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This is a repost of a recent post. The information is important enough to repeat. Strongly consider buying Entertainment books for your upcoming travels during the next year. Entertainment books are now on sale online and in stores.
Every year about this time (early to mid October), I want to hurry up and use a bunch of my Entertainment book coupons.
Entertainment.com Promo – 9 October 2012
Most Entertainment book discounts expire on November 1–after which the next year’s edition is active.
You see, Entertainment books have SO MANY discounts that it is impossible to use them all.
On the other hand, the value of an Entertainment book is recouped after using two discounts–every additional use is truly saving money! You decide how much money you want to save.
That is why the Entertainment book is better than Groupon, Living Social, and other discount programs.
With Groupon, Living Social, etc., you buy one certificate at a 50% discount (usually) for one use. For instance, pay $15 for a $30 dining certificate.
With an Entertainment book, you pay about $30 for hundreds of 2-for-1 discounts.
The other night, I used the Entertainment card to get $15 off an entree at Supper Club of India in Herndon.
PLUS, there are hundreds of coupons for local restaurants and activities (including movies, dry cleaning, grocery, other shopping).
PLUS, each Entertainment book offers opportunities for discounts at national, mail order, and order by telephone vendors (flowers, dining, shopping, and more).
PLUS, and the BEST reason for me, each Entertainment books offers fantastic lodging and car rental discounts. They also offer other travel discounts (air, cruise, tours, package vacations), of which I have not used.
So, YES, Entertainment books ARE still worth buying. Entertainment books are better deals than online services such as Groupon.
There are several ways to get discounts on Entertainment books:
- Through Entertainment.com, sign up for auto delivery of next year’s book to get a discount on current edition.
- Through Entertainment.com, they offer discounted rates throughout the year (holiday specials, for instance).
- Buy your book when you need it. For instance, wait until June to buy a book for your vacation to San Diego in July. The book will be about half price then, through Entertainment.com.
- Buy the book at Costco. Last year, my book was $10 less than retail.
- Apply a store discount. When I shop at CVS, I usually get a coupon for $5 off $25 purchase.
- Share books with a neighbor, friend, or coworker. You can split the initial cost and coupons.
For more information about Entertainment discount books visit Entertainment.com and read my previous posts: Travel Tip: Better Than Groupon, 50% Lower Hotel Rate in 5 Easy Steps, Restaurant Discounts – Dining Deals,
Previous McCool Travel post ====> Scenic and Historic Loudoun County Virginia (Waterford)
To read previous posts in the Road Trip Diet series click here.
For frequent travel deals, follow me on Facebook (McCool Travel) and Twitter (@CharlesMcCool). You can also follow me on LinkedIn, Pinterest, Klout, and StumbleUpon.
© 2012, Charles McCool
I hope my previous post convinced you that Entertainment coupon books are still worth buying.
Entertainment coupon books allow you to save hundreds or thousands of dollars (it is up to you!).
My previous post showed you six ways to save money off the retail cost of a new Entertainment book.
Well, I just purchased my new 2013 local edition book.
And saved 43%.
How?
Well, the retail price is $35. The books are being sold for $19.99 at my local Costco.
I saved $15, almost 50% off the retail price.
McCool Travel: 2013 Entertainment Coupon Book at 43% Discount
BONUS: at Costco, the Entertainment books are on open tables so that you can browse through them and determine whether you want one. Believe me, you want it! However, you can look at the index to see which local restaurants participate, for instance. At Barnes & Noble, CVS, and other stores, Entertainment books are usually behind the counter and/or shrink wrapped.
Happy Discounting!
For more information about Entertainment discount books visit Entertainment.com and read my previous posts: Travel Tip: Better Than Groupon, 50% Lower Hotel Rate in 5 Easy Steps, Restaurant Discounts – Dining Deals,
Previous McCool Travel post ====> Are Entertainment Books Still Worth Buying?
To read previous posts in the Road Trip Diet series click here.
For frequent travel deals, follow me on Facebook (McCool Travel) and Twitter (@CharlesMcCool). You can also follow me on LinkedIn, Pinterest, Klout, and StumbleUpon.
