Four great ways to get cheap domestic flights

It seems that airline prices are always on the rise, and it keeps getting harder to find cheap flights. However, there are several tips which seasoned travelers use in order to get the best deals every time, especially if you're able to be flexible with your dates.

Mid-Week Flights

When compared to weekend flights, any flights that are scheduled during the week always end up being cheaper, without fail. This because there are fewer passengers flying and the airlines are in a hurry to fill vacant seats. When at all possible, try to stay flexible when planning your trip days, which will let you get the cheapest flights available. Historically, Mondays bring much lower prices than Fridays, so try and avoid flying out before the weekend crunch.

Buy on Wednesdays

Even if you can't actually fly out mid-week, Wednesdays are the best time to buy cheap flights. This is because most airlines book the bulk of their flights on Mondays and Tuesdays. Tuesday night is when airlines update their booking computers, so when Wednesday morning comes there are plenty of deals to be had.

Last-Minute Deals

You will often be able to get a great deal by buying just before your departure date, as long as you aren't too nervous to leave it until the very last minute before buying your airline tickets. Of course there is a bit of risk involved in this strategy, as the flights may be booked, so you have to be a bit of a gambler. The other alternative is to buy your flights far in advance, at least three weeks before departure.

Fly Nearby

Finally, don't forget to check nearby cities and airports to see if you may be able to get less expensive tickets to someplace close to your destination. It may be cheaper to rent a car for the final leg than fly direct. There may also be smaller local airlines which you can utilize to keep flight costs low.

There are lots of ways to save money on your next trip as long as you're willing to be creative and think outside the usual airline box. Real cheap flights are still out there, you just have to know where and how to look.

Cheap car rental services is available but only if you prebook

There's a very simple rule in this world of predatory sellers. If they think you are desperate, the price goes up. Just picture the scene. You quickly packed a bag, ran down to the airport and got on the plane. Now you have arrived with a crowd of others and begin queuing at the nearest rental agent's stand in the airport lobby. When you finally get to the counter, there are only a few of the most expensive, top-of-the-range vehicles available to drive away. If you could wait. . . but, obviously, you are in a hurry. Then there are additional fees to cover the paperwork. The price just keeps going up and up. So, to protect yourself against being gouged, you should always prebook as far in advance as possible.

Let's start with a quick summary of the reasons for advance booking. No matter how many times you see the advice, it remains true. Shopping around really does save you money. This site offers you access to multiple car rental companies, all of which are competing for your business. That gives them all an incentive to keep the rental rates low. Now check whether the airline or travel agency is offering a package deal of flight plus cheap car rental (and possibly plus accommodation). If that's the case, you could make a bigger saving instead of buying direct. Or perhaps your credit card or some other affiliate group to which you belong has a promotional offer on car rental. Or perhaps you belong to a loyalty program or your air miles reward program can be used to pay for the car rental.

Then take a further moment or two to check out the off-site rental agencies. Yes, you will have to take the airport shuttle bus or a taxi, which can cost you a few dollars, but often the more distant sites have really cheap car rental offers. If there's any doubt about whether it's going to be easy to get to the location to collect the vehicle or you are worried about finding additional fees, a quick telephone call will usually resolve matters. Remember the rental companies located at airports always have higher rates. Protect yourself and drive away the car you booked, at the time you booked, at reduced rates.

The Best Road Trip Destinations in USA

When looking to go on a road trip, getting quotes from car rental companies on a car that will fit your needs is a bright idea. Car rental companies cater to all types of people - the solo traveler, the family, the couple, etc.

If you have already chosen a car but don't know where to go even if you are itching to drive cross country, you can visit the best road trip destinations in the United States. Here are some of them:

Colorado

Visiting the Rockies is a good idea and if you remember Katharine Lee Bates' America the Beautiful, it is interesting to note that she was in Colorado when she wrote it. Colorado is a great road trip destination for those who love the great outdoors. In the summer, the spectacularly beautiful state features a number of activities - from swimming in its pristine waters to fishing to mountain biking and whitewater rafting.

New Orleans, LA

Ahh ... the magic of New Orleans is like no other. This one-of-a-kind destination features unique architecture especially in the infamous French Quarter. The cuisine is also to die for and eating Cajun or Creole dishes while listening to jazz is definitely worth the long ride.

Washington, DC and Virginia

The colors of Washington, DC during autumn is just spectacular and whether you plan to go there to get a glimpse of the White House or the Lincoln Memorial, make sure that you pay Virginia a visit too.

Boston, Massachusetts

Historical sites and pubs are what you get if you go to Boston, MA. You can barhop all you want and experience fantastic pub fare - probably the best compared to what is offered in nearby states, according to experienced barhoppers.

Disney World, Florida

There's nothing like going to Disney with the kids. All the magic and fun in one place is definitely worth the long drive.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

This is definitely the top road trip destination because it is not just one but one of the best natural wonders the world has ever seen. If you are planning to go to the Grand Canyon, it is best to compare quotes from different car rental companies. The best car rental companies will be able to offer reasonable daily rates for your rental.

Using Luxury Car Rental Companies

There are many reasons to rent luxury cars. Perhaps you want to make a good impression on a business associate. Or maybe you just like treating yourself to a cool ride. Whatever the reason, there are distinct advantages and disadvantages of renting from luxury car rental companies.

Advantages

Luxury cars are often safer than the average vehicle. They tend to have the best safety features including sleep detectors, lane drifting warnings, and electronic controls. They are a major step up from taxis and cost less. They are high performance vehicles that offer a smooth riding experience. Luxury cars are comfortable to drive and provide an exciting opportunity for car enthusiasts. Many have leather interiors which add to the level of comfort provided. It is not every day one gets the privilege of driving a luxury car and renting one is a great alternative to buying or leasing.

You can make a great impression with a luxury rental. They are ideal for special occasions as well as for business travel. The car can help you present yourself in a particular light that can help you with your job or with a personal relationship.

Disadvantages

The primary disadvantage is that renting a luxury car costs more than a regular rental. Rental insurance for luxury vehicles also costs more. In addition, you may be required to have a certain level of insurance which may cause you to have to purchase supplemental insurance. This is an extra cost that can actually make the entire rental process unaffordable when combined with all other costs.

These types of vehicles can be intimidating because of their advanced features. It can be daunting to have to learn to drive a luxury car. Not everyone is willing to take on that challenge. And not all agencies provide driving instructions or a crash course to help train drivers.

Because luxury vehicles can be difficult to drive, your risk of being involved in an accident or otherwise damaging the car increases. Even with insurance, you may end up paying for those damages and you increase your chances of having your regular insurance premiums go up as a result.

Knowing the pros and cons of renting from luxury car rental companies can help you make informed decisions. You may not be willing to assume the risk of driving a more expensive rental car. But if you are, you can have an exceptional rental experience with luxury car rental companies.