Penny-Pinching Travel Tips for Summer

(Family Features) Being on a strict budget may mean making sacrifices along the way, but with a little smart planning - and shopping - your well-deserved vacation getaway need not be forsaken.

The Internet, including online travel agencies, branded suppliers and other websites, is the leading source of travel information, surpassing referrals from friends and acquaintances and travel books, according a 2009 survey by the U.S. Travel Association.

With so much information available at your fingertips, it's easy to plan ahead and manage your travel spending. Not only that, a wide range of travel coupons are available online to help trim costs even further.

Follow these tips from the cost-conscious experts at CheapSally.com.com to make your vacation dollars work hard for you.

Accommodations: According to the U.S. Travel Association, lodging is the second highest source of travel spending in the country (second only to food). But your accommodations don't have to break the bank.

First, consider what type of hotel will best suit your travel needs. Will your trip be filled with sightseeing, tours and excursions that keep you away from your room most of the time? Or do you prefer to spend a leisurely stay at the hotel, enjoying its onsite amenities and attractions?

Depending on your preferences, you can allocate your spending to the elements that matter most. In other words, if exploring is on your agenda, save some cash by booking a lower-cost hotel with fewer amenities.

Online tools will allow you to search by amenities, location and even by other travelers' ratings. Many sites offer hotel discounts, as well as tools to determine which arrival dates offer the best rates.

Flights: Pack light. Most airlines now charge for checked baggage, and extra fees apply if you exceed quantity and weight limits. Remember, you'll have to double those fees if you want to return home with your luggage.

Start early and do your homework. Several services are available that help you compare rates, as well as the number of stops and travel schedules, side by side. You'll get better rates booking well in advance. And never make an online purchase without checking first to see whether any discount codes are available to bring your price even lower.

Car Rentals: Beware of extra expenses with the add-ons, taxes and fees. Whenever possible, return the car with a full tank of gas. Know that airport car rentals are at a premium. If you can arrange for other transportation - such as a hotel shuttle - look for rental locations near, or even at, your hotel that are likely more competitively priced.

Be sure to try variations in your pick-up and drop-off dates and times. Even minor alterations can impact your price, for example, taking you out of the daily rate and into weekend pricing.

Vacation Packages: Numerous airlines and travel sites offer vacation packages with myriad features. Flights and car rental, car rental and hotel, all three - you name it. In addition to discounts on the key elements of the package, many also offer steeply discounted - or even free - add-ons such as entertainment tickets or meal vouchers. For the best deals, look for last-minute packages, where prices have been slashed to help fill vacancies, or for off-season destinations.

To find more travel savvy tips and savings, visit www.CheapSally.com.

SOURCE:
CheapSally.com
 

Road Ready

How to prepare for a stress-free road trip

(Family Features) Before you hit the road this summer, make sure your car and car insurance are ready for the journey. Planning ahead can help avoid mishaps that could ruin your vacation.

Whether you are traveling near or far, you will likely be lugging some valuable items such as golf clubs, a laptop or a video camera - none of which are covered by a car insurance policy.

According to an April 2011 survey released by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), 40 percent of Americans incorrectly believe their car insurance will cover the replacement of personal items stolen from their vehicle.

"The truth is that these items must be covered by your homeowners or renters insurance policy to be reimbursed if they are stolen or damaged," NAIC president Susan E. Voss said.

One-third of Americans also believe their auto insurance automatically covers a rental car, according to the NAIC survey. However, this is not true, and the NAIC recommends checking with your auto insurance agent to make sure you have adequate car insurance whether driving your own car or a rental.

Top 5 Auto Insurance Tips

• Confirm your car insurance is active and premiums are up-to-date. Have a current copy of your insurance card in the car.
  
   
• Select liability limits that are appropriate to your financial circumstances. People with more assets generally need to select higher limits of liability than those with fewer assets. If you are found to be at-fault in an accident and purchased insufficient limits, your personal assets are at risk for the remaining financial obligation.
  
   
• If renting a car for the trip, check your policy to see if it includes coverage. Verify potential coverage limitations with your agent, and make sure you are not duplicating benefits from your existing auto, health or home insurance policy.
  
   
• Verify your homeowners or renters insurance covers the theft of personal items from a car, especially if you are planning to carry expensive items in your car such as golf clubs, video or digital cameras or laptops.
  
   
• Check to see if your policy includes roadside assistance. You can be covered for towing, fuel delivery, lockout service, jump-starts and more.

If you are unclear about your car insurance coverage or would like to learn how to lower car insurance costs, visit www.InsureUonline.org or contact your state insurance commissioner. Find your state commissioner at www.naic.org.

Top 5 Car Readiness Tips

To avoid car troubles, schedule a tune-up a few weeks prior to your trip and be sure to get regular oil changes. If you want to do some basic maintenance yourself, here's what Consumer Reports recommends you check:

• Vital Fluids. This includes fluids for the engine, oil, coolant, transmission, brakes, power steering and windshield washers.
  
