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I recently visited one of my favorite places on Earth, White Sands National Monument near Alamogordo, New Mexico–for the third time.
McCool Travel: White Sands National Monument
Although it was my third visit, it was the first time for my children and the first time I tried saucers there.
McCool Travel: White Sands NM
McCool Travel: White Sands NM
Plastic saucers can be rented from the Visitor Center. Actually, you buy the saucers and get a refund when they are returned.
McCool Tip #1: Check for used saucers behind the cashier. Used saucers will save you a little money. I tried both saucers (new and used) on the dunes and found no difference.
McCool Tip #2: Spend an extra couple of dollars for wax and spend a few minutes waxing your saucer(s) after every few rides. Waxed saucers made a huge difference (in speed).
McCool Tip #3: I had better success with the saucer recommended for children and smaller adults, although I am a larger adult. Go figure!
Even though it was cloudy for our visit, we were rewarded with remarkable colors and vistas at sunset time.
McCool Travel: White Sands NM
McCool Travel: White Sands NM
McCool Travel: White Sands NM
McCool Travel: White Sands NM
My son took a break from riding the dunes to make this wonderful design.
McCool Travel: White Sands NM
It is easy to find a blank canvas (untouched sand) in the park. What design would you make?
Previous McCool Travel post ====> Road Trip Travel Tip: Drive a Little, Save a Lot
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© 2013, Charles McCool
Perhaps you have also noticed this.
Gas stations closest to the interstate exit ramps have the most expensive gas.
Of course this is for our convenience. Easy on, easy off.
Sometimes there is only one gas station at an exit. Or it is not reasonable to drive another 7 miles to the next station.
Often, though, there will be one or a few gas stations very close to an interstate exit while a short distance away (less than 2 miles) there is a small town or suburbia.
On one road trip, gas prices were 40 cents higher close to the interstate. I drove half a mile to save 40 cents a gallon.
I am definitely not the type of person to drive around town looking to save 3 cents a gallon whenever I fill up. When my car needs gas, I combine a fill up trip with some other task.
Same with road trips.
I will drive an extra half mile to five miles (each way) to get cheaper gas because I am also stocking up on groceries, eating at a fantastic diner I read about, or visiting a fascinating roadside attraction.
Of course I try to stay off the interstates as much as possible but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. But I do try to stick with smaller roads when I can.
To preplan the least costly fuel stops for a set itinerary, use Cost2Drive. Finding nearby fuel prices is made easier with mobile apps like Gas Buddy. Tip: Costcos often has the lowest fuel prices.
How about you? What other places have you noticed inflated prices?
Previous McCool Travel post ====> 14 Years of How-To Travel Tips, Advice, and Information
For frequent travel deals, follow me on Facebook (McCool Travel) and Twitter (@CharlesMcCool). You can also follow me on LinkedIn, Pinterest, Klout, and StumbleUpon.
© 2013, Charles McCool
I just returned from a long weekend trip and wanted to share the process I used to lower my car rental rate by almost 40%.
First, I made the initial car rental reservation a few weeks before the trip. Right after booking the airfare. Using my standard and stealthy methods, I found a rate of $142 for a 3 day car rental from Hertz at Boston airport. It was a decent rate, based on my previous rentals. The $142 rate used my AAA code (20% off). The $142 rate, which included all taxes and fees, was already a discounted rate which I did not expect to reduce further.
However, second, I checked my reservation seven days before the rental car pickup date. This step is second nature to me (and highly recommended if you want to SAVE MONEY). I usually confirm my travel reservations a few days before the trip starts. The main purpose is to make sure that everything is OK; it is much easier to fix an issue from home than at the car rental counter or hotel front desk. A secondary purpose is to verify rates and perhaps find lower rates. In this case, a new PC code under the AAA Offers tab reduced my rate by $15. These codes typically expire at the end of the current month so it was not valid for my initial reservation. My new rate was now $127.
Third, I checked the Hertz website again, for the heck of it, three days before the trip. I found a new offer under the Featured Offers tab. It gave me a new daily rate of $16 (compared to the $30 AAA rate). My car rental rate dropped to $90. I tried to apply the $15 discount code but that did not work. No matter, I would rather save another $37 than use a certain discount.
