Traveling long distances is never fun and rarely inexpensive. It used to be there was too little information for the common man to get a good deal, so he would employ the help of a travel agent. Now, with the internet, there is so much info weeding through it all is hard to comprehend. Which site do I use? What info sites can I trust? Why do these guys have all the access to information and not me? The reality is the info is available for us all we just have to know where to get it and how to use it. I originally planned to have two posts on travel, but after reviewing the information I want to share with you it is going to take three. Today we are going to look at the list I look at every time I need to travel. It reminds me how things need to be done if I can help it.

* Is your passport up to date? If not get a new one NOW!!
* Airlines will give you last minute deals so If you cannot get a deal ahead of time be patient
* Hotels hate last minute deals so make sure you get your hotel booked early afor a lower price.
* Rental car places run their deals at random times. Just keep trying and you will find one.
* NEVER NEVER NEVER ACCEPT A 2 STAR HOTEL!
* Get your hotel near the airport on the weekend and away from it during the week. The business travelers always stay near the airport so they are almost empty on weekends
* If you can get a discount airline for the same price take it. They are better at taking care of their customers. That is why they are taking over the market.
* Be prepared to pay 20% more than whatever price you get online. Local governments have figured out that taxation without representation works in the favor of those who govern.
* NEVER NEVER NEVER ACCEPT A 2 STAR HOTEL!!!
* Do you know someone near the are you are traveling to? See if they can get you a deal
* Always think off season for travel. Beach when it is colder, mountains when it is warmer, and anywhere you want in the first two weeks of December.
* Never buy a timeshare from a timeshare company (repeat in head three times).
* NEVER NEVER NEVER ACCEPT A 2 STAR HOTEL!!!!!!
* Traveling is expensive but it is one of the reasons we put forth so much effort to save money every day.

Check Out my other two posts on travel: