FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Trip Planning

  • Tips for Taking Road Trips Across the U.S.

    Road trips are a fun and economical way to discover the U.S. However, up until about 5 years ago, I’d always dismissed them in favor of cheaper travel in other countries.

    It wasn't until a French friend shared his dream of one day driving from New York to Los Angeles that I thought: “Hey, I want to do that, too!” I discovered that there are many things I don’t about the U.S. and many places I’d like to visit. So, now I set out on at least one road trip per year to learn more about the diverse country in which I live. What I’ve found during my multiple cross-country road trips is: (1) They are always more fun than I anticipated they’d be; (2) It’s easy to be frugal if you stick to a budget; (3) The trips rarely go as planned. Spring is almost here, so now is the time to start planning your late spring/summer adventures. Here are some tips for making the most out of your road trip:
    • Have a general idea of your itinerary before setting out on your journey. When planning your itinerary, be realistic in terms of time. If you only have 1 week of vacation time, perhaps you just want to explore a small part of the U.S. (after all, you have the rest of your life to make it to the other states!).
    • Always budget more time than you think you’ll need. When I go on a road trip, I typically alternate long driving days with sightseeing days. It’s important to remember that your driving days may take longer than you think due to unforeseen circumstances.
    • Take along a GPS or maps. It’s important to have access to maps for every region you’ll be traveling to. Even if you MapQuest it all before leaving, you may want to take a detour, etc. that will require knowledge of an alternate route. Stopping to ask for directions takes time, so it’s best to be self-sufficient in this regard.
    • Check the weather often while on the road. I once spent several days dodging tornados in the region where I was traveling. In order to stay safe, I checked the weather multiple times per day.
    • If possible, bring your own source of Internet access. Smart phones and tablets now make it easier than ever to stay connected without lugging around a computer. Having Internet access is important for checking weather, finding information about various locations (tourist information, lodging, etc.), and staying in touch with those back home.
    • Have a general plan for lodging. Camping is the most frugal option, but there are plenty of cheap motels throughout the U.S., too. I always try to spend at least one night with a friend while I’m on the road. Keep in mind that, due to unforeseen circumstances, your accommodation plans could change.
    • Set a trip budget. Before you leave, it’s important to have an idea of about how much you’ll be spending. AAA offers some good discounts, so if you are a member be sure to take advantage of them. If you don’t have a plan for roadside assistance, be sure to budget in an extra cushion for flat tires and whatnot. Save money on food by bringing a cooler and making sandwiches for lunch instead of shelling out for fast food.
    • Pack an emergency kit. Be on the safe side an pack an emergency kit with first aid supplies, blankets, extra water and dry food, a flashlight, etc. It’s best to be prepared because you never know what can happen on the road.
    • Traveling with kids? Stay flexible. If you’re going on a road trip with kids, there are a variety of things to consider. Remember that, depending on the ages and personalities of your kids, you may not be able to get quite as far as you had planned each day. The important thing is that everyone stays safe and happy - you want your kids to remember this as a good experience, right?
    • Enjoy the unexpected. One of the best things about road trips are the pleasant unexpected opportunities/events that arise. Relish in an impromptu hike, stop for a live rodeo you hadn’t planned on attending, enjoy a relaxing picnic with your travel partners. It’s all part of the experience.

  • Paris’ Less Expensive Arrondissements (Neighborhoods)

    Have Paris’ notoriously high lodging and food costs prevented you from planning a trip to the City of Lights? There are plenty of ways to plan a cost-effective trip to Paris.

