to carry on a bag too big to fit under your seat (in fact, Frontier Airline charges more for a carry-on than a checked bag). Usually, the earlier you pay for bags, the cheaper it will be. Wait until you get to the gate and you could pay as much as $100 for a carry-on.

Then there are fees for choosing a seat, which goes up the more legroom you ask for. And you'll have to cough up extra for printing your boarding pass at the airport, for booking using a credit card, and even for water onboard (Spirit Airlines is notorious for charging $3 for water unless you need it to take medicine).

Sometimes these fees can cost as much as the fare itself. Take Allegiant Air, for example. Round-trip airfare from Cincinnati to Fort Lauderdale rang in at around $122 for random dates in May, which is downright cheap. But if you dig a little deeper, you'll find the base fare includes almost nothing.

Want an assigned seat near a window or an aisle? There's a fee for that (at least $10 each way). Need extra leg room? Roomier seats on this particular Allegiant flight start at $21, each way. You can bring one "personal item" on the plane for free (think: a purse), but you'll have to pay another $30 round-trip to bring a standard carry-on.

If you want to check a bag, that's another $40 round-trip. And if you need an agent to print your boarding pass at the airport, that's another five buckaroos each way. Pay with a credit card? Tack on $8 each way.

All of a sudden, your $122 flight surges to $238. While that's still affordable as far as airfare goes, it's nearly twice as much as the base price you were tempted with.

The same thing is almost always true when you fly an international discount airline. That $320 WOW Air flight to Iceland? It's actually $523.92 when you add on taxes, a carry-on ($81.98 round-trip), a checked bag ($101.98 round-trip), and an assigned seat ($19.98 round-trip). Flying international for $524 is still pretty sweet, but the price is over $200 more than the $320 "teaser price."

How to win the discount airline game

When you're shopping with a discount airline, make sure you know what is — and what isn't — included. Once you're abreast of which services and add-ons are charged on top of your base fare, you can compare prices with other airlines on an apples to apples basis.

Here's a good example.

Let's say you want to fly round-trip from El Paso, Texas to San Diego, California on May 5 returning May 12th of this year. As of this writing, the total cost for your base fare is just under $80 with Allegiant Air. Score!

When you add on taxes ($60.37), basic seat selections ($18), a carry-on ($30), a checked bag ($40), and a printed boarding passes ($10), however, the price tag goes up to $228. Plus, it's an extra $16 if you pay with a credit card, so let's call it $244.

If you search for the same flight with other airlines on Expedia, you'll find prices start at around $388 on American Airlines. Your seat selection and a carry-on are included in your fare, but you'll likely need to pay for $25 for a checked bag. All things considered, the Allegiant flight is still an awesome deal, it's just not quite as awesome as the upfront pricing makes it seem.

The best way to navigate the total costs of your airfare is to run the numbers on every flight you book. You may have to go through a bunch of prompts and fine print to see how much more you'll pay for assigned seats, carry-on luggage, checked bags, and boarding passes. Make sure you understand whether each add-on price is for one way or round trip. Once you have a new price that includes the services you need, you can compare that price to what you'd pay on other airlines. Sometime, it's actually cheaper to just go with a legacy airline. (See also: Best Sign-Up Bonuses for Airline Miles Credit Cards)

If you really want to save money with a discount airline, you can always consider purchasing the bare-bones option. Make do with whatever seat they give you, carry only a small bag with you, and print your boarding pass at home. If you don't need a lot of luggage and can sit next to anyone, your airfare should be rock bottom. (See also: 10 Ways to Get Free (or Almost Free) Airline Tickets)

Also remember that at least one discount airline is known for "transfarency" — a term Southwest Airlines uses to describe its notable lack of fees. Southwest offers cut-rate airfare with no additional fees for seat selections, checked baggage, boarding passes, carry-ons, and even trip changes or cancellations. (See also: Why Southwest Is the Best Domestic Airline for Families)

At the end of the day, it's up to you to figure out what's included and find the best deal. Sometimes discount airlines really do offer the best pricing in the friendly skies. Other times, their prices are no more than gimmicks.

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This article is from Holly Johnson of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Fly Out of These Airports and Save Big on Airfare

Amanda Gokee — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 08:30:15 +0000

Some long-haul flights can be unnecessarily expensive. However, the good news for consumers is that there are some very straightforward ways to instantly lower the cost of overpriced airfare. For instance, did you know there are some "hub" cities that can drastically reduce the overall cost of your trip when you book your flight?

In fact, sometimes just by scheduling one strategic layover, you can save hundreds of dollars on a one-way ticket. This means more money for you to enjoy during your vacation. Check out these five routing options to trim your airfare costs. (See also: 10 Ways to Get Free (or Almost Free) Airline Tickets)

The Caribbean via Florida

The Caribbean is a common destination for people living in North America. It's close enough to be convenient and far enough away to feel like a different world. With a balmy, tropical climate, the region boasts numerous island destinations that attract millions of tourists every year.

