Payment/Cost Flashcards
Cash v Card Policy
Always carry some cash, some businesses are cash only (but many of those also have ATMs)
Importance of bank notification
NEED to let the bank know about your trip BEFORE you buy ANYTHING. Banks can cancel your purchases/tickets without your permission (this is what happened to your tickets for SIX)
Importance of seeking bundles
Try to look for bundles on experiences. Affiliate marketers get some “commission” when you buy from them so they sell you tickets to several experiences at a discounted/bundle rate, collect a bunch of commission, and pass some of the savings on to you. Some of them aren’t very good, but these can save you a TON of money
Importance of Prebooking
MUST prebook even if it’s just an hour in advance. ANY place (including museums) could refuse to sell tickets in person. If you can’t do it online, then call and do it over the phone
Importance of calling the hotel before you book
Some hotels seem like they’re charging a super low rate online, and then you get there and you find out that they charge extra for breakfast or parking
Rules for giftshops
Only buy items from the gift shop that you could not get anywhere else. Otherwise you’re just overpaying for something you could have gotten on Amazon
Discount Opportunities
A lot of places have student/educator/veteran discounts, you need to ask about that when you get your tickets
Best way to avoid over-paying for a trip there was only supposed to be a three-ish days
look at what is available in terms of activities but DO NOT pay for any of them, even if they’re on sale. (PAYING BEFORE YOU KNOW FIRMLY WHAT DAYS YOU ARE GOING TO BE THERE LEADS TO EXTENDED TRIPS AND POTENTIALLY TWO OR THREE TIMES AS MUCH SPENDING, like Chicago)
Importance of looking at different services for places to stay
When pricing out different options, do not forget to check out vrbo and airbnb. You tend to focus on Expedia and potentially miss out on great places/prices
Finding the lowest rate for a hotel you like
If you Google the hotel (on your phone) it will show you which booking services have the lowest rates (but you should still call the hotel and see if you can save by booking direct)
Importance of avoiding busy travel days
Unpopular travel days (like Tuesdays) aren’t just cheaper… they’re faster. You won’t have to wait in lines to check in for the flight or for the TSA check. Minimizes risk of missing the flight (because things happen and you might arrive at the airport late)
Cheapest days for staying at a hotel
Staying in a hotel during the work days is cheaper than staying in a hotel over the weekend
Often forgotten sources when looking for places to stay
When pricing out different options, do not forget to check out vrbo and airbnb
