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Posts Tagged ‘travel savings’

If you stay at any of the major hotel chains, such as Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt properties, on a frequent basis, you may have been offered a hotel savings card to save money on future stays.

Collecting hotel rewards points is similar to collecting frequent flier miles and may help to offset the costs of future hotel stays or vacations.

In some cases, the rewards program is linked to a credit card rewards program – either the hotel’s reward card or another card – where you can earn bonus points for other discounts and special offers.

But are hotel savings card programs alone really a good deal?

Not all savings card programs may pay off in the long run and in many cases, you need to collect many thousands of points before you can even earn a free night’s stay.

Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of hotel savings card programs:

Benefits of Hotel Savings Card Programs

1. Partnerships with other brands. Some hotel savings card programs, like the Hilton HHonors rewards program, allow you to earn points for both your hotel and towards airline travel with participating airlines. For instance, you can rack up points for future Hilton stays at no cost, as well as airline miles on carriers such as United, U.S. Airways, Continental and more. This “double-dipping” perk is an attractive benefit, so if you’re considering a hotel savings card program, look for one that offer extended benefits on the other travel expenses you typically incur.

2. Reduced rates on weekend stays. Weekend rates at your hotel of choice are typically higher than weekday rates, so you can use earned points in a hotel savings card program toward the cost of a weekend getaway — even during peak season. This can end up saving you a significant of money when you want to take that last-minute weekend trip.

3. Traveler support services. Some of the premium hotel savings card programs and credit cards that offer hotel rewards offer concierge-type services for members and can help you find some great deals on local attractions and events. In some cases, these representatives are available 24/7, so travel-planning or on-the-road assistance is easier and more convenient when if and when you need it.

Drawbacks of Hotel Savings Card Programs

1. Annual fees or redemption fees. Some rewards you want to tap do require that you fork over cash, along with points, in order to get a free or reduced cost stay. Other hotel savings programs are accessed via credit card reward programs that have annual fees attached to the card. Unless you’re a frequent traveler, the amount of points you end up collecting won’t offset any costs involved with having the card or being a member of a certain rewards program. Consider how many hotel stays you’re planning at a particular chain or resort before you enroll.

2. High point threshold for free stays. Make sure you’re aware of how many points you need to collect (25,000 points isn’t uncommon) before you can redeem them for a free night’s stay or reduced rate on your vacation package. Points requirements vary by hotel chain, but some may offer “bonus points” for booking a stay during a certain season or extra points when you book several months in advance. Read the terms thoroughly, and always inquire about any special points offers that are currently underway.

3. Limitations on redemption. Some hotel rewards programs only allow you to redeem free nights during a certain season, which means you may have a very limited booking window. In some cases, you’ll only be able to book a standard room and won’t be eligible for a suite upgrade – unless you pay extra.

Overall, hotel savings card programs can offer a number of benefits for frequent travelers, and they’re best suited for those who tend to stay at the same hotel chain or property when they travel.

If you do decide to enroll in one of these programs, make sure you review the terms, limitations and conditions of the hotels savings card program thoroughly so that you really are collecting points for something you want, need and can readily use.
Lynnette’s article originally appeared on WalletPop

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In my book, Zero Debt, I explain how I got into debt (mainly via overspending), and also what it took to get me out of debt. To pay off my credit card bills, I used the exact same strategies I outlined in my book – getting a budget together, cutting back on frivolous spending (like vacations & dinners out), refinancing my auto loan, negotiating with my creditors for lower interest rates, doubling and tripling up on the minimum payments I was making, and using “windfalls” or “extra” money, like income tax checks and year-end bonuses from my job to pay off debt, etc.

Making Tough Choices

I also made some tough choices, like taking my two older kids out of private school and putting them in a less expensive private school. (They’re actually now in public school, and doing just great). After nearly 3 years of all this, I’d paid off $70,000 in credit card debt. Then in early 2004, my ex-husband and I sold some land we owned and used $30,000 to pay off the last $30,000 of credit card debt we owed.

In your question, you mentioned joining a debt management plan and taking on a second job. I know those were tough steps for you to take. But congratulations for doing so, because they will definitely help you become debt free faster. Lastly, I don’t know if you have a copy of Zero Debt. (The original version came out in late 2004; the updated, second edition of the book came out in 2009). In any event, in Day 25/Chapter 25 of Zero Debt, I also explained three different debt pay-off strategies that you can use to knock out credit card debt. (In my case, I used Strategy #2). Good luck in eliminating those credit card bills!