Flying there directly can be expensive. But you can often save a few hundred dollars by flying through Florida (Ft. Lauderdale or Miami, especially). Airfare to Florida is usually reasonable, and from there it's easy to book a cheap flight to your destination in the Caribbean.

This is especially useful if you're traveling to Aruba, but also check prices for St. Thomas, Antigua, and the Cayman Islands.

Australia via Singapore

Flights to Australia are notoriously expensive. It's not unusual to see prices of $1,000 each way for a ticket from U.S. cities. However, you can drastically reduce the cost of your airfare by flying through the international hub of Singapore.

Singapore is a strategic place because there are lots of outbound flights to Australia, and if you happen to be coming from Europe, you'll find lots of flights on those routes, too.

Flying from Singapore to Australia can cost as little as $77 one way. Flying to Singapore can be cheap as well, with deals from the U.S. West Coast starting at around $250. A trip to Australia for less than $350 each way is a huge savings when compared to paying more than $1,000 for a one-way ticket.

Hawaii via California

Many airlines have great sales and competitive prices on short-haul flights to Hawaii from California. You can increase your search criteria to include other cities on the West Coast as well.

Cities to watch are San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle. If you're interested in this destination, you can also subscribe to alerts from airlines that fly there, such as Alaska Airlines, to keep an eye on special sale fares.

Bangkok as a gateway to Southeast Asia

Bangkok is a major hub in Southeast Asia and many budget airlines fly from there to other places in the region for low prices. The Thai capital is interesting in itself, so you may want to consider spending a few days there to explore the city and recover from jet lag before heading on to your final destination in Southeast Asia.

Some major budget airlines you can use in this region are Singapore's Tigerair and Jetstar Asia, Japan's Skymark, and — my personal favorites — Malaysia-headquartered AirAsia for short-haul flights and AirAsia X for long-haul flights.

Iceland as a gateway to Europe

To increase tourism to Iceland and to boost sales, Icelandair has been offering great rates to other parts of Europe. Some flights also give you the option to schedule a layover in Iceland.

Not sure why to visit Iceland? Check out these geothermal pools and the eerie beauty of the Northern Lights.

Take a look at the Icelandair website for the latest deals. At the time of writing, it was offering a great rate from Boston to Amsterdam for about $500 round-trip.

General international booking tips

If the airfare to your final destination seems outrageous, it probably is. Do a bit of research to figure out what the local budget airlines are. Then you can work backward from there to connect the dots that will get you where you want to go.

For instance, if you are traveling in Europe, look for cheap airfare on airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet. If you find a great deal from the U.S. to a European hub, you can then take a local flight on one of these airlines to your final destination and potentially save big.

In the U.S., look to discount carriers such as Spirit Airlines for potential savings. Just be aware that the price of the ticket includes the bare minimum. That means you'll have to pay extra for checking a bag and even for having overhead bin space.

Justifying the inconvenience

Always be aware that booking through multiple airlines can be an extra inconvenience. It may mean you'll need to schedule extra time during your layover so you have time to claim any checked bags and check in again with a different airline. If you've got the flexibility, you may want to make your layover a few days, so you can check out the place you're flying through. It could be a way to get two trips in one!

On the downside, if you have to check your bags twice, you may also have to pay checked-bag fees twice as well. Factor in all prices before you book two flights, so you can be sure it is actually cheaper than flying one airline. If you can, travel with just a carry-on to make the process easier and cheaper.

If you do decide to book yourself two discounted tickets instead of one direct flight, try to consider it an added value that you get to discover two destinations for less than the price of one.

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This article is from Amanda Gokee of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

6 Ultimate Money-Saving Tips for Travelers

Amanda Gokee — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 08:30:14 +0000

If you're addicted to travel like I am, you know that travel expenses can rack up fast. Between airfare, accommodations, and food, cost is one of the biggest factors that prevents people from traveling as much as they'd like to.

But with a little bit of research and legwork upfront, there are easy ways to travel for much less than you may have thought possible. (See also: 6 Easy Ways to Get Free Travel)

1. Sign up for a travel rewards credit card

Maybe you've heard this tip before, but if you're still on the fence, it is high time you join the club. You can save a lot of money just by signing up for a credit card. That's because travel rewards credit cards often offer a big welcome bonus that can earn you free travel when you meet a spending requirement within a fixed amount of time. (See also: How to Get a Free Vacation From Credit Card Rewards in Nine Months or Less)

Use your card for purchases you would make anyway to collect rewards and before you know it, you'll have enough to book your next trip.

2. Own a business? Get a business credit card that will reward you with travel

Business credit cards often come with higher rewards bonuses, though you will often have to meet a higher minimum spending requirement, too. Put all your business expenses on a card that offers travel rewards and pool them together with your personal card for even quicker returns.

3. Never pay an overpriced ATM fee again

ATM fees can add up quickly, especially overseas. When you make a withdrawal outside your bank network, you may be charged an out-of-network withdrawal fee by your bank, a non-customer withdrawal fee by the ATM owner, and a foreign transaction fee by the debit card networks such as Visa and MasterCard.

One solution: Open a checking account with Charles Schwab. The bank and brokerage house automatically refunds any ATM fees you accrue at the end of every month. The checking account is linked to a Schwab One brokerage account, and both accounts are free with no minimum account balance requirement.

Alternatively, with a Capital One 360 checking account you'll have access to fee-free withdrawals at 55,000 ATMs in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Puerto Rico, Australia, and Mexico.

4. Sign up for flight deal alerts

If you feel frustrated that you're not getting the best deals on airfare, you can easily start saving by subscribing to airline newsletters, which announce all of their sales. You can also sign up to receive news of flight deals from websites such as the Daily Flight Deal and Scott's Cheap Flights. They scour the web and pass along the best deals to subscribers.

5. Buy your domestic ticket two months before your trip

According to research done by CheapAir.com, the cheapest time to buy a domestic airline ticket is 21–112 days in advance, with the average being 54 days. The website based its figures on a study looking at 1.3 billion airfares.

The best time to book an international ticket varies widely, depending on your destination. For Canada, Mexico, and the rest of Latin America, the best time is 70–75 days in advance, on average. For Europe, it's about four months; Asia, 160 days; and for the Caribbean and South Pacific islands, it's 320 days — nearly 11 months out.

6. Book accommodations with a vacation rental site

Hostels might not be your idea of a good time, but there are other "budget" accommodation options you should be considering to save money on your next trip.

Airbnb and other vacation rental sites allow you to stay in an individual's spare room or even a whole house or apartment, often at competitive rates that can undercut costly hotel stays. Check out these cities where Airbnb can save you big time compared to hotel rates.

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7 Ways Students Can Travel Abroad for Less

Amanda Gokee — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 08:30:15 +0000

The years you spend in college are arguably the only time you'll drink quite so much coffee, live with all of your best friends, and learn so much in such a short, intense period. They're also unique for most people in that you're given the flexibility to spend time traveling during long breaks from class or during a year spent studying abroad.

Unfortunately, it's not a time when you're likely to be earning a lot of income that you can throw toward travel. But there are several ways students can save money and travel for less.

1. Enjoy cheaper flights

Websites such as Student Universe and STA Travel offer special rates on flights for students and youth. Although booking through a third-party website always comes with caveats (changes and cancellations may be more difficult, for example, than if you book directly with the airline), it's worth checking these websites for deals.

StudentUniverse specializes in discounted fares for students at degree-granting universities, though it does also offer some flights for anyone between the ages of 18 and 25. It has been around since 2000 and works with 75 airlines to negotiate cheaper rates, passing on the discounts to customers.

STA offers discounted tickets for students, teachers, and anyone under 26, and has been in business since 1979. Student tickets are marked with a little blue circle with an "S" inside for "student." Youth tickets are marked in green with a "Y." (See also: 8 Money Moves Students Should Make for a Gap Year)

2. Always travel with your student ID

Be sure to bring along your student ID wherever you travel, since it can represent serious savings while you're away from home. You may already know that at some museums and historical sites, a student ID will get you reduced or even free admission. But some people are surprised to find that even movie theaters will sometimes also give a discounted price for showing a student ID.

If you have some shopping to do before you leave, or you need to pick up some new items during your trip, Madewell offers a 15 percent discount on in-store purchases for students and teachers. (See also: Best Credit Cards for Students)

3. Take advantage of other student cards

Beyond a student ID, there are other student discount cards that can help you to save money while traveling. The ISIC (International Student Identity Card) costs $25, but may be worth it, since it gives you access to more than 150,000 discounts on concerts, accommodations, museums, and restaurants.

The ISIC card has the added benefit of being an internationally recognized means of proving your status as a student, which is valuable in places where a foreign student ID may not be accepted. Plan to order your card at least four weeks before your departure so that it will have time to arrive in the mail. You may even find yourself using it for discounts while you're at home, too.

4. Incorporate travel with your studies

Travel can be a unique learning experience, so why not get credit for your time abroad? Some universities offer amazing opportunities to incorporate travel into your course of studies. Check with your department about what kinds of internships or summer experiences it may accept for credit.

Another option is to find classes that include travel. For instance, at my university, there were certain (highly coveted) classes that delved deeply into Italian art history. At the end of the term, the class took a two-week trip to see the artwork that they had been learning about all semester.

Depending on your university and the specific department, these trips may even receive funding from the university to defray the cost of the trip for students.

