When Carolyn DiDonato booked her ticket from Trenton, N.J., to Fort Myers, Fla., she says she was hit with a hidden airline fee. On the last screen, concealed behind a drop-down menu, Frontier Airlines revealed that she would have to pay a nonrefundable $23 carrier interface charge for buying her … [Read more...] about How airlines hide the true cost of a ticket
Travel
Apps to save you money on the go
Mobile technology is advancing with leaps and bounds, and new apps and features help us save money wherever we are. Whether you are headed to the store, the gas station, or vacation, there are apps to help you save money along the way. Here are some favorite apps to save you money on the … [Read more...] about Apps to save you money on the go
How to pick the best roadside assistance program
You can never predict whether you’re going to need roadside assistance for a flat tire, dead battery or other vehicle issue, but if you’re a member of a roadside assistance program, you’ll be covered when it happens. The difficult part is deciding which program best fits your family's needs. … [Read more...] about How to pick the best roadside assistance program
Don’t make these common car rental mistakes
When renting a car, you might think that getting into an accident is the only thing that could cost you money. But while accidents are sometimes unavoidable, there are other mistakes that can cost you money when driving a rental car. They include failing to take pictures of your car before and … [Read more...] about Don’t make these common car rental mistakes
11 ways to get free or cheap ski lift tickets
Skiing and snowboarding may not be cheap hobbies to pick up, but despite the cost of equipment and full-day lift tickets, there are plenty of ways to save money. After all, who wants to pay $200-plus to hit the slopes when they can have the adventure for much less?Follow these tips on getting … [Read more...] about 11 ways to get free or cheap ski lift tickets
10 make-ahead road trip meals to save money
You're meal planning for your road trip and discovering how difficult it can be to stay frugal while on the road. Eating out during your trip is an easy way to watch your travel budget disappear. Even fast-food meals can add up.However, setting aside some time to prepare make-ahead road trip … [Read more...] about 10 make-ahead road trip meals to save money
Save money on gas with hypermiling techniques
Experienced drivers have all kinds of tricks for saving gas while they drive, so they can save money by not refueling as often. These run the gamut from keeping the trunk empty to turning off the engine instead of idling. If you have mastered those and want to try something more extreme to keep you … [Read more...] about Save money on gas with hypermiling techniques
Travel fees are multiplying; how to avoid them if you can
When it comes to travel fees, it’s starting to feel like 2019 again.Airlines, car rental companies and hotels are reinstating old surcharges and adding new ones to your bill as travel returns to pre-pandemic levels. You can find them everywhere, including your airline ticket and vacation … [Read more...] about Travel fees are multiplying; how to avoid them if you can
9 ways to take a bite out of road trip food costs
You’ve planned your road trip, mapping out a route, identifying campgrounds or affordable lodging and picking key attractions to visit. What will happen as soon as you pile into the car? Tummies will start rumbling, kids will beg for food and bathroom breaks will lead to the buying of snacks, lunch … [Read more...] about 9 ways to take a bite out of road trip food costs
11 ways to get the best deal on a rental car
Think finding the lowest airfare is tricky? Try getting the best deal on a rental car. These days, car rental rates change faster than television networks launch reality series.But there are ways to both save and be satisfied, without making you feel like a contestant on Survivor. Here are … [Read more...] about 11 ways to get the best deal on a rental car
How to find the cheapest ridesharing option
Most of my ride-hailing experiences have been uneventful — except for one recent trip to the airport. On a rainy afternoon, I failed to connect with my driver, which precipitated a soggy 20-minute delay. That got me thinking: Maybe I could benefit from some advice on how to use ride-hailing services … [Read more...] about How to find the cheapest ridesharing option
13 ways to save money on road trips
Sometimes a good old-fashioned road trip is just the vacation you need. Driving vacations can be as leisurely or as hectic as you want, and you never have to stick to a schedule. They also can be more affordable than trips involving flights and resorts.That’s not to say there aren’t expenses. … [Read more...] about 13 ways to save money on road trips
Vacation hacks to save money on flights, car rentals, cruises and lodging
You’ve got your destination picked out, you’ve researched itineraries and you’re ready to plunk down some cash to book your next vacation. How much you spend or save depends on the booking tricks you have up your sleeve. Know the secrets to finding lower-priced flights, hotels, cruises, car rentals … [Read more...] about Vacation hacks to save money on flights, car rentals, cruises and lodging
See tourist attractions for less with CityPASS
When my kids were small, my family and I took a weekend road trip to see Philadelphia. In doing my research to find kid-friendly attractions, I came across CityPASS, a discount program that hand picks tourist spots and offers tickets at deep discounts in 16 cities. It was convenient, saved us money, … [Read more...] about See tourist attractions for less with CityPASS
7 sneaky travel charges to avoid
We are about to enter what is traditionally one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. If you plan to travel this season and you’re a Living on the Cheap reader, chances are you’ve done your homework and researched the best travel deals for hotels, attractions and packages on our site. But … [Read more...] about 7 sneaky travel charges to avoid