   
• Hoses and Belts. You can check hoses on a cool engine by pinching them. There should be no soft spots or bulging areas. Feel for lengthwise cracks in the inner liner of the hoses. Check all belts for worn spots, cracks or shredding fabric reinforcement.
  
   
• Battery. Most batteries are maintenance-free. Check the color of the small inspection window on top of the battery case. Look for cracks or holes in the battery casing. If your battery requires maintenance, make sure the fluid is up to the correct level. Fill with distilled water as indicated in the car owner's manual. Make sure battery cables are securely attached to the terminals. If your battery is more than five years old, consider replacing it - you don't want it overheating in the summer sun.
  
   
• Brakes. If your car pulls to one side when you brake, or if you hear any grinding noises or feel unusual vibrations when you apply the brakes, take the vehicle to a mechanic.
  
   
• Tires. Proper tire pressure means safer driving and lower fuel bills. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for tire pressure (usually found on a sticker on the inner edge of the door, or in the glove box.) Also check tires for adequate tread depth and for damage such as cuts or bulges.

Amid the chaos of your own personal packing, don't forget to pack an emergency kit for your trunk, just in case; and if you have roadside assistance, store the number in a handy location in the car.

Top 5 Car Rental Tips

If you're going to rent a car for your trip, make sure you are adequately insured.

• Review your auto insurance policy or call your insurance agent before you reach the rental car counter. Some policies include conditions. They may not cover rentals on business trips, for example.
  
   
• If your current policy doesn't offer coverage for a rental car, see if an insurance rider can be added for a small fee.
  
   
• Many credit cards include some level of collision and theft protection. In most cases, these benefits are secondary to your personal auto insurance or the car rental company's insurance, meaning the credit card company will only pay claims after other insurance coverage has been exhausted. The NAIC recommends you call your credit card company and ask about benefits.
  
   
• If you lack personal auto insurance and your credit card does not provide benefits, it might be wise to purchase the liability insurance and collision damage waiver at the car rental counter.
  
   
• Keep in mind that if it is a longer-term rental (e.g., a week, a month or more), there might be limitations on the coverage your existing auto insurance policy provides. Check with your insurance company or agent for details.

SOURCE:
National Association of Insurance Commissioners
 

Seasonal Car Care 

(Family Features) - After a brutal winter across the U.S., the bitter chill has finally stopped biting. However, before you speed into activities such as replanting the garden, staining the porch, or fixing up the lawn, step on the brakes and be sure you do your seasonal car maintenance.

"Winter is harsh on our vehicles," says Amy Mattinat, car care expert and owner of Auto Craftsmen, an independent auto sales and service facility located in Montpelier, VT. "Low temperatures, snow, ice and road salts take their toll, causing an undeniable need for some serious car care."

Mattinat suggests you follow this simple checklist.

Thorough car wash
Take advantage of the warmer weather and spend a fair amount of time cleaning winter filth off your car. Dirt and salt that built up over the past couple months can hurt a car's paint and undercarriage by making it vulnerable to rust. Give the exterior a good scrub and don't forget to spray the underbody and underneath the bumpers, as well. Finish the job with a waxing to preserve your car's shine.

Tire swap, rotation, and pressure
If you have winter tires on your car, it's time to swap them out for all-season tires, which deliver better traction in a wider range of roadway conditions. If you don't have winter tires, it's equally important to have your all-season tires rotated and balanced for a smoother ride and improved fuel economy. In addition, cold weather can reduce tire pressure, so be sure to check them for proper inflation. Under-inflated tires are not only a safety hazard, they can also reduce fuel economy and decrease the lifespan.

Oil change
If it has been a couple months since your last oil change, chances are you need another one. To prevent engine wear, you must change your oil and oil filter regularly as specified in your manual. If you're still using conventional oil, consider a switch to a synthetic such as Mobil 1, which is specifically designed to provide outstanding wear protection and help keep your engine clean and running smoothly.

Brake check
You have likely been hitting the brakes a little extra in the winter, trying to avoid icy patches or other hazards. A quick inspection of the brake system, including lines, hoses and the parking brake, can uncover any winter damage. If you hear excessive grinding, squealing or screeching, get the brakes checked immediately. Also, inspect the brake fluid for proper level; low brake fluid can be an indication of a leak or excessive wear.

Battery check
Car batteries work overtime in the winter. The colder it gets, the more battery power is drained. Test old or weak batteries (especially ones that are more than a few years old). Inspect the terminals and posts to be sure they are free of corrosion, have enough lubrication, and are tight. If you spot corrosion, try cleaning it with baking soda and water.

Air conditioning test
You don't want to wait until a hot day to realize your air conditioning is not cooling you down. To test, turn the air conditioning on high and to the coldest level. The air coming out the vent should be 55 degrees or less (a vent thermometer can be purchased for a cheap price at an auto parts store). If the air is warm, has little pressure, or you hear unusual noises, schedule a service appointment now to have someone examine belts and hoses for wear, deterioration or refrigerant leaks.

For more helpful tips on vehicle maintenance visit www.mobil1.com.

SOURCE:
Exxon Mobil