5. Leverage study-abroad programs

Studying abroad is another way to seamlessly incorporate extra traveling into your student life. Not only will you get to experience life in whatever country you choose, you'll also have the opportunity to travel to areas nearby. Having a home base abroad for a semester can be an excellent way to get to know a different region of the world and learn about a new culture and language. (See also: Budgeting for Study Abroad)

I studied abroad in the south of France, and during that time, I was able to travel extensively throughout Europe, visiting Prague, London, Budapest, and Istanbul, to name just a few destinations. While these trips would have been extremely expensive from the United States, since I was already in France, I could take advantage of cheap airfare on discount airlines like RyanAir and EasyJet. Plus, travel time was often only a few hours, so I could see these new cities over a long weekend.

I reduced the cost of these trips further by staying with friends or acquaintances who were studying abroad in other European cities. That not only saved me the price of a hotel, it also gave me more of an insider's perspective on these destinations. When I didn't have a friend living in the place I was visiting, I'd use Couchsurfing to find locals who would host me for free. (See also: 7 Ways to Make Money During a Semester Abroad)

6. Apply for grants

It's worthwhile to spend some time researching what grants are available through your school. Some top universities have travel funds for undergraduates to use for internships, research projects, or other programs abroad. You can apply for a grant to cover some or all of the costs of your travel and housing while you're away.

Some grants are offered directly through schools, but others are open to students across the country. Spend time preparing your proposal, since these grants can be competitive.

7. Travel offseason for better rates

Prices can vary a lot depending on whether you travel in peak season or not. Take advantage of the flexibility of being a student to book cheap flights at less popular times of the year. Being flexible with your travel dates can pay off, too. Use websites such as Skyscanner that allow you to filter your search by the cheapest date to fly. If you haven't decided on a destination yet, you can also search flexible departure and arrival airports. (See also: ITA Matrix Is the Best Kept Secret for Travelers)

When I was in college, I decided to take a semester off school to travel, and ended up being able to take advantage of an opportunity to travel to Chennai, India from Paris for just $200 — half the usual price. Once in India, I traveled for a month on only $200, so my cheap ticket was the equivalent of an extra month of travel.

While you might think that traveling is outside of a meager student budget, hopefully this list will show you some of the unique advantages that students have for traveling cheaply.

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This article is from Amanda Gokee of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

These 6 Things Will Make Your Next Flight More Comfortable

Amanda Gokee — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 09:30:41 +0000

Traveling by plane can be uncomfortable, with long waits in the airport followed by hours packed into ever-smaller airplane seats. Rushed and frustrated, you often end up paying way more than you should for small conveniences.

After years of traveling and countless hours in transit, I've put together this practical guide to help you avoid the pitfalls of air travel and enjoy your trip. Here are some easy ways you can ensure you have a smooth, painless experience, both in the airport and once you board the plane. (See also: Tricks to Make Flying in Coach Feel (Almost) Luxurious)

1. Bring your own food and tea bags

Food at airports and onboard domestic flights is expensive — often double the cost you'd normally pay. And though meals are usually free on international flights, the quality is notoriously hit or miss. It's always best to err on the side of caution. Bring your own healthy snacks, like nuts, and dried and fresh fruit. Sandwiches made with bagels are also easily packable and won't squish easily in your bag.

Consider, too, bringing some herbal tea bags. Most coffee shops and flight attendants will give you hot water for free if you ask. This can save you on pricey airport lattes and help you stay calmer than drinking caffeinated beverages. Herbal tea is an especially good choice if you want to snooze while you're on the plane.

2. Bring your own water bottle

Bring an empty water bottle to get through security, and then fill up at the water fountains around the airport. If you're in a country where drinking from the fountain isn't always safe, consider heading to a coffee shop or restaurant and asking them to fill up your bottle with water from the soda dispenser. You can often get ice this way, too!

Having your own water bottle on the plane helps you stay hydrated without relying on sometimes slow service from the flight attendants, who dole out liquids in tiny plastic cups. (See also: 15 Airport Hacks From Professional Travelers)

3. Choose the right credit card

Booking your flight through an airline credit card gives you extra perks while flying. You'll usually get priority boarding, allowing you to get on the plane before all of the overhead bins are filled up with carry-ons. You may also get discounts on in-flight purchases, and travel protections in case your flight is canceled or your baggage doesn't show up.

Some premium cards even grant you access to airport lounges, which can make layovers infinitely more comfortable. You'll also get excellent service from staff in the lounges if your flight is canceled and you need to rebook. (See also: 12 Travel Perks You Didn't Know Your Credit Card Had)

4. Pack for success

Think strategically before you leave home about how you will spend your time while in transit. If you're checking a bag, be sure to put the items you want to use during the flight in your carry-on. It's frustrating to have packed your earbuds in your checked bag when you need them on the plane!