© 2012, Charles McCool
Every year about this time (early to mid October), I want to hurry up and use a bunch of my Entertainment book coupons.
Entertainment.com Promo – 9 October 2012
Most Entertainment book discounts expire on November 1–after which the next year’s edition is active.
You see, Entertainment books have SO MANY discounts that it is impossible to use them all.
On the other hand, the value of an Entertainment book is recouped after using two discounts–every additional use is truly saving money! You decide how much money you want to save.
That is why the Entertainment book is better than Groupon, Living Social, and other discount programs.
With Groupon, Living Social, etc., you buy one certificate at a 50% discount (usually) for one use. For instance, pay $15 for a $30 dining certificate.
With an Entertainment book, you pay about $30 for hundreds of 2-for-1 discounts.
The other night, I used the Entertainment card to get $15 off an entree at Supper Club of India in Herndon.
PLUS, there are hundreds of coupons for local restaurants and activities (including movies, dry cleaning, grocery, other shopping).
PLUS, each Entertainment book offers opportunities for discounts at national, mail order, and order by telephone vendors (flowers, dining, shopping, and more).
PLUS, and the BEST reason for me, each Entertainment books offers fantastic lodging and car rental discounts. They also offer other travel discounts (air, cruise, tours, package vacations), of which I have not used.
So, YES, Entertainment books ARE still worth buying. Entertainment books are better deals than online services such as Groupon.
There are several ways to get discounts on Entertainment books:
- Through Entertainment.com, sign up for auto delivery of next year’s book to get a discount on current edition.
- Through Entertainment.com, they offer discounted rates throughout the year (holiday specials, for instance).
- Buy your book when you need it. For instance, wait until June to buy a book for your vacation to San Diego in July. The book will be about half price then, through Entertainment.com.
- Buy the book at Costco. Last year, my book was $10 less than retail.
- Apply a store discount. When I shop at CVS, I usually get a coupon for $5 off $25 purchase.
- Share books with a neighbor, friend, or coworker. You can split the initial cost and coupons.
For more information about Entertainment discount books visit Entertainment.com and read my previous posts: Travel Tip: Better Than Groupon, 50% Lower Hotel Rate in 5 Easy Steps, Restaurant Discounts – Dining Deals,
Previous McCool Travel post ====> Scenic and Historic Loudoun County Virginia (Waterford)
To read previous posts in the Road Trip Diet series click here.
For frequent travel deals, follow me on Facebook (McCool Travel) and Twitter (@CharlesMcCool). You can also follow me on LinkedIn, Pinterest, Klout, and StumbleUpon.
© 2012, Charles McCool
Have you ever asked a travel company to match an advertised price from a competitor?
Most airlines are copycats anyway. When one carrier drops the price on a route, the other carriers flying that route will match the lower price. When the sale is over and fares goes back up, they magically go up from all carriers.
In the pre-Internet days, every once in awhile I was able to convince an airline to match a deal from another airline. Not always, but sometimes.
Today, airlines offer a take it or leave it menu of airfares. They would no sooner offer a customer an unadvertised price than they would let you fly the plane.
Rental cars are the same.
I usually stick with a basic formula of checking Hertz and National, using my discount codes. That usually gets me the best deal–greatest convenience at close to the lowest price.
Often I will find a tremendous deal with another car rental firm. So, I will use the phone and talk to a representative. They are almost always friendly, professional, and competent. Sometimes they even find a little bit lower rate than I find myself. However, they never match the fantastic deals of other firms. They just don’t.
Lodging is another story.
I find that hotels, especially independently owned motels, are more likely to match competitor’s rates.
On road trips, I will pick up hotel coupon books from welcome centers and rest stops (or use the associated mobile app). Surrounding properties often match a competitor’s rate even if they do not have one of the listed coupons. Thus, I will drive by a line of hotels and motels, pick the nicest one, and ask if they will match the lowest rate coupon. Often Yes but sometimes No.
I once made a mistake on a reservation and went to the wrong chain hotel. I drove to the wrong hotel (which was much, much nicer than where I made the reservation) and of course they could not find my reservation. I insisted and even showed my reservation number. The agent said that was not their reservation code and they had no rates matching that.
However, they would extend me a courtesy rate assigned to industry personnel (flight crews). After checking into my room, I dug out my paperwork and saw that my reservation was at a different hotel. Oops. Good thing that it was a reservation that I could cancel without penalty.
Even though I made a mistake by going to the wrong hotel, I felt travel karma helped me out because I was patient and friendly.
Your results may vary. Mine certainly have. There were many other situations where a property did not match a competitor’s rate.
What are your experiences asking for matching rates?
Previous McCool Travel post ====> Co-Terminals
To read previous posts in the Road Trip Diet series click here.
For frequent travel deals, follow me on Facebook (McCool Travel) and Twitter (@CharlesMcCool). You can also follow me on LinkedIn, Pinterest, Klout, and StumbleUpon.
© 2012, Charles McCool
I often stay at independent hotels or motels, rather than chain hotels, especially on road trips. Not only do I find that I get more value from independent properties, I also experience better service from the workers.
Here are 8 great reasons to stay at independent motels:
- Save Money. Rates are typically lower at independent properties because, for one reason, chain properties have to subsidize a national marketing budget. I also find that I can negotiate lower rates more at independent properties than hotel chains.
- Comfort. It is often easier to find king size beds at independent properties than at hotel chains. Independent hotels and motels often have larger rooms than nearby chain properties.
- Parking. Independent hotels and motels are usually smaller properties with parking available right outside the room.
- Better Service. The front desk staff at independent properties are usually also the owners. They have a vested and personal interest in customer satisfaction and loyalty. They are friendlier and provide better service, in my experience and opinion, than employees of chain hotels. As small business owners, they have better suggestions for things to do, see, eat, and buy in their area.
- Amenities. Most independent property rooms have a small refrigerator and a microwave. Wi-fi is usually fast and free. Independently owned hotels might have their own mini golf course, swimming pool and/or spa, or other facilities that nearby competing chain properties do not have.
- Uniqueness. Independent properties have more character and charm than chain hotels. You might even stay in a cabin, cottage, or other cool property. A place like the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, California has individually decorated and themed rooms. Stay there 100 times and have a different experience each time.
- Location. The location of independent properties favor leisure travelers, especially roadtrippers. Independent properties are usually found on smaller roads, away from major highways and city centers.
- Miscellaneous. Independent properties tend to be quieter because they are generally smaller and do not have interior hallways. They do not have large lobbies that you must walk through to get to your room (see Parking). Owners of independent properties can be more flexible so, for instance, they might have a more pet-friendly policy or allow discounts on longer term stays.
How about you? Have you stayed in independently owned properties? Like or dislike?
Previous McCool Travel post ====> Save Over $100 — 3 Days Only
To read previous posts in the Road Trip Diet series click here.
For frequent travel deals, follow me on Facebook (McCool Travel) and Twitter (@CharlesMcCool). You can also follow me on LinkedIn, Pinterest, Klout, and StumbleUpon.
© 2012, Charles McCool
Sometimes I am surprised that old tricks still work–to find lower airfares, hotel rates, and other travel deals.
I recently searched for a hotel for three nights. The rate was $169 per night.
However, when I searched one night at a time, the first night was $129 while the other two nights were $169.
Airfare searches often assign the highest fare to all passengers, even when a lower airfare is available for some of the passengers.
Yes, some online travel agent websites apply the highest rate across the entire reservation.
When booking lodging for multiple nights or buying airfares for multiple passengers, check rates for individual nights and passengers.
You will often save money.
I covered this topic in a couple of other posts:
- Save Money By NOT Buying In Quantity
Previous McCool Travel post ====> Beware the Direct Flight
To read previous posts in the Road Trip Diet series click here.
For frequent travel deals, follow me on Facebook (McCool Travel) and Twitter (@CharlesMcCool). You can also follow me on LinkedIn, Pinterest, Klout, and StumbleUpon.
© 2012, Charles McCool
In the late 1980s, I began taking extended sabbaticals to travel around the United States and then, in the 1990s, the world.
My longest break was from June 1993 through October 1994. My goal was to stick to a budget of $25 a day.
Whether my budget was defined or not, $25 or more or less, or just fly by the seats of my pants, I discovered and learned countless travel tips along the way.
Here are 8 great ways to stick to a cheap travel budget:
- Barter. I had a great arrangement with a former travel partner (now my wife). I “paid” for our flights with my frequent flyer awards and she covered other expenses until we were even. Essentially spending $0 a day for a few weeks allowed me to stick to my $25 a day budget and travel for a longer amount of time. Perhaps you will be able to sublet your residence, have an everything-must-go-so-I-can-travel sale, or find other ways to barter goods or services. You can speak English to Spanish business people in exchange for free room and board.
- Change Jar. Psychologically, if I use $4 in coins, I do not count it toward my $25 a day. Yeah, I know, money is money but I am trying to be creative. How about starting a long road trip with a large jar of coins? How long could this man have extended a trip?
- Cheap Sleeps. The longer your trip, the larger percentage of your budget will be taken up by lodging. Now is the time to tap your network and cash in favors. Don’t be shy, try friends of friends. Any place with a spare bed, sofa, floor space, or lawn will do. I spent the night before one birthday parked on a golf course in British Columbia (intentionally!). If you are in a position to house swap, you will essentially have free lodging and perhaps a car. On my longest sabbatical, we would often camp or car camp for a few days before staying in a hotel, effectively lowering our average daily lodging cost to about $12 (per person). Please see previous McCool Travel posts about Couchsurfing, hostels, and #1 tip for cheaper lodging.
- Cheap Meals. Longer trips also increase the percentage of budget eaten up by meals. Please see previous McCool Travel posts about ways to slash dining costs and alternatives to fast food. Just make sure you avoid buffets.
- Sponsorship. In the early 1990s, I envied the Mad Monks. They solicited sponsorships from family, friends, and followers to finance a 47,000 mile road trip. If you are a modern day mad monk, travel blogger, travel writer, or other go-getter, you may be able to stick to a cheap travel budget by soliciting free or discounted trips from travel suppliers, visitor centers, and other groups.
- Be Local. You will save money by acting like or becoming a local. Markets and produce stands are much cheaper than restaurant meals. Independently owned motels charge less than chain hotels. Even better are destinations where people rent rooms in their homes. In northern Australia I stayed in a private room with shared bath for $4 a night.
- Travel Cheaper. This is just a catch-all category for overall travel cost cutting. McCool Travel has hundreds of posts with tips to save money on every trip while having more fun. If you have a finite amount of funds, then the less you spend overall every day means the longer amount of time you can travel. Right?
- Your turn. Leave a comment with your most creative way to stick to a cheap travel budget. Thank you.
Happy travels!
To read previous posts in the Road Trip Diet series click here.
Previous McCool Travel post ====> 8 Great Ways to Select a Restaurant
For frequent travel deals, follow me on Facebook (McCool Travel) and Twitter (@CharlesMcCool). You can also follow me on LinkedIn, Pinterest, Klout, and StumbleUpon.
© 2012, Charles McCool
My latest road trip a couple of weeks ago started with a visit to friends in South Palm Beach. For the last two years, my friends lived in Ohio or Massachusetts for eight months and rented a condo in South Palm Beach for four months.
I am reluctant to call them snow birds, as I grew up in South Florida, and the snow bird migration was an annual blight and they were to be made fun of.
But my friends ARE snow birds. I just have to get used to having snow bird friends.
The first winter, January through April 2011, they rented a fabulous two bedroom condo on a high floor with a grand view of the intracoastal.
During their four month stay, they noticed that many units in their complex were never occupied. They asked the property managers and learned that many owners were unable to rent nor wanted to stay in their units.
Sad Sight. So Many Available Rentals.
So, because of economic conditions, people are not renting incredible South Florida (and worldwide) apartments.
Savvy, flexible people, however, like my friends are getting great deals.
Before leaving their first condo stay in April 2011, they lined up an oceanfront condo for January to April 2012.
AT THE SAME PRICE!!!
