Labor Day is nearly upon us. It’s estimated that around 35 million people will be traveling for this long weekend holiday. TurnKey Vacation Rentals has put together some tips for last minute Labor Day travel.
1. Get a tune up If you’re traveling by car, it’s important to make sure your car has the necessary maintenance performed before hitting the road. Low air pressure in your tires can cost you in gas mileage. Breaking down on the side of the road isn’t anyone’s idea of a fun time, this is a good step to prevent any unnecessary expenses.
2. Check the weather When traveling last minute, travelers should be aware of any potential weather threats that may be occurring near them or in their destination. Bad weather can be expensive for a trip if it causes any accidents, injuries or delays.
3. Travel early The most convenient times to travel are going to be the busiest. Plan on leaving for your last-minute vacation Wednesday ahead of Labor Day to avoid any major delays. If Wednesday doesn’t work for you, early Friday morning is your next best bet.
4. Share a vacation home Sharing a vacation home with another family is a great way to save money for a short trip. If you’re close friends or family, sharing a vacation home will literally cut your expenses in half. Not only that, if you have children this provides immediate playmates to help keep the kiddos occupied and the parents relaxed.
5. Take advantage of shoulder season Shoulder season is the time between peak and off-peak seasons for travel destinations. Travelers can take advantage of lower prices during this season but still reap the benefits of the peak season weather. For example, Florida is currently in the shoulder season due to the rainy season, travelers won’t find rain every day and can still score a good deal.
6. Look for cancellations When you are looking at excursions or things to do, you can call the company on the day of and ask for any last-minute cancellation deals. Often times companies are willing to give you a discount so they can fill the spot on the activity.
7. Avoid paying more for gas When filling up the tank to hit the road, be sure to check out the app GasBuddy which can help you find the cheapest gas in your area. Most times you can find cheaper gas just outside city limits.
8. Luggage Fee If traveling by plane, be sure to check with your airline provider about baggage fees. Some companies, like Frontier, will charge you more when you check-in at the airport than paying online.
9. Check for discounts When you’re traveling, it is common that you want to experience the local flavor of the town. Check sites like Groupon and Offers.com that offer restaurant coupons and deals around the country.
10. Take your pet Rather than paying for a pet sitter or to board your pet, there are many pet-friendly vacation rentals that allow you to enjoy bringing your pet with you on your trip. After all, Fido deserves a vacation too.