In-flight entertainment can be a good distraction from long hours of discomfort and boredom. But some airlines don't offer any entertainment, or at least not any that you're interested in. Bring your own to be sure you can stay occupied during the flight.

If you start your trip equipped with the right reading material, some good music, and a few favorite TV shows or movies, you may be surprised how fast your airport and flying time goes by. Amazon Prime allows you to download free books, movies, and music to take with you, and other services such as Netflix and the premium version of Spotify have similar services. You can also save free podcasts to your phone, or pay for audiobooks. With Audible's audiobook service, your first book is free.

Make sure your electronics are charged and ready to go. Some flights offer outlets but you don't want to take the chance that your seat doesn't have it or is not working.

Bonus Trick: If you can do without the checked bag entirely, this is an easier and faster way to travel. Traveling with just a carry-on means you can say goodbye to expensive checked bag fees and worries about lost luggage. (See also: 15 Packing Secrets From a Professional Traveler)

5. Set yourself up for sleep

Sleeping on a plane is another way to make the time pass quickly, but it's admittedly tricky business.

Bring along the items you need for slumber, including an eye mask, ear plugs, sleeping medications, and a neck pillow to get comfortable. A jacket can double as a pillow or blanket if need be. Try to get these items in advance. A neck pillow at the airport can cost twice as much as at a regular store.

Keep everything in a clothing pocket or a bag under your seat so it's easy to access when you feel drowsy. Getting up to rummage through a bag in the overhead bin is a sure way to wake yourself back up.

6. Try to have a sense of humor

Airports can be great spots for people watching. You get to see humanity in action in its many colorful renditions. Of course, it's annoying to be restricted in your movements and trapped in stale air for a long time, but keep things in perspective.

You're getting to experience one of the most freeing things of all, the ability to jet somewhere far away. Having a good attitude will only make the ride that much better.

By preparing yourself to have a good trip, packing a few travel essentials, and keeping a positive attitude, you can make traveling by plane not just bearable, but even enjoyable. Happy flying! (See also: 6 Things to Keep You Sane on a Plane)

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8 Costly Flight Booking Mistakes You Make All the Time

Amanda Gokee — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 10:00:09 +0000

Whether you travel for pleasure or for business, buying a plane ticket can be a significant travel expense. And there's no reason to spend more than you have to. However, there are some common mistakes you may not even realize are costing you extra money. Recognize them, and start saving on your next booking.

1. Revealing Your Browsing History

If you haven't been searching for flights in incognito mode, or at the very least clearing your Internet browser's cache, you may be spending more on flights than you should. That's because flight booking sites often use technology that tracks what its customers (you) have been browsing.

That means they know when you've looked at a flight multiple times. Rather than lowering the price to lure you to a final sale, they may raise the price to encourage you to buy before the price goes any higher. You can easily remedy this by browsing in incognito mode or clearing your cache, saving anywhere from $50–$200 in some cases. (See also: 6 Ways to Avoid Sneaky Online Price Changes)

Next time, don't get tricked into buying a ticket that's too expensive. Clear your cache first and buy your ticket second.

2. Buying Your Ticket From a Booking Site

Search engines that aggregate flights from a variety of airlines can be a great resource when you're trying to find the cheapest flight (see tip number eight for a great search engine). However, you need to be aware that some third party bookers will charge you an extra booking fee — which you can avoid by booking your flight directly through the airline's website.

Some small and more obscure airlines may not have a website, in which case you can either call or shop around for a third party booker that doesn't have these fees.

Even if the booking engine doesn't list a fee separately in the price breakdown, it may still be jacking the price up. It's always a good idea to refer back to the airline's listing of the flight and make sure that you're buying it from the least expensive website. (See also: 4 Secrets to Getting the Lowest Rate From Travel Websites)

3. Booking to Fly on a More Expensive Day

Another common mistake that people make is forgetting to check flexible dates. Different days of the week usually offer different fares. For example, flights leaving the U.S. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are the least expensive days to fly, according a study by Fare Compare.

If your schedule is adjustable and you're not checking flexible dates, you're probably paying more than you should for your ticket. Prices can vary wildly from day to day for the exact same flight.

4. Flying Into a More Expensive Airport

Some airports cost more to fly into than others, depending on taxes and airport fees. If you're flying into the most expensive airport, you're going to be spending more money on your plane ticket than you have to, and the same is true with respect to the airport you're flying out of.

For example, the United Kingdom has an Air Passenger Duty (APD) of $90 for one adult economy traveler to fly out on a long haul flight. If you have the time, it's cheaper to book a short haul flight (with an APD of $16) to a place like Dublin or Paris, then book your long haul from there.

In general, it pays to be aware of what your departure and destination airports are charging you to take off or land there. It may require some digging around to find these fees, but doing so could save you money on fees associated with your departure and destination airports, and even those where you have a layover.

