Have you ever heard an "urban myth?" Many of these sensationalized stories started at some point and place with a kernel of truth and became completely distorted over time. The same can be true of many "rules" budget travelers use. Those listed below might have had some validity in the past, but are now misleading. Some have always been wrong. Consider busting these budget travel myths to find real savings on your next excursion.
1. It's always best to spend frequent flier miles before spending real money.
If we operate on the assumption that every frequent flier mile is worth at least one U.S. cent, the 25,000 miles required by many airlines for a roundtrip domestic flight would be worth at least $250 USD. There are many roundtrip tickets priced below this figure. Because frequent flier miles can be difficult to accumulate, you should always be certain to use them to your fullest advantage. Above all, use them! The worst thing you can do is let them expire.More: It's always best to spend frequent flier miles before spending real money.
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2. If I stay in a hostel, I'll always have to share a room with strangers.
Some places with the word "hostel" in their names also offer private rooms at prices well below what is available at a conventional hotel. Other people shy away from the "H-word" because they think they'll find dirt, drugs or debauchery. You can avoid the few hostels that fall into these categories with a little research. That homework will also tell you if there is an age restriction at your proposed location.3. Bidding on a room saves money but makes you a second-class citizen at the hotel.
I have used Priceline dozens of times and only once was I treated poorly. That stop was so bad that I later received a full refund. Far more typical was this experience: After saving maybe $150 by staying off-site from a meeting I attended, I asked the front desk at my "Priceline" hotel to call a cab for me. Instead, an employee drove me (at no charge) to the meeting. If you use an online auction, be sure to note that purchases are almost always non-refundable. Also be sure not to overbid.4. Rail tickets are always cheaper than renting a car in Europe.
This is one of those rules that could be true without the word "always." But many travelers refuse to think beyond rail tickets in Europe. While it's true that many cities are set up to cater to train travelers (central stations, many connections), on short trips with larger parties you might find renting a car less expensive. For example: With a family of four, I saved about $100 on a one-day journey between Berlin and Amsterdam. I also got to experience driving on the autobahn.5. "Off season" trips save money but leave travelers disappointed.
Don't expect Bermuda to be balmy in December. Don't be surprised by cold winds blowing off the canals of Venice in February. You might also find businesses in those places closed for the season, and even a few attractions shut down for remodeling. The key, once again, is research. Find out if the things you want to see and do are available in the off season. If so, trade-offs like shorter lines and lower prices might more than compensate for less-than-perfect weather.Read more
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