Two full bedrooms and baths. Full kitchen, dining area, living room. Large balcony. Oceanfront.
Anyone would be lucky to find a comparable hotel room for under $300.
My friends rate for one month is less than what a comparable hotel costs for probably five nights.
And, still, this unit had not been rented or even occupied for over two years.
And, still, I saw properties up and down the Atlantic coast of Florida with more than half of their units shuttered.
And, incredible lunch places, like Old Key Lime House, were relatively empty.
Old Key Lime House
How about four months of sunrises and gorgeous weather? Would you like that?
South Florida sunrise
Perhaps I am changing my attitude about snow birds…
For frequent travel deals, follow me on Facebook (McCool Travel) and Twitter (@CharlesMcCool). You can also follow me on LinkedIn, Pinterest, Klout, and StumbleUpon.
© 2012, Charles McCool
The following is a guest column for McCool Travel from HomeAway.com.
It is nice to have others share their travel tips; it helps us all learn techniques and strategies for saving money, time, and stress on every trip. Anyone else want to do a guest column? Contact me at CharlesMcCool -at- gmail -dot- com.
HomeAway, Inc. is the world’s leading online marketplace of vacation rentals, with sites representing more than 640,000 paid vacation rental home listings throughout 168 countries. The company also makes it easy for vacation rental owners and property managers to advertise their properties and manage bookings online. The HomeAway portfolio of websites includes HomeAway.com, VRBO.com and VacationRentals.com in the United States; HomeAway.co.uk and OwnersDirect.co.uk in the United Kingdom; HomeAway.de in Germany; Abritel.fr and Homelidays.com in France; HomeAway.es in Spain; AlugueTemporada.com.br in Brazil; and HomeAway.com.au in Australia.
In addition, HomeAway operates BedandBreakfast.com, the most comprehensive global site for finding bed-and-breakfast properties, providing travelers with another source for unique lodging alternatives to chain hotels. For more information about HomeAway, please visit http://www.HomeAway.com.
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Best Locations for Vacation Rental Value
Vacation rentals are almost always a good value compared to hotels — but not all destinations are created equal. There are some places that allow you to squeeze even more value out of your rental, so whether you’re looking to plan a budget trip or just save a few bucks, here are some tips on the best value vacation rental locations.
Consider the Season
Almost all destinations have a high season and a low season; and if you are visiting during the high season, you’re probably going to pay a premium. If you’re willing to travel during the slow season or the shoulder season (in between) then you might be able to find some excellent values. Often vacation rental owners are willing to negotiate during the low season when a rental could go empty. For example, a rental along the Jersey Shore in the height of summer is expensive. But what about September? The weather is still beautiful enough to enjoy the beach, but the crowds are mostly gone.
Escaping Expensive Traps
There are some destinations — including New York City, San Francisco, and Miami — that are known for expensive dining, entertainment, and nightlife. It might sound counterintuitive, but these are actually some of the best places for vacation rental value. If you choose a vacation rental in New York City, you will usually have the added benefit of a full kitchen to use instead of paying for breakfast every morning or running into a café every time you have a craving for a cup of tea.
Share with Friends
Gatlinburg, Tennessee cabin for 40, as low as $40/person at http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p272294
Some of the most appealing rentals are the big, luxurious ones with outdoor decks, hot tubs, and wood burning fireplaces. Bring these places into your price range by sharing with a group of friends. No matter how many people you squeeze into that Gatlinburg cabin or Breckenridge ski rental, the price will be the same. Sharing with friends will also allow you to make the most of the common space, preparing meals together and enjoying each other’s company.
Where to Go
Even using all of the above strategies, some rentals simply offer better value than others. Some are more affordable for a similar size with the same amenities. Think about Gulf Shores, Alabama instead of Sanibel Island, Florida. Think about a no-name town on the California coast instead of Malibu. By venturing away from the best known destinations, you will find more and more value.
Some travelers aren’t scared off by the idea of never having heard about a place. For example, if you want to spend some time in the Great Smoky Mountains hiking and fishing, why not let price be the guide? Choose an affordable rental and look at the journey to get there as an adventure. Some of the most affordable rentals are often the ones that take a little bit of extra effort to reach.