5. Forgetting Your Airline Rewards Points

If you travel infrequently, or are a member of a lot of airline rewards programs, it may be easy to forget those piles of frequent flyer miles you've accumulated through flights or credit card airline rewards programs. The last thing you want to do is let a hefty rewards stash expire simply because you forgot about it. Whether you use a rewards-tracking website or an old-fashioned spreadsheet, it pays to keep track of your rewards points and expiration dates. Getting organized can prevent you from missing out on opportunities for free travel. (See also: 9 Ways to Use Credit Card Rewards to Get Free Trips)

6. Missing Out on the Best Sales

How can you find out about the best deals on airfare? Airlines almost always have an email newsletter where they will announce their sales, but if you're not subscribed, you're likely missing out on these deals.

It doesn't cost you anything to subscribe to airline emails, and it could save you a lot the next time you're ready to book a ticket.

7. Buying Your Ticket Too Early or Too Late

How early or late you buy your ticket can affect how much you pay as well. According to studies by CheapAir, the best time to book domestic airfare in the U.S. is about eight weeks in advance of your trip. If you can't be that exact, at least try to book within a window of 21–112 days before your flight, which is when tickets will be at their lowest prices.

There's some hype about being able to grab last-minute cheap tickets, but this usually has to do with a quirky sale — so it's nothing you should count on if you've been planning your trip for a while.

8. Using the Wrong Search Engine

When it comes to paying less for a flight, using the right search engine is a must to ensure you're getting the best prices. You can use the free ITA Matrix, which has been rebuilt on Google technology, to take advantage of the same software that travel agents often use to book you a flight. (See also: The Secret Flight Search Site Savvy Travelers Use)

Booking flights can be a costly endeavor, but there are plenty of ways to save money and make sure you're getting the best price on the market. See how much money you can save using these tips.

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6 Ways to Get College Kids Home for the Holidays for Cheap

Mikey Rox — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 10:00:13 +0000

Kid off to college this year? You're already feeling the pinch on your budget as he or she starts their (fingers crossed) four-year career, but there are perhaps a few expenses you may have overlooked during all the hustle and bustle — like how your little smarty pants will get home during breaks and holidays. To keep these travel costs manageable, consider these inexpensive ways.

1. Cash in Miles for Free Flights

In all the years you've been saving those airlines miles for the vacation of a lifetime, I bet you never thought you'd have to compromise them by bringing your kid back and forth from college for holiday breaks. Yeah, it sucks, but when they graduate and land that high-paying job, they'll totally pay you back… right?

While you hold your breath on that prospect, consider consulting RewardExpert, which helps travelers create easy-to-follow strategies by developing customized points earning plans and maximizing frequent flyer rewards. The service makes it easy to earn free tickets in just a few months, or help you make the most of what you already have.

2. Carpool With Someone Headed the Same Direction

I often carpooled with friends to and from college who lived at least somewhat close to my home. I'd offer gas money for the ride, and my parents would pick me up from their homes so they didn't have to go out of their way to drop me off at mine. Your kids can do the same thing the old-fashioned way by asking their friends for a ride, or — if they don't have any friends who live within driving distance of where you're from — suggest that they post an ad on Craigslist or a community or school message board looking for a driver.

Alas, if that's too 20th century for them, there's College Carpool, one of a handful of services that allow students to connect with others driving the same direction through private pages for each college. Through forums, students can find available rides, or proactively request one.

3. Enroll in a Car Share

Does your kid prefer to take the wheel, but they don't have a car of their own on campus? Nowadays they can sign up for car-sharing services, which help eliminate the issue of not being able to rent a car from traditional services (like Alamo) that usually require drivers to be at least 25 years old. Car-sharing services like Zipcar and Enterprise CarShare are available to university students, and monthly fees are low. Once registered, students can reserve a car whenever they need one. This is a helpful convenience especially around the holidays when the rest of the family is busy with their own day-to-day concerns.

4. Hop on the Bus

I never took the bus home from college — that eight-hour ride didn't much appeal to me, plus I had awesome friends who didn't mind giving me a lift — but when I moved to Manhattan without a car in my mid-20s, I often hopped on a Greyhound to get back to my hometown of Baltimore. It was convenient, fast, and, most importantly, cheap.

Thus, if you live a reasonable distance from child's university and they don't mind tight quarters, this may be a good option for you and your family. It's actually a rather relaxing ride once you get situated; most modern bus services, including BoltBus and Megabus, feature free WI-FI, power outlets, and even reclining seats. Smaller-scale regional buses, like Short Line, also offer student discounts.

5. Travel by Train

If booking your kid a bus ticket isn't an option, perhaps riding the friendly rails is a more accommodating compromise. Amtrak provides service from 500 destinations in 46 states, and it offers a 15% student discount along with the opportunity to earn points toward free travel. Amtrak is the only nationwide rail-service, which means you don't have any other options for train travel, unless you can work your regional lines to your advantage if they exist.