    Since Lodging can be one of the major components of one’s budget, the key to planning a reasonably priced trip to Paris is avoiding the well-known or touristy areas. The city of Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (administrative districts that each have their own unique character). As a general rule, arrondissements that are near the Seine (the river that divides Paris into two sections – the Right Bank and the Left Bank) are pricey in terms of lodging, shopping and food. However, as you move further out from the river, lodging becomes much more affordable. Here are suggestions for four arrondissements that offer great prices on lodging, food and shopping and provide visitors with a more “authentically Parisian” experience than some of the more touristy areas. Remember: Paris’ public transportation, including its famous metro, is excellent. Just because you stay in an area doesn’t mean you have to spend all of your time there. However, I’ve had some of my best Parisian experiences in these charming residential areas, away from the frenetic touristy energy that exists as you move closer to the Seine. [caption id="attachment_5250" align="alignright" width="300" caption="The city of Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (administrative districts) that spiral like a snail shell around the Seine River."]Paris arrondissements photo[/caption] The 12th Arrondissement The 12th arrondissement is located on the Right Bank and is one of the largest arrondissements in Paris. It is famous for the expansive Bois de Vincennes, an urban green space, Place de la Bastille, a square commemorating the Storming of the Bastille and the French Revolution and the Opera de la Bastille, the second largest opera house in Paris. It is also home to Gare de Lyon train station. It is home to mostly young professionals. Metro stops: Picpus, Reuilly-Diderot,  Porte Dorée, Bercy and Bastille are the most commonly used metro stops in the 12th arrondissement. The 11th Arrondissement Located on the Right Bank, Paris’ well-populated 11th arrondissement is home to a wide array of Parisians. The area is best known for the fashionable Faubourg Saint-Antoine, an area characterized by cafés, restaurants, and nightlife, boutiques and galleries. Rue Oberkampf is characterized by its gritty Parisian charm. This is the place to go to bump elbows with locals in funky, casual eating and drinking establishments. Metro stops: Ledru-Rollin, Bastille, Belleville and Oberkampf are some of the largest and mostly commonly used metro stops in the 11th arrondissement. The 10th Arrondissement Located on the Right Bank, the working class 10th arrondissement is best known for the Canal St. Martin and the vibrant restaurants and cafés that line this narrow waterway. In recent years, the 10th has recently welcomed an array of  bars and nightclubs that made the area an “off the beaten path” hotspot. The 10th is also home to two of Paris’ major train stations, Gare de l’est and Gare du Nord. Spending time in this multicultural neighborhood will definitely make you feel like you’re in the “real” Paris. Metro stops: Gare du Nord, Gare de l’est, Barbes- Rochechouart, Belleville, Bonne Nouvelle, Republique and Stalingrad are some of the largest and mostly commonly used metro stops in the 10th arrondissement. The 13th Arrondissement Located on the Left Bank, the 13th arrondissement is still experiencing growth in it’s population, which is largely comprised of Asian immigrants. This is the place to go to find fresh, inexpensive Asian cuisine and a variety of unique souvenirs. Popular with students, the 13ieme is known for its relaxed vibe, numerous public parks, and wide array of eateries. Metro stops: Gobelins, Place d'Italie, Nationale, Tolbiac, Olympiades and Porte de Choisy are the most commonly used metro stops in the 13th arrondissement.

  • Get Around on the Cheap: Ten Best U.S. Cities for Public Transportation

    Whether we’re talking about airfare or cab fare, transportation costs can eat up a large part of one’s travel budget.

    Of course, western Europe is known for its highly accessible and inexpensive public transportation systems. But we’ve got plenty of bragging rights in the U.S., too. If you’re looking to cut down on transportation costs once you reach your destination, check out these ten best U.S. cities for public transportation. You may be surprised by some of them! Phoenix, Arizona Phoenix is now home to a state-of-the-art light-rail line that opened in January 2009. It started with a 20-mile line and has consistently grown since then. The definition of clean, modern, hassle-free transportation within an area that can only be described as urban sprawl. Denver, Colorado Another sprawling area, Denver boasts one of the leading transit systems in the West. An intricate network of light rail and buses connects the city, with the downtown Union Station as the hub. Over the past two years, rail and bus lines have been spread out into the suburbs. Los Angeles, California Over the past two decades, Los Angeles has spent well over 11 billion dollars to improve the city’s public transportation, including the streamlined Metro Rapid bus line and an expansive rail system that radiates out from the train station downtown. And car-loving Angelinos seem to be taking to the relatively new options for public transportation; the city’s ridership ranks among the top in the country. San Francisco, California San Francisco is home to a variety of public transportation options including a light rail and the city’s quintessential cable cars. The extended metropolitan area of San Francisco, Oakland and Berkeley is served by Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) subway system. [caption id="attachment_5229" align="alignright" width="300" caption="San Francisco's BART is one of the most expansive and efficient public transportation systems in the U.S."][/caption] Salt Lake City, Utah Salt Lake City has poured a large amount of its financial resources into improving and expanding the Utah Transit Authority’s light rail system (TRAX). TRAX connects downtown to the surrounding suburbs, serving  over 1.7 million people. New York, New York This one’s a no-brainer. The Big Apple has one of the most efficient public transportation systems in the country (the subway as well as a bus system). The city’s average weekday ridership of public transportation is over 8.4 million. St. Louis, Missouri St. Louis’ MetroLink light-rail system has changed the face of public transportation in the city. Small business in both the Missouri and Illinois parts of the greater metro area have thrived thanks to this efficient transportation system. Grand Rapids, Michigan Talk about eco-friendly, the transit system in Grand Rapids (The Rapid) has a LEED-Certified central terminal. The creation of this efficient system has also helped the local economy. The Rapid doesn’t yet extend out into the suburbs, so for the time being there is a shuttle that transports riders to and from the nearest stop. Minneapolis, Minnesota Historically, the Twin Cities have not been known for their public transportation options. However, that reputation has shifted over the past few years. The city’s new light rail system already connects part of Minneapolis to the airport and Mall of America, and  a new light rail line connecting Minneapolis and St. Paul’s downtown areas is under construction and is expected to be completed by 2014. Honolulu, Hawaii Honolulu does not have an urban rail system, but it makes up for it with TheBus system, Oahu’s primary mode of public transit. Honolulu is currently making plans  to expand its transit options with an elevated rail system connecting the city to western Oahu.

