You're meal planning for your road trip and discovering how difficult it can be to stay frugal while on the road. Eating out during your trip is an easy way to watch your travel budget disappear. Even fast-food meals can add up. However, setting aside some time to prepare make-ahead road trip … [Read more...] about 10 make-ahead road trip meals to save money
Travel
9 ways to take a bite out of road trip food costs
You’ve planned your road trip, mapping out a route, identifying campgrounds or affordable lodging and picking key attractions to visit. What will happen as soon as you pile into the car? Tummies will start rumbling, kids will beg for food and bathroom breaks will lead to the buying of snacks, lunch … [Read more...] about 9 ways to take a bite out of road trip food costs
7 sneaky travel charges to avoid
We are about to enter what is traditionally one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. If you plan to travel this season and you’re a Living on the Cheap reader, chances are you’ve done your homework and researched the best travel deals for hotels, attractions and packages on our site. But … [Read more...] about 7 sneaky travel charges to avoid
How to pick the best roadside assistance program
You can never predict whether you’re going to need roadside assistance for a flat tire, dead battery or other vehicle issue, but if you’re a member of a roadside assistance program, you’ll be covered when it happens. The difficult part is deciding which program best fits your family's needs. … [Read more...] about How to pick the best roadside assistance program
Tips for traveling with family and friends on a budget
Traveling with a family can be expensive, but the memories are priceless. Whether you are envisioning a relaxing trip to the beach, a thrilling amusement park visit, or exploring one of our great national parks, there are ways to make a vacation fit your budget. With careful planning and great … [Read more...] about Tips for traveling with family and friends on a budget
Save money on gas with hypermiling techniques
Experienced drivers have all kinds of tricks for saving gas while they drive, so they can save money by not refueling as often. These run the gamut from keeping the trunk empty to turning off the engine instead of idling. If you have mastered those and want to try something more extreme to keep you … [Read more...] about Save money on gas with hypermiling techniques
Travel discounts for seniors
Whether you plan to visit grandchildren who live out-of-state, or you’re hoping to travel abroad, take advantage of the deals available on transportation, lodging and even sightseeing. The more you save on each trip, the more trips you can afford to take. Here are some ways to save money on travel … [Read more...] about Travel discounts for seniors
How to get a vacation do-over
Lisamarie Monaco was staying at a resort hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and things were not going as planned. That's putting it politely. Her room had no working power outlets, so she couldn't recharge her phone or use her hair dryer. Enormous palmetto bugs lived under her bed, scurrying … [Read more...] about How to get a vacation do-over
Warning: More airline fees on the way in 2023
Airlines are busy thinking about how to earn more profit in 2023, and from the looks of it, they plan to do it the old-fashioned way: by charging fees. The extras range from luggage surcharges to creative change fees. The average airline fees rose to an all-time high of $128 per ticket … [Read more...] about Warning: More airline fees on the way in 2023
Target offers free one-year membership to Tripadvisor Plus — $99 value
Before you takeoff on your next vacation or weekend getaway, you can pack lots of savings on your hotel stay and more. Tripadvisor Plus is a travel membership with endless savings on more than 100,000 hotels, experiences and rental cars. In addition, member enjoy access to exclusive perks and … [Read more...] about Target offers free one-year membership to Tripadvisor Plus — $99 value
Frontier Airlines offers unlimited travel at discounted price
Start making your dream travel plans now! Traveling is expensive for so many reasons. And the cost of the airline ticket is near the top of the list. That's why, if you love to travel, Frontier Airlines has the ticket for you and your budget — whether you have summer travel plans or love taking … [Read more...] about Frontier Airlines offers unlimited travel at discounted price
What to do when your voucher doesn’t cover the cost of a new cruise
A week before Carolynne James's Rhine river cruise last spring, she got some bad news: Uniworld had canceled her sailing and issued a future cruise credit. But James, a retired office administrator from Columbia, Mo., didn't want the cruise line's voucher. Prices for the same cruise the following … [Read more...] about What to do when your voucher doesn’t cover the cost of a new cruise
Where older kids ski free
Most ski areas offer free or greatly reduced skiing for youngsters up to age 5 or 6, but only a handful extend free skiing to older offspring. That can make taking your school age kids skiing an expensive endeavor. But worry not, plenty of ski resorts around the country have started offering free or … [Read more...] about Where older kids ski free
11 ways to get free or cheap ski lift tickets
Skiing and snowboarding may not be cheap hobbies to pick up, but despite the cost of equipment and full-day lift tickets, there are plenty of ways to save money. After all, who wants to pay $200-plus to hit the slopes when they can have the adventure for much less? Follow these tips on getting … [Read more...] about 11 ways to get free or cheap ski lift tickets
Avoid high toll charges when driving a rental car
Can a retired construction worker visiting his daughter in New York City run up a $912 bill for car rental tolls in a week? Hertz says yes. Robert Watson, the traveler with the tab, says no way. Tolls are on the rise for rental car customers. And while Watson’s may be an extreme example that … [Read more...] about Avoid high toll charges when driving a rental car