6. Get Creative

You don't always have to choose one option over another. Sometimes you can use a few different methods — like a bus to a train or a train to a plane, for instance. Look for the best deals among the types of transportation available to you and plan your student's trip home accordingly. It may take some time to plan and settle on the most efficient and cost-effective method, but it's worth it — especially when you consider how often you may have to do this over and over again in the next four (or five or six) years.

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Get the Most From Your Airline Miles in These 5 Overlooked Cities

Nick Wharton — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 10:30:13 +0000

Arguably the best part of joining a frequent flyer program is when you've earned enough to redeem for a free plane ticket. There are ways to get more value out of your miles, though, than just getting a ticket for the first place that comes to mind.

For starters, international destinations are a better value. The value of each point rises with the cost of the ticket. For example, an international flight might cost twice as much as a domestic ticket, but the points required to redeem a free flight are only 1.5 times the points for a domestic ticket. For one flight, you might only get a $0.50 per point, but for another, you might get a few dollars per point!

Also, award miles value are sometimes counted by region. So if you book a domestic flight, you can still get a good value out of your miles by comparing different destinations in the same region. And don't forget seat availability. It's not a good idea to get your heart set on a location only to discover that there are never any award seats available.

If you're counting down the days until you're able to redeem your free flight, here are some often overlooked international destinations that can give you great value for your miles while discovering a new and unique part of the world.

1. Valparaiso, Chile

Valparaiso, referred by those who know and love it as "Valpo," was once the most important port in South America and is full of recently-renovated 19th century architecture. Many boutique hotels have sprouted alongside new and innovative restaurants. There have been promotions in the past for as little as 30,000 miles.

You can fly into Santiago, which is an international hub, and take a 90-minute bus ride to get to Valparaiso from there. Santiago is easily accessible from many hubs in the U.S. such as Los Angeles, Houston, and New York, with plenty of seat availability for those looking to redeem awards.

2. Helsinki, Finland

Finnair releases a fair amount of reward seats, especially in the winter, so you're sure to get an authentic colder-weather experience. You can expect to use 20,000 miles in economy or 50,000 in business class with the American Airlines loyalty program. Flights are nonstop from JFK.

Of course, if you do travel in the winter months, you'll easily be able to reward yourself for braving the colder temperatures with a soak in the traditional Finnish sauna.

3. Copenhagen, Denmark

This beautiful city in Denmark is easily accessible with Scandinavian Airlines, offering nonstop flights from the east coast (Newark and Washington) to the middle of the country (Chicago) and on the west coast as well (San Francisco). Scandinavian Airlines offers plenty of economy seats for reward mile redemption. If you're looking to fly business class, you can easily find a seat with United.

Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark as well as the country's biggest city, with picturesque architecture and many unique, historic sites to visit. It is known for among other things its vibrant design scene and wide offering of innovative dining experiences.

4. Malé, the Maldives

Interested in booking an island getaway? The Maldives are easier to get to than you may think, and you can use your miles to do so. To score the best value use miles from any Oneworld airline. This alliance of 15 airlines includes American Airlines, Japan Airlines, British Airways, and other well regarded carriers. Note that you can also use American Airlines AAdvantage Miles.

Just 70,000 miles will get you there and back in economy.

In the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are a series of over 1,000 islands. There is excellent diving and snorkeling, not to mention fantastic, nearly untouched beaches. For a more urban experience, you can check out Malé, the bustling capital.

5. Mexico City, Mexico

Getting to Mexico City is an easy flight from anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. You can get a nonstop flight from Montreal, Toronto, multiple airports in New York, Las Vegas, or Los Angeles.

Southwest Airlines is now serving Mexico and the Caribbean, with a great offer of unlimited reward seats, according to their website.

Mexico City is one of Latin America's largest and most vibrant hubs, with a population of over 22 million people and amazing street food (tacos, tlacoyos, tlayudas, and burritos, just to name a few).

Beyond the delicious culinary offerings, Mexico City is a center for art and the museums here are world-renowned. Architecturally, the city is diverse and portrays an interesting and unique history, from the Palacio National that houses some of Diego Rivera's most beautiful murals, to Bellas Artes that permanently feature Jose Orozco artwork plus other displays that change over time.

Bonus Tip: Get an Around the World Ticket to See More

Did I say five cities? Well you can actually enjoy your miles in scores more cities around the world instead!

Using awards to buy an Around the World ticket is actually becoming quite rare, but there are still some options if you want to book multiple destinations. An Around the World ticket can allow you up to 16 different stops, and it can definitely save you money when compared to booking all of the legs of your trip individually.

If you are redeeming with Star Alliance, you can purchase an RTW ticket for 200,000 points.