  • Volunteer Tourism: Doing Good While Traveling on the Cheap

    Why do you travel? It’s an interesting question that I ponder from time to time. Is it the thrill of the unknown? Is it the “escape” from my daily life that I find so appealing?

    Perhaps it’s the opportunity to try new cuisines? Whenever I ask myself these questions, I always come back to a strong, resounding reason: I travel to meaningfully connect to a place, a culture, or specific people. I know that I am not alone in this. There are many alternative travel philosophies that embrace this concept, one of which is volunteer tourism. Volunteer tourism consists of spending part or all of one’s travel time engaging in some sort of volunteer work. I know people who go on volunteer trips themselves (without the support of an organization), but most volunteer tourism is done through specific organizations or companies that have the contacts and resources to accomplish what needs to be accomplished. If volunteer tourism appeals to you, there are some important things to consider before embarking on your volunteer trip. 1. Ask yourself what issues you care about (water safety, HIV prevention, child safety, women’s health, ecological issues, etc.). It’s good to have several interests, this way it will be easier for you to find an organization that shares your goals and values (see step 3). [caption id="attachment_5206" align="alignright" width="210" caption="A volunteer run food and health center in Niger. Engaging in volunteer tourism is a great way to meaningfully connect to people, places and cultures. "][/caption] 2. Decide approximately how much of your vacation you want to dedicate to volunteerism (there are many ways to combine volunteer travel with more traditional vacation scenarios). 3. Decide approximately how much you can spend on your volunteer trip. Prices for volunteer trips range from free (if the entire project is subsidized by a supporting organization) to expensive (certain trips require you not only to cover your airfare and lodging, but also kick in extra funds for resources for the people/community you’ll be helping). Because of this wide range, it’s important to have a budget in mind before researching various trips. 4. If you don’t want to travel alone, identify other people who might be interested in embarking on this adventure with you. It’s fun to engage in volunteer travel with like-minded individuals. If none of your friends feel like going with you, don’t worry. You’ll meet plenty of wonderful people along the way. 5. Research various organizations that share your goals and values. It is important to do more than just a web search; actually speaking with people who have traveled with this organization will give you a better idea of the reality of the work they do. It is also important to remain aware of the fact that there are a lot of volunteer travel organizations that are 1) flat out scams or 2) do not respect local cultures and customs and therefore do more harm than good. This is why it is crucial to do plenty of research before committing to a certain organization’s trip. 6. Prepare for your life to be forever changed by the things you see, do and feel during your volunteer tourism experience. Open yourself to new opportunities and the possibility to change others’ lives and experience change in your own life in the process. Here are some places to begin researching your volunteer travel experience: Rotary International- http://www.rotary.org VolunTourism International- http://www.voluntourism.org/ Off the Radar- http://www.travelofftheradar.com/ Transitions Abroad- http://www.transitionsabroad.com/ Idealist- http://www.idealist.org/ Volunteer: A Traveler’s Guide (Lonely Planet, 2010)

  • LivingSocial and Groupon Offer Great Travel Deals

    Searching for cheap travel deals can be daunting. Luckily, there are some great travel deal websites to help you out.