I checked the following day but this fantastic rate was no longer available. The best rate I found was $127. Fortunate timing for me.
So, I essentially saved 37% from my excellent original baseline rate by spending an extra few minutes confirming reservations and rechecking rates.
Worth it? You bet!
Previous McCool Travel post ====> 12/12/12: Free Download of Winning the Airfare Game by Charles McCool
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
Tomorrow (Thursday, November 22, 2012) is Thanksgiving in the USA.
Today is also a very special day–more on that in a bit.
Although I have celebrated many Thanksgivings, perhaps my most memorable Thanksgiving meal was my first after getting married.
In 1995, Julie and I lived in California and bought a house in Virginia. Our stuff traveled across the country by moving truck while we drove on another cross country road trip.
We ate our Thanksgiving meal at a Native American restaurant in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Although I do not remember the name of the place (I think it is the current Amaya), the meal remains a unique and memorable experience.
I remember reading and learning about the Three Sisters–corn (maize), beans, and squash–and having that combination as a major component of the meal. I remember Julie having trout and my entree being buffalo or elk.
At least, I think we did!?!
Well, I want to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to all of my readers. Hopefully many aspects of your celebration will remain memorable for years to come.
What is your most unique Thanksgiving meal? tradition? memory?
By the way, today is not only the day before Thanksgiving but we celebrate the 16th birthday of my wonderful twins. Happy birthday, sweeties!
McCool Travel – Happy Thanksgiving
Previous McCool Travel post ====>American Civil War In My Backyard–Literally
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
There is a very large hole on my property. It is probably 15 feet deep, 30 feet across, and 100 feet long.
Civil War trench?: McCool Travel
There are also several smaller trenches in my back yard. Thanks to the efforts of some neighbors, we know the trenches were used in the American Civil War.
Civil War trench: McCool Travel
Civil War trench: McCool Travel
That’s right, I have Civil War history in my backyard!
Historians, archaeologists, and architects have studied the trenches and determined that they were engineered and built specifically for the Civil War in the 1860s.
Why are there Civil War trenches on my property?
Well, the Washington & Old Dominion trail is nearby. The W&OD (we call it “wad”) is a bike/horse/foot trail converted from a railroad. During the Civil War, a train line ran right next to my property!
The researchers determined that the series of rifle pits were engineered and built to disrupt train service.
While I have a few trenches on my property, other trenches run perpendicular to the W&OD through other neighbor’s yards.
Civil War trenches: View Toward W&OD: McCool Travel
A recent revelation is that one trench likely served as living quarters. My neighbors figured this out while visiting a recreated Civil War site. One of the park’s trenches has a stone wall with a wooden hut built over it. Sure enough, one of “our” trenches has a stone wall.
Civil War Trench: Possible Living Quarters: McCool Travel
The soldiers probably picked this spot because it was on a hill and close to a natural water source. In the next picture, the fresh water spring is at the bottom of the green grass in the distance.
Civil War trench: View toward water spring: McCool Travel
In the second picture above is what remains from a mighty oak that fell a few years ago. For a sense of how large the tree was, note below my size 13 shoe inside the hollow trunk.
Civil War trench: McCool Travel
While I do not expect that our properties will become a National Park, one neighbor does lead historical tours. His tour visits many sites in the Hunter Mill corridor with a favorite stop being our trenches.
But you can have your own private tour on your next visit to the area. Just give me a holler!
As for the giant hole, no one knows why it is here. The researchers said it was not constructed along with the rifle trenches. In fact, it may not even be manmade.
Found Any Relics?
A couple of years after we moved in, I had a coworker come over with his relic-hunting equipment. He found nothing. My neighbors said the area was very well picked over before the houses were built (in the 1970s). One neighbor did find a cannon ball. I have found a suspicious metal object that may be a shattered bullet. That’s about it.
How’s that for nearby history? What is in your backyard?