The best travel rewards credit cards will offer flexibility and award seats to the destination that you want. A card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred will allow you use their travel portal to book with your points as well as transfer points to airline partners to book directly. An airline credit card would limit you to that particular airline and its partners, but if you have a strong preference for a certain airline and its destination selection meets your needs, then you may be able to build up points faster by being a frequent flyer. (See also: Which Airline Loyalty Program Offers the Highest Value?)

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This article is from Nick Wharton of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Airline Miles Secrets Only Frequent Flyers Know

Jason Steele — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 10:00:08 +0000

Most frequent flyers are experts at collecting and redeeming miles for free travel. They know all the tricks for squeezing a bit more value from each point, where to find more award seats, and secrets to getting miles faster. These are the little known secrets for getting more miles and value so you can be on your way to your next free vacation. (See also: How to Get a Free Vacation through Credit Card Rewards in Less Than 9 Months)

1. You Can Earn More Miles on the Ground Than in the Air

Even for frequent travelers, most airline miles are earned on the ground, not in the air. That's because airline credit cards award miles based on how much you spend, not how far you fly. That includes nonflying purchases. Use your card to pay for all your expenses and watch your miles add up.

2. You Don't Need an Airline Credit Card

Some of the best travel rewards credit cards aren't airline branded cards, but their points can be transferred to the airline miles of your choice. This gives you more flexibility in choosing the card that offers the most points for the category you spend the most in. Choose a card that offers bonus points for dining if you frequent restaurants often. Get a card that offers high grocery rewards. This will help you earn more points faster.

3. Not All Redemption Opportunities Offer the Same Value

Frequent travelers know how to look for value when redeeming their miles. Planning ahead of time to grab the best award price and comparing different routes will get you a much higher value for your hard earned points.

4. Look for Award Flights on Partner Airlines

If you're searching for award seats on a particular airline, look up the partners that also accept that airline's miles, and search for flights through them. Sometimes award seats show up on a partner site search rather than the specific airline site you're looking to fly on. Sometimes fees are much lower for the same flight through a partner airline. (See also: The Secret to Getting the Cheapest Award Flights)

5. Look for Business and First Class International Flights

You might think that business or first class seats are out of your reach, but when it comes to miles, a seat in business class on an international flight that would normally cost two to three times the cost of a coach seat, might only be 50% more miles. Instead of using your miles for a few domestic flights, saving them for upgraded seats on an international flight would give you much more value for your points.

Do you play the airline miles game? How do you wring out the most value?

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This article is from Jason Steele of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

flights

The 8 Most Eye-Opening Money Attractions in the U.S.

1. U.S. Mint

2. Binion's Gambling Hall and Hotel

3. U.S. Treasury

4. Wall Street

5. Chicago Board of Trade

6. Bureau of Engraving and Printing

7. New York Fed Gold Vault

8. Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

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How to Take a Cheap Spring Break Trip

Lodging

Hotel hopping

Hotel loyalty programs

Check-in discounts

Vacation rentals

Transportation

Drive instead of fly

Minimize your travel distance

Gas discounts

Food

Bring provisions

Cook your own meals

Keep water handy

More ways to save

Avoid tourist traps

Pack for the weather

Find free Wi-Fi

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Best Money Tips: How to Score the Best Deals on Flights

Top 5 Articles

Other Essential Reading

Why Timing Is Everything When Saving Money on Travel

First of all, what is peak season?

Pros and cons of offseason travel

How to save on accommodations

How to save on flights

How to save on food

Offseason is a fine season for travel

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9 Ways to Avoid or Mitigate Flight Delays

1. Fly morning routes

2. Book nonstop flights whenever you can

3. Fly on off-peak days

4. Consider flying out of smaller airports

5. Avoid airports with a bad reputation for delays

6. Avoid holidays and other peak travel times

7. Have alternative flights picked out and ready

8. Check your credit card

9. Never check a bag

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What to Do If You Get Bumped From a Flight

1. Remember that airlines must seek volunteers first

2. Ask about compensation

3. Request a written copy of your rights

4. Seek a refund for any prepaid upgrades

5. You get to choose: free tickets, vouchers, or a check

6. If you aren't compensated fairly, you can pursue a complaint

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Beware These Sneaky Fees on Discount Airfare

Hidden fees on discount airlines

How to win the discount airline game

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Fly Out of These Airports and Save Big on Airfare

The Caribbean via Florida

Australia via Singapore

Hawaii via California

Bangkok as a gateway to Southeast Asia

Iceland as a gateway to Europe

General international booking tips

Justifying the inconvenience

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6 Ultimate Money-Saving Tips for Travelers

1. Sign up for a travel rewards credit card

2. Own a business? Get a business credit card that will reward you with travel

3. Never pay an overpriced ATM fee again

4. Sign up for flight deal alerts

5. Buy your domestic ticket two months before your trip

6. Book accommodations with a vacation rental site