    Another option is to subscribe to a “deals” list like LivingSocial or Groupon. Both of these sites offer city-specific discounts on various goods and services as well as travel opportunities at amazingly reduced prices. For example, when I opened my email inbox yesterday, I found a travel deal notification from LivingSocial for 6 days, 5 nights at an all-inclusive resort on Grand Cayman for $550. Sound too good to be true? You’ll just have to sign up at one or both of these sites and find out for yourself. As I mentioned above, both Groupon and LivingSocial are city-specific, meaning you’ll only receive deals in the cities you sign up for (except for travel packages, they are offered to everyone). If I’ve already booked a flight somewhere, I always sign up for the Groupon or LivingSocial list in that city. For example, when I visited L.A. last fall, I signed up for the Los Angeles Groupon before I left and was able to score several half-priced meals and 75% off massages for both my travel companion and myself. [caption id="attachment_5202" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Check out Groupon and LivingSocial for great deals on destinations like Grand Cayman."]grand cayman waterfront photo[/caption] How each site works: Groupon With over 35 million users, Groupon serves more than 150 cities in North America and 100 cities in Europe, Asia and South America. The site launched in 2008. Recently, they have begun offering travel packages as a part of their daily deals program. Most travel packages are advertised for a week at a time (as opposed to the daily deals that must be committed to within 24-hours). 1.     Go to www.groupon.com and register for as many cities as you would like. 2.     When you see a deal that you’re interested in, commit to buying it. If enough customers commit to buying the same deal, it’s a go. 3.     Watch for an email from Groupon with your coupon/deal information. 4.     Redeem your deal and enjoy! LivingSocial Similar to Groupon, LivingSocial offers daily, city-specific deals and is an international social buying company. As of September 22, 2010, LivingSocial was serving 89 cities around the world. Lately, they have begun offering travel packages as a part of their daily deals program. Although daily deals are usually only available for 24-hours, the travel “escapes” (as LivingSocial calls them) are available for a week at a time, giving you ample opportunity to discuss with your travel partners. 1. Go to www.livingsocial.com and register for as many cities as you would like. 2. When you see a deal you’re interested in, commit to buying it. As mentioned above you have a bit more time with the travel deals, so find a few people to do it with you. A perk that’s specific to LivingSocial is that if three people book the same deal (this applies to both daily deals and travel), your deal is free. 3. After you purchase your deal, you will be given a link that you can share on Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media site you use. If three people purchase the same deal (no matter what the price) through your link, your deal is free. That could mean a free vacation! 4. Watch for an email from LivingSocial for information about your deal. 5. Redeem your deal and enjoy!

    1. Five Affordable Spring Break Destinations

      We’re already well into February already and those of us who live in chilly winter climates (or even those who don’t) are craving a spring break getaway.

      However, many spring break trips quickly add up, leaving our savings accounts depleted (or our credit card balances unreasonably high) for the rest of the spring and summer. But that doesn’t mean you should abstain from your well-deserved escape, it just means you need to think creatively (and frugally). To get you started, here are some ideas for spring break trips that won’t break the bank. South Padre Island, Texas No passports required! This long, skinny island is located just five miles (by water) from Mexico. There are a variety of water-related activities (surfing, jet-skiing, etc.) for the sports-minded. For those who prefer to relax on a beach, South Padre has many to choose from. The island is very tourist-oriented, so there are several affordable, large all-inclusive resorts. However, to make your stay even more affordable, check out some cheap condo rentals and other affordable housing options on the island. Panama City, Florida Even more proof that you don’t need to leave the U.s. to have a great time over spring break is Panama City Beach (Florida), a 27-mile strip along the Gulf of Mexico. If you book a trip here, you’d better be ready to party. Think beach parties with thousands of people, large fruity cocktails and thumping music. During the day, you can lounge on the beach, swim with the dolphins at Gulf World Marine Park, do a little deep-sea fishing, or kayak on Shell Island (a beautiful state-run nature preserve). Panama City’s restaurants feature some of the freshest seafood you can get anywhere (as well as plenty of strong cocktails to was it down with. Puerto Rico [caption id="attachment_4372" align="alignright" width="300" caption="View from a Vacation Rental in San Juan, Puerto Rico."][/caption] A fast 3-hour flight from Miami, Puerto Rico is an affordable and easy spring break destination. Since it’s part of the U.S., you won’t need a passport to enter. San Juan doesn’t have the same “party ‘til you pass out” spring break reputation that many sunny spots do, which is why I prefer it. There’s no shortage of history and culture, and loads of public beaches (even those associated with the hotels along the waterfront are relatively “public”). There are also plenty of excellent restaurants in which to feast on traditional Puerto Rican cuisine or cutting edge culinary creations.  The nightlife scene, especially in the Condado and Old San Juan, is incredibly lively, and there are a variety of bars/nightclubs to choose from. Puerto Rico offers a variety of lodging options in various price points, from 4-star casino hotels to 1-star hostels. Plus, flights (especially for those living on the East Coast) are incredibly affordable. Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic For some reason, the Dominican Republic is often over-looked in favor of more “traditional” spring break destinations like Cabo, Cancun or Jamaica. Lucky for you, this means that the DR is still relatively cheap. Puerto Plata in particular has only recently become more tourist-oriented.  This history-packed city is now home to a variety of cutting-edge bars, clubs and restaurants just waiting to be filled with spring break revelers. There are also many types of accommodations, including lots of affordable all-inclusive options. You will need to bring your passport on this trip. Ocean City, Maryland Another no passports required option! Though at first blush it may not sound as appealing as an island destination, there are plenty of reasons to consider Maryland’s coastal Ocean City: miles of shoreline, plenty of opportunities for water sports, some of the best seafood in world and inexpensive accommodations, to name a few. An especially frugal option, especially if you live in the East Coast.