Previous McCool Travel post ====> McCool Travel Tips: 5 Minutes With Samantha Brown
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
Tonight (Monday, October 22, 2012) is the third debate between the two major candidates in the upcoming U.S. President election.
The debate will be held at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. I was fortunate to visit the gorgeous campus of Lynn University a few months ago where I followed up on a great insider tip.
The day before my visit to Lynn University, I had never heard of the place. My visit was definitely unplanned.
Having lunch with a high school friend who I had not seen in 25 years was a treat. I heard that Luis had done well; he was a Fulbright scholar and now owned his own architecture firm.
Luis told me about designing the award-winning Haiti memorial remembrance plaza at Lynn University. He proudly described the accolades his firm received, showed me pictures of the plaza, and mentioned that it would be featured as a backdrop for the Presidential debate.
The memorial was only one month old and I proudly and humbly visited it the following day.
While tonight’s debate will be in an auditorium, the Haiti memorial will undoubtedly be on display by at least one of the major broadcast networks.
The memorial is dedicated to four students and two professors who died in the massive January 2010 Haiti earthquake.
Luis excitedly described to me how the memorial symbolizes the humanitarian efforts of the six individuals, incorporating the natural beauty of the water, air, light, and stone. The colors are influenced by these elements so that the memorial always looks different yet always looks reverent and peaceful.
For more information about the memorial, here is Lynn University’s media kit from the dedication ceremony this past March.
Luis Sousa is the principal owner of Sousa Architecture in Miramar, Florida.
Whichever candidate you support, if you watch the debate you also now have a little insider information.
Here are some of my pictures of the memorial:
Haiti memorial: Lynn University by Charles McCool
Haiti memorial: Lynn University by Charles McCool
Haiti memorial: Lynn University by Charles McCool
Haiti memorial: Lynn University by Charles McCool
Previous McCool Travel post ====> Save 43% on Entertainment Books
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 have read more than once that the American Civil War pitted brother against brother. I do not how often brothers actually fought on the battlefield but it really did happen in Waterford, Virginia.
The historic village of Waterford was founded by Quakers in 1733 and was the first settlement in gorgeous Loudoun County, Virginia–currently one of the fastest growing and wealthiest counties in the United States.
How historic is Waterford? It is one of only three National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States. It is also on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Historic Landmarks Register.
By highway, Waterford is only one hour from Washington, DC. However, unpaved roads still exist in Loudoun County, making for a much more fun journey. For instance, Old Waterford Road from Leesburg to Waterford, is a historic Colonial path with many remaining 100 acre horse farms alongside (in spite of the encroaching development).
Old Waterford Road, Virginia
This weekend, October 5-7, is the Waterford Homes Tour & Crafts Exhibit (aka “The Waterford Fair”). In addition to heritage crafts displays and historic homes open houses, there are historic demonstrations from the Colonial and Civil War periods.
Here are pictures of some of Waterford’s historic properties:
Waterford, Virginia
Waterford, Virginia
Waterford, Virginia
Waterford, Virginia
Waterford, Virginia
Waterford, Virginia
Waterford, Virginia
Waterford, Virginia
Previous McCool Travel post ====> Scenic and Historic Loudoun County Virginia (Old Waterford Road)
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
Loudoun County, Virginia is one of the fastest growing and wealthiest counties in the United States.
Along the Dulles Greenway and Waxpool Road, large tracts of farmland have been replaced by housing and shopping developments. The Washington, D.C. suburbs now extend to Ashburn, Leesburg, and Purcellville and in 2015 the DC area Metro subway Silver Line will extend to Dulles Airport and into Loudoun County.
All is not forgotten, however, as Loudoun County has retained much of its charm and scenic beauty. I recently spent a couple of days exploring Loudoun County and found plenty of history and scenic unpaved roads (my favorite kind).
For instance, Old Waterford Road–between Leesburg and Waterford–is a hilly unpaved (mostly) road with several gorgeous 100 acre farms. Several farms have already been sold and developed. Some farms are for sale and surely will be developed in the future. Perhaps the road will even be paved–NO, don’t do it.