Costa Rica house for $2000/week, sleeps 12+ at http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p205244
There’s also another approach to finding the best location for vacation rental value: focus your search on one destination. Say you want to plan a trip to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. You could splurge for an oceanfront rental or you could choose an affordable rental that doesn’t have ocean views. The rental might have all the same amenities, and possibly even more space, but no view. Following this strategy, you can go where you want and just stay away from the prime (and expensive rentals).
Affordable Vacations
Some vacations are more affordable than others. A trip to the Poconos, where entertainment will include mountain biking and hiking, will be much more affordable than a trip to Orlando, once you add up the cost for theme park tickets and entertainment. Some of the best locations for vacation rental value are those that provide affordable entertainment. From mountains to lakes to beaches, these rentals will keep you and your family entertained without spending a dime.
If you’re looking for value, keep a few things in mind: up and coming destinations, remote locations, and season. The right blend of these strategies will get you a great rental for an irresistible price.
About the Author
Laura Hoot has been writing professionally since 2004 and manages HomeAway’s travel ideas site. She also runs a household of three dogs, a cat, two chickens and a baby boy along with her husband. She’s written for USA Today’s travel site, GirlsGetaway.com , Cheapo Air, Travels.com, Trails.com, eFilmCritic.com, The Budget Fashionista and Travellogged.com among other sites.
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For frequent travel deals, follow me on Facebook (McCool Travel) and Twitter (@CharlesMcCool). You can also follow me on LinkedIn, Pinterest, Klout, and StumbleUpon.
© 2012, Charles McCool
Scott Wood of OneFineStay.com recently contacted me about writing a guest column for McCool Travel. It sure is nice to have others share their travel tips; it helps us all learn techniques and strategies for saving money, time, and stress on every trip. Anyone else want to do a guest column? Contact me at CharlesMcCool -at- gmail -dot- com.
onefinestay offers boutique vacation rentals in London. Travelers can rent local resident’s homes for a more authentic vacation experience. Here is Scott’s submission.
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In recent years there has been a huge rise in the number of travellers who are looking for an alternative to staying in a hotel whilst on holiday. This has been caused by many factors, the main ones being the increasing number of soulless hotels along with the trend of visitors wishing to explore the “real” city.
This is where home swap/stays become a very viable option, these allow tourists to stay in a real person’s home and sample the life of a real local.
There are three main ways in which home swapping works.
The first is a direct swap. This is when two homes owners from different cities or counties both agree to swap homes for a set period of time. This is a great option for those on a tight budget as no money changes hand but it’s very reliant on the timings and desired locations of both parties matching up. The other main main issue with home swapping is the fear that the quality of the homes do not match and therefore one set of guests would feel hard done by.
The second alterative to staying in a hotel is to rent a spare room in a local’s home. This trend of “couchsurfing” has becoming increasing popular among young travellers as it provides an easy and cheap alternative to hostel rooms, which are often unsecure. Couchsurfing works by home owners posting information of their spare room on a website, travellers can then book and pay for the room online. The homeowner is then responsible for arranging the comings and goings of the guest during the stay. Some people have found this to be great way to travel as they get to meet the homeowner and get their tips on the local area. The fact that you are moving to a person’s home while they are still there can sometimes lead to a lack of privacy for both parties.
If you like the idea of staying in someone’s home but don’t want to have them there or if you’re travelling as a family then an entire home rental is the best option. A home rental allows travellers to live in a real home but the owner is away. Guests have access to the entire home, this means that you get things that you don’t get a in a hotel, such as a kitchen and a fully equipped living room. A onefinestay rental allows guest to stay in an upscale London home and also receive all the services which you would expect from a hotel.
All three of these options allow travellers to see parts of any city that tourists don’t see without having to pay over the odds for a boring hotel room.
Thank you, Scott!
Charles McCool is an independent consumer travel advocate.
For frequent travel deals, follow me on Facebook (McCool Travel) and Twitter (@CharlesMcCool). You can also follow me on LinkedIn, Pinterest, Klout, and StumbleUpon.
© 2012, Charles McCool
