Subash Kalbarga Share Presentation on How to Save on Holiday Travel

#CreditChatWednesdays | 3 p.m. ET

How to Save on Holiday Travel

Join our #CreditChat every Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET. This week, the community shared some great tips on saving

during holiday travel.

ex.pn/holidaytravel

http://www.experian.com/blogs/news/about/save-holiday-travel/


What are the expenses you needto think about when traveling

this holiday season?

If you’re traveling with presents and want to wrap them ahead of

time, ship them to your destination.


Leah Ingram@suddenlyfrugal

Transportation, food, lodging, and getting your presents there.


Paul Moyer@SavingFreak

The usual - car rentals, flights, gas. But don’t forget hotel rooms, food and

airline fees.


Debbi King@DebbiKing

Watch for last-minute Christmas gifts that you might feel tempted to buy.


Tonya Rapley, CFEI@MyFabFinance

Baggage fees are a real drain on the wallet! Last year, airlines racked in $3.5

billion through these fees.


Robert Harrow@robert_harrow


When is the best time to start looking for travel deals and where?

For flying, eight weeks out is prime, but you can still get good

deals up to five weeks out.



My favorite tool to use is the Google flight calendar grid,

especially if your dates are flexible.


Tonya Rapley, CFEI@MyFabFinance

Book airfares on a Tuesday, deals seem to be lower. Also, Southwest Airlines offers great freebies.


KOFE@KOFETIME

Use websites like Skyscanner and Kayak to find the best deals on flights. Also, purchase your tickets on Tuesday

or Wednesday.


CARE@care4yourfuture

Clear your cookies every time.




How do you decide the best form of travel for your family?

Figure out what’s best for your family situation. If you have a lot of kids, then a lot of plane tickets might not make sense.



It depends on where you’re going, but if it’s domestic, nothing beats Amtrak for travel with a toddler.


Mina Ennin Black@WealthwithMina

If you travel with family, try to take advantage of airline companion tickets. Some credit cards

even give them out as perks.



For college students, carpool with friends who live in the same city.

Megabus and Greyhound are good, cheap options as well.



It’s based on how much time we have to travel. For longer trips, we

consider driving. If it is a quick turnaround, we fly.


Tonya Rapley, CFEI @MyFabFinance


Would you consider getting an airline credit card that rewards

you with miles? Pros/cons?

As long as you’re responsible with the card, sure! Bonus if there are no foreign

transactions fees and a microchip.


Miriam Cross@MiriamSCross

I have the American Airlines card, and I enjoyed the waived checked bag fee.



Only get an airline credit card if the rewards you get from it make up for the annual fee - think of the long-term costs.


Robert Harrow @robert_harrow

Only if you can pay it off and in full every month. That way you receive

the maximum benefits from the card.


CARE @care4yourfuture

It all depends on how much you travel! An air miles card might be better

because they offer a variety of perks.


Payoff@payoff


How can you save onfood when traveling?

Save on travel food by booking a hotel room with a kitchen, so you can

cook some meals there.


KOFE @KOFETIME

Try and cook as much as you can, or make things that you can take on the road.

The grocery store is your best friend.


Payoff@payoff

Prepare meals before the trip. That way, you don’t stop for fast

food and the food is likely healthier.



We always look for “kids eat free” restaurants. I have a huge list on my site.


Paul Moyer @SavingFreak

If driving, pack sandwiches, wraps, snacks and bring the cooler.




What are some frugal ways to keep kids entertained on

long flights/car rides?

Books from the library, travel games and coloring pages.



If you have an iPad, then there are a multitude of free games and apps to keep them entertained on the car trip.



Bring some fun games, make sure to check your local

thrift store to stock up before the trip!


Payoff@payoff

.

Travel Scrabble, Bananagrams, cards; treat them to one comic book

or magazine at the airport.



YouTube videos on repeat are a sanity saver.


Mina Ennin Black@WealthwithMina


How can you save onlodging when traveling?

Stay with family or friends!


Ashley Jacobs @wisebread

Use the bidding process on Priceline. You are leaving money on

the table if you aren’t using it.



Rent out a home on HomeAway or Airbnb to split among family and

friends.



If traveling with family, try to get a suite/multi-bedroom to share the cost.

Or borrow/rent a friend’s timeshare.


KOFE @KOFETIME

See if you can stay with family or friends. Otherwise, look at sites like

Kayak, Priceline and other such sites.




What are some financial emergencies you can encounter when traveling?

How can you be prepared?

Be prepared for travel financial emergencies. Carry enough extra cash and

two days of extra clothes in case your flight gets cancelled.


KOFE@KOFETIME

If you booked your vacation with a credit card, you can use travel

insurance to help pay for emergencies or cancelled flights.


Robert Harrow @robert_harrow

Review your credit card benefits, you might be

surprised what it covers in the event of emergencies for

rentals or luggage.



Lost luggage, car accident, the list goes on. Make sure to have a copy of your passport and some extra

cash on hand.


Payoff@payoff

Car troubles! That’s why we have AAA. Also, Geico has roadside assistance.


Leah Ingram@suddenlyfrugal


How do you safely and securelymanage your finances when traveling?

When you travel, you’re on vacation, not your wallet. It’s easy to overspend when having fun, so set a budget and

stick to it.



Use credit instead of debit on your bank card so you are covered for fraud.



Use a credit card that has great fraud protection and always have a budget for every item on the travel list.



Create a holiday budget. Plan out your expenses and look for deals to

save money on your holiday expenses.



For safe travel finances, use traveler’s checks, prepaid debit cards

with a set amount to control your budget and only take what is needed!


KOFE@KOFETIME


Any final tips for holiday travelers?

Don’t forget to have fun and remember what matters most, spending

time with the people you love!


Payoff@payoff

Take the time to plan your holiday. Using the right credit cards to pay or booking at

the right time can save you hundreds.



Payoff@payoff


Payoff@payoff

Safeguard your home while away. Spend less time worrying and more time having fun.

Remember how important your time is this holiday season. That gift is more

important than any monetary gift.



Make your home look “lived in” while away (stop paper, mail), have someone shovel walk and put your

lights on timers to avoid theft.


Leah Ingram @suddenlyfrugal


Check out all the resources and tips shared:

ex.pn/holidaytravel

http://www.experian.com/blogs/news/about/financially-ready-college/


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