The Frugal Traveler: Simpe ways to save on sunmer travel

Afraid that recent price increases in critical budget areas will cramp your warm-weather travel style?

Relax. With these simple saving strategies, your summer fun is in the bag.

Weekends: If taking a few weeks off isn’t in your work schedule, cheer up. Chances are you can have a wider range of travel opportunities by taking advantage of long holiday weekends throughout the summer travel season. By booking easily drivable destination itineraries, you’ll spend fewer hours on the road and more time having fun. Big Apple residents have the lakes and mountains of Upstate New York at their disposal for instance, while those living in northern New England may choose to make their way to Montreal for a more urban experience.

Weather: While taking advantage of shoulder season rates is certainly nothing new, I have observed a number of travelers who fail to include the off season in their budget plans. For some of the world’s more exotic locations, this strategy is the gateway to getting the biggest bang for your buck. When my husband and I booked our trip to Costa Rica, we purposely went during the wet season. The rains fell mostly in the afternoon, when we were already done sightseeing for the day anyway. The prices were great, and the daily downpours provided a sound track for relaxation in a variety of tree house and jungle bars where we routinely reviewed our guide book to plan the next day’s itinerary.

Festivals: From late spring to early autumn, food and cultural festivals provide powerful savings along with abundant opportunities for travel photography. From Montreal’s Jazz Fest to the Maine Lobster Festival, you’ll find lots to entertain you on your summer excursions. Other events of note include Vancouver’s Symphony of Fire celebration and New Mexico’s Hatch Valley Chile Festival.

Fuel: Make the most of your minivan by carpooling with friends to take a romantic road trip for couples while the kids are away at summer camp. Choose a destination that’s easily walkable once you arrive so that differing tourist agendas can be accommodated. Other frugal fuel strategies include motorcycle travel, train trips and reducing gas costs even further by choosing foot-friendly activities such as walking tours, hikes and golf.