    2. Books and Magazines for Frugal Travelers

      Let’s face it. Frugal traveling takes work. You need to research the best options so that you can get the most bang for your buck.

      Luckily, there are many good references out there to help with this process. Here are some suggestions of books and magazines that will guide you along your journey as a frugal traveler. All of these titles are available on Amazon or many of your other favorite online bookstores. Books Travel Happy, Budget Low Susanna Zaraysky (2009) With over 160 websites and 200 trips, Travel Happy, Budget Low helps international travelers discover how to travel on the cheap in planes, trains, and buses, how to find inexpensive meals, and how to book inexpensive hotel rooms or stay for free with locals. How to Travel Practically Anywhere Susan Stellin (2007) New York Times contributor Susan Stellin provides readers with timesaving tips to navigate their travel planning, including how to negotiate fare prices or how to resolve issues when you are unhappy with your accommodations. A must read for 'cheap' travelers looking to get the most out of their travel experiences. The Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget Rough Guides Series (2010) This multi-contributor volume contains tips for finding the best deals while traveling through Europe, including transportation( by InterRail, Eurail or bus) tips, ideas for what to see and do in each country, current descriptions of the best hostels and budget hotels in Europe, bars in Europe, cafes, cheap restaurants, and European shopping and festivals. This guide is a must read for frugal travelers planning a European vacation. In general, the Rough Guide books tend to be full of great ideas for travelers on a budget. The Little Budget Travel Book David Ning (2009) [caption id="attachment_5136" align="alignright" width="199" caption="These books and magazines will give you plenty of tips on how to make the most of your time and money while traveling."][/caption] A concise guide, jam-packed with general tips for stretching your dollar while traveling. Even if you’ve been traveling frugally for a while, this is worth a read. Live Your Road Trip Dream: Travel for a Year at the Cost of Staying Home Phil White (2008) Phil White gives readers helpful tips for planning the trip of a lifetime on a shoestring budget. A must read for frugal travelers looking to embark on an epic voyage. Secret Hotels: Extraordinary Values in the World’s Most Stunning Destinations Erik Torkells and the Editors of Budget Travel (2007) From the editors of the magazine Budget Travel comes an array of breathtaking lodging options at reasonable prices (most listings are under $200 per night). In general, the Let’s Go series also offers great advice for travelers on a budget. For more information, visit the company’s website at http://www.letsgo.com/. Based in the UK, the graphically appealing Vice Travel Guides offer advice on off-the-beaten path travel destinations. For more information, see http://www.viceland.com/guidetotravel/. Magazines Budget Travel One of the best-known budget travel magazines on the market, Budget Travel provides readers with up-to-date tips on budget transportation, hotels, restaurants and activities in a variety of international locations. For more information, visit the magazine’s website at http://www.budgettravel.com/. Afar Magazine Though not specifically about budget travel, Afar provides suggestions for alternative travel (humanitarian travel, volunteer travel, eco travel) and inspiring articles that will help to shape your travel philosophy. For more information, visit Afar’s online community at http://www.afar.com/.

