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Some Ideas For Saving Money On Your Next Vacation

btwashburn
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Flickr
If you're in Paris, of course you'll probably want to try the restaurants, but also consider a picnic along the Seine, in the shadow of Notre Dame.

Traveling on a budget can be a challenge. Airfare often starts in the hundreds of dollars, and hotel bills can quickly get there. So can gasoline costs, if you're driving. Still, KPLU travel expert Matthew Brumley says there are ways to save money while you travel, and in many cases, it can even enhance the experience. Here are some of his suggestions:

Apply Your Miles

Many of us have mileage points with airlines, but feel we don’t have enough to fly anywhere. Brumley says you should look for one-way tickets – which are often a better deal – as well as rental cars, hotel stays, and other benefits attainable with fewer miles than you’d use for a round-trip flight.

Look Up Public Transit

If you want to see a place, use its public transportation. Schedules, route planners, fares and other tools are almost always available online, so you can look at your options before you go. (And of course, check to see if your hotel has an airport shuttle.)

Picnic

If you go to a major city, of course you’ll want to try the restaurants. But you don’t have to do that every night. Hit a local supermarket, and pack a picnic into a scenic place.

“You’ll save probably 70 percent on any particular meal, just having a great picnic with a view,” Brumley said. “Pick a beautiful place, sit out in the park, and just have a lazy afternoon and enjoy yourself.”

You’d be surprised how memorable a simple meal can be when it’s in front of Notre Dame in Paris, or near the Grand Canyon.

Leverage Technology

Apps can help you find a cheap stay, or some last-minute opportunities once you’re at your destination. Brumley is partial to one called Hotel Tonight, which offers discounted same-day room rates, posted generally after noon. This is a good choice if you take a day trip and decide to stay a little longer. Brumley also recommends Hotwire to help find more affordable car rentals.

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"Going Places" is our weekly exploration of travel topics. Matthew Brumley is the co-founder of Earthbound Expeditions, which provides small-group travel to clients including 88.5 FM.

Ed Ronco is a former KNKX producer and reporter and hosted All Things Considered for seven years.