Loudoun County Scenery – 100 acre farms with mountain views
Abandoned historic home along Old Waterford Road, Loudoun County
Unzoomed view of abandoned home setting, Loudoun County
Loudoun County Scenery – along Old Waterford Road
In a future post, I will cover Waterford, a historic town with buildings dating back to before USA was a country.
Previous McCool Travel post ====> Cheaper Rental Cars With This Feature
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 previous McCool Travel blog and Facebook posts, I showed that for rental cars I typically use discounts from AAA, Entertainment books, and Costco, get great value renting from Emerald Aisle (National Car Rental) and Hertz (but sometimes use Avis or other brands), and how to use Auto Slash to further lower your rental car rate. And I showed you some creative and stealthy rental car maneuvers.
I have shown more complex examples of how to save money with one-way airfares and car rentals, how to swap rental cars, and even how to get a FREE rental car.
Most of the time, I rent vehicles from airport locations. After all, it is the most convenient process after flying to another destination. Get off the plane, pick up a car, and be on my way.
However, there have been trips where I rented a car but did not pick it up at the airport.
Car Rental, Road Trip
Sometimes renting a car from a non-airport location can save big money.
One time, I flew into Frankfurt, Germany, took a train to Trier, spent a few hours touring Trier and researching their archives, and picked up a car at their Hertz office just before their 6pm closing time.
Another trip, I flew into Long Beach, rode a city bus to downtown, and walked a short distance to rent a car from the downtown location.
Still another trip, I flew into Seattle, spent a few days downtown, picked up a car at a downtown location, used that car for two days to visit Portland and Mt. St. Helens, returned it to a Tacoma location, and then rented an RV. Whew!
There were more instances but these are just three examples. The primary reason for me to rent a car from an alternate location and not the airport was and is to save money.
A sort-of brilliant side effect to the first two scenarios was that I was able to return the cars to the airport location for the same rate as the rental location. That was much more convenient that I did not have to take a cab ride, shuttle, or bus.
OK, that is some background info…
Recently, I was doing some rental car rate searches.
I discovered that the weekly rates for renting a car from South Florida airports ran about $500.
$500? That is crazy! The rates were about the same at Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and Palm Beach airports.
A quick search, though, at nearby off-airport locations near Ft. Lauderdale airport presented rates around $200.
Yes, $200 for the same car, from the same company, just a few miles away.
Do you want to save $300?
I sure do.
But how to get to the alternate location, you might justifiably wonder.
Depending on the circumstances, I have taken taxis, city buses, shuttle buses, trains, hitched rides, or walked.
It is possible that the rental car company will come pick you up, although it is unlawful for them to do so at some airports.
For the current Ft. Lauderdale example, I estimate a taxi would cost $35 (including tip) each way. I use Taxi Fare Finder to do so.
OK, so the actual savings is $230 if a taxi is used in both directions. Not too shabby!
It is possible that a passenger doing this will actually save time renting away from the airport than at the airport.
Allow me to explain. To rent a car at Ft. Lauderdale, everyone must take a shuttle bus to a central rental car facility; all car firms are there. When I have a Hertz Gold or Emerald Aisle reservation and can bypass the line, it still often takes 20-30 minutes to get to a car after I exit the terminal.
If, instead, I exit the terminal and immediately get in a taxi, I will likely be in my car at the off-airport location within the same 20-30 minutes. However, I am now 10-15 minutes closer to my intended destination. Brilliant! Of course it takes a minor bit of planning to select a location in the same direction as where you intend to go.
Remember that the rate is often the same if the car is returned to the airport. If so, then only one taxi would be needed.
Taking public transportation often costs less and usually (but not always) takes more time. Depends on the traffic. For instance, the light rail in Seattle is super convenient, clean, speedy, and inexpensive. It can get you from the airport to downtown in less time than driving, during rush hour.
With great planning and luck, you can rent a car at a hotel with a complimentary shuttle. Or take a shuttle as close as you can and walk to the rental location.
There are various modes of transportation that will support your decision to rent cars away from airports to save loads of cash.
How about you? Have you ever rented a car from a non-airport location to save money?
Previous McCool Travel post ====> 8 Great Reasons to Stay At Independent Motels
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
