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I'm Asking: Would You Gamble on Rain to Win a Free Stay?
I don't know many people who look forward to a rainy day on a beach vacay, but this plan may make you more inclined. Although normal rates for Malaysia's luxury Tanjong Jara Resort will run upwards of $350 per night, if you encounter more than an inch of rainfall in any 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
On Board and Ready To Buy
In a new move to up their retail, airlines may soon be offering more in-flight opportunities to purchase anything from limousine services to Broadway theater tickets. Though The New York Times reports that only American Airlines has begun limited testing of the retail concept, nearly all airline carriers have confirmed that they are planning to unveil similar expanded retail offerings on flights.
So why expand retail, especially in the midst of a recession?
Would You Take an Affordable Clothing-Optional Vacation?
Clothing optional situations are typically limited to behind closed doors, but not if you're venturing off on a nakation. You don't have to bare it all on nakations — that's where the optional part comes into play — though you can if you want to. Besides the fact that participating nudists say that nude recreation is fun, there might be a financial benefit to taking a trip that encourages you to don your birthday suit.
I'm Asking: Have You Ever Canceled a Vacation?
After the oft-annoying planning and booking process, the last thing on my mind is canceling a vacation. However, I once preliminarily booked hotel rooms for a pal's birthday with a 24-hour-notice cancellation policy directly from the resort's website. I knew I'd secured something at a good price while I diligently monitored my favorite travel sites to see if a room at a more desirable hotel would significantly drop in price (it did) or if I changed my mind and decided to go a different weekend (did that, too.).
Savvy Tip: Two Ways to Score Free WiFi at the Airport
Searching for (or stealing) someone else's spotty Internet signal is never fun. Trust me, I've tried it — and let's just say Savvy wasn't smiling when it cut out . .
I'm Asking: Would You Make a Donation for "Free" Services?
Not that I'm one to turn down a little something for nothing to save money, and take advantage of museum free days or other no-fee exhibits while traveling, even gratis concerts in the park can have people asking for donations to keep these things a reality.Still the reality is, seeing the donation bin doesn't always make people toss in money or it'd be overflowing daily! Even Google's free holiday Wifi program has a giveback option. If you're looking for a way to spread holiday cheer and generosity, you can make a charitable donation to one of three organizations, and the company will match it up to $250,000 — whoa, now that's some pricey WiFi!
Savvy Links: How to Avoid Excessive Airline Fees
- How to avoid excessive airline fees when you travel. — Consumerism Commentary
- Reader dilemma: "How can I throw a big party without going broke?" — Glamour
- How your ex could destroy your credit.
Travel Tip: 3 Steps to Take If Your Flight Is Cut
You think you've done a good job, booking a flight months in advance of your planned travel. But with airlines cutting costs — and thus flights — all the time, there's a chance you will see that foresight going right down the drain. If you get the dreaded "Itinerary update: Flight change" email, look for these three things:
- Check destination airport and connections.
5 Ways Flexibility Can Cut Travel Costs
When it comes to bargains, it pays to play it cool. High maintenance travelers can be as finicky as they want while on vacation, but that approach won't get you the cheapest trip while in planning mode. Think flexibility when organizing a vacation, and the deals will come to you.
I'm Asking: Have You Ever Purchased or Transferred Miles?
Ahh, the challenge of racking up enough miles to actually use them for a free ticket. Business travelers and those who frequently fly via the same carrier can stock up for award travel, but did you know that many major airlines have expiration dates following a period of "non-activity" (usually between 18 and 24 months)?
If you want to still make use of those miles, you can purchase the remainder to get a free upgrade or trip in batches of 1,000 miles.
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