Expert: Stephen Tanenbaum - 3/2/2006

Question
My husband and I would like to travel across the country and back between July 15-Aug 15. We can't change the dates because we are both in graduate school. We are trying not to spend more than $3000 total including gas, hotel, food and tourist attractions.  Is this possible?  I'm having a hard time figuring out a way to do it under $4000.  We are willing to go camping for 10/30 nights. Also we have friends we can stay with stay with for 5/30 night.  Neither of us are looking for luxury vacation but we are both in our 30s and would like to stay away from dorm style hostels.

If there are any budget publications you can recommend or any general recommendations, it would be extremely helpful.

Thanks.

Sarah

Answer
Hi Sarah:


Hi Sarah:

At the outset most of our 6mos/yr travel these past six years has been global rather than domestic. With that said I am thinking that yours is a CAN DO PLAN!

Here are some thoughts:

1) I am now experimenting with www.ediscountgascards.com  I paid $10 to join and ordered their $100 Arco card at a members 15% discount price of $85.  Our lowest Arco price is $2.09 so that we may be paying as low as $1.77 using these 15% discounted Prepaid Gas Cards. Cheaper gas would help.

2) Figure 15 days of camping at $15/day. Add low cost meals while camping and staying with friends. And figure motels at $29-$49 for the remainder (see below). All make for a lower overall total.

3) For the 15 days of 'pay' lodging and to greatly cut the food costs as well as ATTRACTIONS you may be in luck. Check www.entertainment.com They are  now
offering their U.S. city TWO FOR ONE editions at 50% OFF..   You should choose several books covering major cities/tourist areas you shall be visiting like NY or LA or SF etc.  The editions have 100's of two for one eateries both fast food, mid priced and better eateries plus hotel discounts.

Ex. We visited Toronto for three days and still saved over $50 above the cost of the book at attractions and restaurants. These books cover some nearby areas as well. Our Toronto book had a $25 free meal coupon for Planet Hollywood in Niagara Falls which coupon we also used. Oh, books are valid till Nov. 30th.  They JUST went on sale for 50% off.

4) Local libraries have Yellow Pages that likely list really cheap local motels, the low end motels so often not found on web searches. Or, simply head for ‘motel rows’ as you pass through towns.  Should easily find same for $29-$49/night.  You can also check for local eateries, perhaps cheap Buffet eateries which still abound.

5) Use www.tripadvisor.com to check on any and all motels you are considering for user  tips and reviews. After all you want the BEST OF THE CHEAP motels etc. EX. Look up BLUE MOON in Niagara Falls... you will see my review. That one bedroom motel suite with full kitchen cost only $54 per night. Of course your high season trip is more of a challenge. You too may luck out with a motel kitchonette room with its big $$$ savings.

6) Here is a cool list of gas/grocery rebate credit cards.  See the
Citi Drivers Edge which is a FREE card that offers great savings on both gas and groceries. Plus check out other cards, some also free of annual fees.  This is an alternative to buying PrePaid gas cards.

http://www.creditcards.com/reward.php
7) Finally, camping may be 'tight' this summer due to large number of people opting away from foreign travel. Might be best to get a campground directory and reserve in advance or call a few days ahead.

By mixing and matching these strategies you should be able to DO IT.

Good Luck and Happy Travels. Steve Tanenbaum