    3. Three Philosophies for Budget Minded Travelers

      Many of the posts on this site focus on frugal travel tips or ways to save money at certain destinations.

      The aim of this post is a bit different: to help frugal travelers identify certain a philosophy/philosophies can guide their overall travel habits (including trip planning, trip enjoyment, and trip sharing). Many portions of these three philosophies also pertain to living a frugal life in general. Enjoy! Slow Travel The slow travel movement is in man ways similar to the slow food movement in that it focuses on environmental responsibility, sustainability, education, knowledge and enjoyment. Slow travel is about taking the opportunity (and the time) to connect to places, people and cultures.  One of the major elements of slow travel is the idea of embracing a “less is more” philosophy. Considering all of the incredible advances in transportation and technology over the past few decades, seeing and doing everything you want on a trip is now easier than ever. However, when you force yourself to stick to a tight schedule you miss the things that you never knew you wanted to experience until you’re in the middle of experiencing them. Moreover, it’s easy to opt for the “best” (translation: most expensive) tourist options out there. Slow travel is about recognizing the beauty in simple interactions and experiences. In addition, it’s about really connecting to the place you’re visiting while respecting local customs. Pay as You Go Travel [caption id="attachment_5117" align="alignright" width="224" caption="Low impact travel (also called sustainable travel or eco travel) is all about taking into consideration how your travel habits impact the environment, ecosystems or the cultures you come into contact with."]lost gardens of Heligan photo[/caption] Whereas slow travel shapes the way we see and experience things while on vacation, pay as you go travel deals with financing travel. When you adopt a pay as you go lifestyle, you make the commitment to stick to certain spending habits (both when you’re on vacation and when you’re not). The major principles of pay as you go travel include saving up enough cash to pay for your entire vacation without having to use a credit card, always paying with cash (or traveler’s checks), never carrying a credit card balance, and (my favorite) borrowing things. That’s right, instead of running out to buy a new travel backpack or suitcase, borrow one from friends or family. It’s amazing how much money the simple act of borrowing can save. Of course, be prepared to return the favor when your friends need to borrow something from you. Low Impact Travel Low impact travel (also called sustainable travel or eco travel) is all about taking into consideration how your travel habits impact the environment, ecosystems or the cultures you come into contact with. Here are some suggestions for reducing your negative impact on the places you travel to and saving money in the process. Limit air travel. Let’s face it… air travel is expensive. It’s also detrimental to the environment. Think creatively and choose vacations that don’t require air travel (instead, go by train, bus, or bike). If air travel is the only way to reach your destination, consider limiting your air travel to once every other year. Embrace public transportation. Instead of renting a car (also not the best option for the environment or your pocketbook), research what types of trains, metros or bus systems are available at your destination and plan to use those. Keep it local. So many of us are itching to jet off to exotic locals that we forget about the beauty of our own backyards. Think creatively about travel opportunities close to where you live. Go camping, rent a place or do a house swap with someone in a nearby city. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much money you save on transportation costs.

    4. Frugal Driving in France: Auto Europe’s Peugeot “Buy Back” Program

      Recently, a friend who spent a year WWOOFing through Europe told me about a unique transportation option he chose to use during his time in France, Peugeot’s “buy back” program.