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Airlines seem to be going ala carte. They are charging passengers for every bag they check, if they exceed the 40 lb or 50 lb weight limit, or bulge beyond the 40 linear inches allowed. Some are even charging extra if you check a bag at the gate.

If you learn to pack lighter when you fly, you’ll be able to save money in more ways than one. For example, if you travel with just one carry-on, you will not have to worry about tipping a bell hop for carrying your bags or holding them in storage after you check out. You will be more free to take a bus or train to and from the airport rather than the more expensive taxi or shuttle service.

Here are 4 tips on how to avoid airline baggage fees:

1. Use small, light luggage. Pack everything in one bag that is at or less than 40 linear feet (width + height + length). Most airlines limit carry-on sizes to 40 linear feet. If you choose a bag at this size be aware, however, that if you over stuff the external pockets by even an inch, your bag can be sent to the belly of the plane, with a charge to you.
2. Weigh your bags. Airlines will also charge you extra if your bag is too heavy. Check on the weight limits for your airline and before you head to the airport make sure you stay within the guidelines, which is typically a 40- or 50-pound limit for most airlines.You can try setting a bag on a bathroom scale, or hold it in your arms while you step on, and then weigh yourself again without the bag. The difference is numbers is the weight of the bag. If you don’t trust your bathroom scale, there are portable scales available just for this purpose. You can find such scales at travelonbags.com, magellans.com).
3. Board early. It is quite frustrating to have all of your belongings squeezed into the possible smallest bag so that you can avoid chcking luggage, only to board the plane and learn that the groups that boarded ahead of you used up all of the available overhead compartments and there is no space there for your bag. You then turn to slide the bag under the seat at your feet, but it just won’t fit. Feel the panic as the airline attendant approaches you and says, “Sorry, it seems we’re going to have to check your bag because there just isn’t any more room.”
   The easiest way to avoid the “cabin’s too full” issue, is to be among the first to board. Some airlines determine your boarding order by how early you confirm your flight. If you confirm your flight online within seconds of the time the airline says you may do so online, you’re apt to be one of the first for your boarding section. So, often the key to getting on board early is to reserve your seat online, and confirm your seat online as early as you can, and then arrive to the gate early enough so that you’re able to be first in line for your section.
4. Choose the dreaded middle seat. Most people prefer window or aisle, but when it comes to assuring you make it on with your luggage in hand, choose the middle. Middle seats have more under-the-seat storage. Window seat under-seat floor space is smaller because the sides of the planes are curved, and the aisle seats are smaller because over the years aisles have been made larger. So just in case all the overhead bins are taken by time you board, you’ll be assured enough space under the seat for a medium bag if you seat in the middle.

Couch Crasher: Getting accommodations on someone's couch is a very low-cost alternative to a hotel stay.

Hotel costs can be the biggest expense of any trip, even trumping airfare based on the length of your trip.  One way to eliminate the hotel is to sleep on the couch of a friend or even distant relative.  But what if you don’t have a couch connection in the town on your vacation list?  Make one.

Sites such as couchsurfing.com are connecting hosts with travelers for a cheap to no-cost alternative to hotels. You simply sleep on the couch of willing hosts, for free. All most hosts expect in return is a gift from your home town or a treat to dinner, and of course respect for their home (i.e. cleanup after yourself).

Couchsurfing.com verifies its members and home addresses through credit card verification and members rate each other and vouch for their credibility. If someone had a bad experience with a host or visitor, you’ll see it posted online, which takes some of the worry out of what type of host you’re getting. Simply opt for those with positive comments and high ratings.

Here are a few sites to consider when you’re looking for a host for international travel, or even within the U.S.:

• couchsurfing.com A popular site that aims to “create deep and meaningful connections that cross oceans, continents and cultures.” Members post their photos and a little something about themselves and their home or travels. You can browse member entries without becoming a member.
• www.globalfreeloaders.com Is an Australian-based hospitality network connecting people worldwide.  You have to become a member before you can the details on hosts. Free membership is renewable in 12-month blocks.
• hospitalityclub.org Is one of the first to offer this service on the Web.  Each member fills out details on a web form that other members may view. Sample pages are available for viewing before you join. Duration of stay and specifics (such as how food will be shared or not) are set out before your arrival.
• stay4free.com A global “free accommodation network” based in Holland allows options that lets members swap their entire home with someone else in another location, or you can opt to just be a guest or just be a host.

Disclaimer: I cannot vouch for the members on any of these sites. For the adventurous who would like a real-town experience versus just a tourist view, I think it’s a great alternative to a hotel stay. However, I still urge you to use your own best judgment before accepting accommodations from someone you don’t know.

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