Sure, there are great deals to be had for visitors to D.C., but what if you live here and want to get away? Take this advice from Sara Morrow of Budget Travel Magazine, Barbara Messing of Travel-ticker.com and other travel experts who share tips on how to get the most for your dollars:
» Let the bargains guide you. If you’re dead set on a certain destination at a certain time, chances of getting a bargain might be grim. Instead shop for bargains and be as flexible as possible. The work will pay off.
» Negotiate. Many travelers see a great online deal for lodging and book it without calling the hotel. Take the time to look for the local number of the hotel and call. Though the hotel may not offer a lower room rate, free parking, discounts on dining and other perks are often given to those who call.
» Bargain shop. This seems like a no-brainer, but many people only rely on one site when they book. With all of the sites and services available, there’s no excuse not to bargain hunt.
» Set your alarm for midnight Tuesday. No one could confirm the popular myth that airlines offer their deepest discounts at midnight Tuesday, but several travel experts noted they get their own best airline deals then. Stay up late and look.
» Think “house swap.Ó The system to trade houses for vacations is booming because most people have excellent experiences. And staying somewhere for free versus paying a hotel bill is especially enticing in this economy. Stay safe by reading about house swaps online and then join an established service such as couchsurfing.com or homeforexchange.com. Membership is low (about $50 annually), and you receive references and recommendations.