      A decidedly frugal traveler, he had researched several rental options before determining that Auto Europe’s Peugeot “Buy Back” Program (i.e. literally buying a brand new Peugeot to use during his time in France) would suit his needs the best. Sound intriguing? Read on. Here’s the scoop: If you are a non- European Union citizen traveling to France for more than 17 days, you are eligible to purchase a brand new Peugeot, drive it during your budget vacation (like a rental car) and then sell the car back to the dealership at the end of 21 days (or longer). What’s in it for you? [caption id="attachment_5090" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Participating in Peugeot's Buy Back Program is a great way to save money on transportation costs while driving a brand new car!"]peugeot buy back photo[/caption] Price: In terms of cost, it is often less expensive to participate in a buy back program than it is to rent a car for a longer period of time. It is in the dealership’s best interest that the car is well taken care of while in the possession of its first owner (you), so they offer zero deductible insurance coverage and a 24-hour service hotline as part of the buy back package. Convenience: If you are arriving at Charles de Gaulle airport (as most international flights do), there is a Peugeot dealer located very close to CDG where you can buy your Peugeot as soon as you land. You can also request to be picked up at the airport/train station/hotel and taken to the nearest dealership to complete your paperwork. When you go to sell the car back, you can do this at any Peugeot dealership in France. What’s in it for the Peugeot dealership? Avoiding the VAT: All countries in the European Union have a Value Added Tax (VAT) (anywhere between 17-22% percent) that makes luxury purchases like new cars quite expensive for the buyer. If dealerships sell cars that are “slightly-used,” it saves the owner this tax (because the car is no longer new). Don’t worry; you won’t be hit with the VAT as the first-time buyer either. Non-European citizens of the European Union are not required to pay the VAT. So, the Peugeot dealer sells you (a non-European citizen) the car (without VAT) for at least 21 days (this is the shortest amount of time you can legally own a car), you sell it back, and then the dealership sells it to an E.U. citizen or to a rental company (with no VAT, of course, thanks to the fact that you owned it first). Pretty smart, no? Things to consider (both good and bad) if you’re considering participating in the Peugeot buy back program (vs. renting a car):
      • You get to drive a brand new Peugeot
      • The car is fully insured (zero deductible) and you have 24/7 breakdown coverage in case anything goes wrong
      • You need to keep the have the car for at least 21 days
      • You only have to be 18 to participate in the buy back program (most car rentals that require the primary driver to be at least 21)
      • You can pick up and drop off the car in different cities within France (convenient!)
      • You will be charged extra for pick-up or drop-off outside of France
      • You can return the car without filling up the gas tank (which is not the case with most rental cars)
      • The flip side of this is that the car will usually come to you with very little fuel in it, so it’s important to locate a gas station near the pick-up location before you go too far
      • This program has become very popular over the last couple of years. It’s a good idea to reserve a car as soon as possible. To do this, and for more specific information on the program, see: http://www.autoeurope.com/buyback-terms.cfm

    5. Tips for Financing Your Next Vacation

      Reading an article about American perspectives when it comes to saving (or not) and the use of credit cards got me thinking about the ways in which I’ve financed travel in the past.

      Here are some ideas for financing your next trip while remaining financially solvent. When and How to Use Credit Cards For convenience sake, most of my booking is always done with a credit card. In addition, I often use a credit card (rather than a debit card that takes money directly out of my checking account) when traveling because it’s easier for me to dispute fraudulent credit card purchases (if this ends up happening) than it is for me to recover lost funds from my bank account. However, allowing a trip to sit on your credit card balance for months can impact your overall financial health. Here are some things to consider when using a credit card to pay for your travel expenses. Selecting a credit card using credit cards on vacation photo To get the most bang for your travel buck, use a credit card that pays you back either with airline miles or a cashback option. You will still reap the rewards, even if you pay off your full balance each month. When researching credit cards, start with the one offered by the airline you fly most. Check out the percentage rate and perks (for example, Delta’s credit card rewards travelers in miles, discounts and free baggage checking).  Be sure to research several options before making your final choice. Establishing a Budget If you plan on paying for your entire trip on a credit card, make sure you have set a budget before you start making purchases. When using a credit card, it’s easy to lose track of how much you are spending. A clearly defined budget can help you to avoid an unpleasant surprise when you open your credit card statement at the end of the month. Before you charge your first travel-related expense on your credit card, come up with a specific budget. This may involve some research (on airfare, typical meal costs at your destination, hotel costs, etc.). A good travel budget is comprised of several “sub-budgets” for each area of your travel expenses (airfare, lodging, food, etc.). Once you’ve established this, then you can start making your travel purchases. Establishing a Payment Plan Of course, the ideal is to pay off the entire balance of your credit card each month (especially the months when you have racked up a lot of charges during a trip). If this is impossible, establish a clear plan for how and when the balance will be paid (i.e. $500 per month for the next 4 months). To make sure you stick to your plan, set these payments to be made automatically. Even better, you can pay off part of your trip before you even leave (airfare that has been charged on your credit card for in advance, for example). Tips for Saving Like I mentioned above, the ideal for your financial health is paying off the entire balance of your credit card as soon as you return from your trip. The only way to be able to do this is to make sure you have the money in the bank before you leave. Remember that budget you established? Add $200 to it and use this amount as your savings goal. Next, establish a specific plan for stocking away this much cash before you leave on your trip. For example, have $100 out of each paycheck automatically deposited into a specific savings account set up for travel. If you put away a little bit each month, it won’t seem like such a big deal when the time comes to pay off your credit card.