.: Check Airfares Before Deciding To Fly Or Drive
Category:Home / Recreation and Leisure / Travel
In the days when gas cost 25 cents a gallon, it was an easy decision which was the cheaper method of travel, flying or driving. Driving was the standard mode of transportation, and flying was a luxury. However, with airlines in a cutthroat competition for customers, and gasoline becoming increasingly expensive, this may no longer hold true under all circumstances. The economy of both options should be evaluated for each planned trip. Don't assume that flying is the most expensive option, especially if you use the following tips to get the cheapest fares.
In order to figure out how much gas you'll need to reach your destination, find out the mileage both ways and then use an online fuel consumption calculator. Of course, how much gas you will use depends on whether you drive a Hummer or a Kia. For long trips, add on some money for wear and tear on your car and the tires.
In addition, add up the costs of food and beverages consumed en route, as well as hotel costs if the car trip lasts more than one day. Hotel costs alone can add up to a few hundred dollars for a two-way trip, and since cross-country airfares can be less than five hundred dollars, this expense alone may make it cheaper to fly. If you are travelling with a family, the hotel bill stays relatively constant while the airfare per person adds up quickly. However, for a single person or even a couple, air fare may very well be comparable.
Check out airfares with at least three online travel agencies. You will find a wide difference in fares, because each agency may have different specials, and charge different service fees.
When planning your trip, book as far in advance as possible. Economy seats on desirable flights sell out fast, especially during peak season. If possible, book your air travel during the off season, and avoid travelling at Christmas and New Years, spring break and the summer vacation season from July to August.
Airfare specials are often offered in spring and fall, making flying much more economical.
Students or a seniors should inquire for special rates. Airlines give student discounts, and seniors may be able to get a good deal on airfare from the AARP. If you belong to a club or service organization, ask if they are affiliated with any airlines or have a discount travel program.
If you are travelling in a large group and are contemplating using individual cars or a long bus ride, check the cost of charter aircraft. Sometimes it is cheaper to reserve an entire plane than buy individual tickets. It's a lot more pleasant to take a short plane trip together than sit for an entire day stuffed together in a vehicle.
Last but not least, consider how much time you will save by flying. If you only have a week or two for your vacation, driving may cut into your free time significantly. It's tiring, too, and you may need a day or two to recuperate after a day of driving. It may be worth a bit of extra money to save a lot of aggravation.
Airfares out of large airports can be more expensive than out of smaller municipal airports, so if you are travelling to a large city, check smaller airports nearby. The trip may be much cheaper with only a small detour. Be sure to consider cab fare or rental car rates to get to final destination.
Article keywords: airfare, airfares, airline tickets, airplane tickets, airfares directory
Article Source: http://www.articles32.com
Frank Vanderlugt is interested in cheap airfares. Cheap Airfares
.: New Travel Articles
1). Sandyport Beaches Resort: A Little Worn But Comfy
A traveler describes a trip to Bahamas and a stay at Sandyport Beaches resort. Overall the hotel is satisfactory although it requires a lot of improvements. Prices at the hotel are moderate but the food is overpriced even in grocery stores. There are more useful tips in the article...
2). Planning Your Education Travel Tour or Trip
Students of all ages are among the largest groups of people who partake in educational travel tours.
3). Tips For Planning Your Student Travel Excursions
While school is a lovely place to explore history, math, English and science, there are many students who embark on journeys just to get a break from the classroom and campus.
4). Are You Ready To Organize Your Senior Class Trip?
When high school and college students start their senior year in school, many begin to think about and plan one or more senior class trips to be taken either right before or right after graduation.
5). Playa Conchal, Costa Rica; A Beach Made of Shells
It looks as if you are walking on normal sand, but when you look down, you discover in astonishment that the shiny white sand is actually made of tiny crushed shells...
6). Atlantis Royal Towers: Nice But Ridiculously Expensive
A traveler reviews a trip to Bahamas and a stay at Atlantis Royal Towers Paradise Island Bahamas. There are also some good tips on getting the most of your stay and saving a few bucks...
7). Paradise Island Harbour Resort: Generally Satisfied
A traveler tells about his trip to Bahamas and reviews his stay at Paradise Island Harbour resort. Although the hotel requires some renovation it still provides a satisfactory experience and worth the money.
.: Top Travel Articles
1). Oktoberfest - A Celebration Of German Culture
Oktoberfest is one of the world's great seasonal festivals. It is held every fall in Munich, Bavaria, and in other locations around the world.
The first Oktoberfest started as a series of horse races in honour of the wedding of the Crown Prince of Bavaria in 1810. The horse races became an annual event and were combined with the state agricultural fair the following year.
2). Halloween In Siberia – Sort Of
Live in another country and you’ll start to experience serious cultural differences. This is particularly true as I discovered with Halloween in Siberia.
Russian Holidays
I loved living in Russia and the primary reason was people. Russians love to celebrate and they are big into holidays. In Chita, Siberia, practically everyday was a holiday. During communism, Russia celebrated the worker with holidays such as bus driver day, teacher day and so on.
3). A Nice Savanna Vacation
Almost everyone have their own ideal vacation spot. This usually considered as the perfect place where the worries and toils of survival can be forgotten momentarily. And two natural elements that often characterize this ideal vacation spot are the sun and the ocean.
There must be something about the sea that makes people flock to it. But humans we know are very unique.
4). First Class Upgrade Secrets Tips and Strategies
Top 12 Ways to Upgrade to First Class on the Major Airlines
Getting Upgraded to First Class
These days with little profit and extra overheard costs, a flyer with no past history on a given airline has little chance of upgrading to first class. But it can happen if you do your homework. Hence why you are here today.
Method #1: Asking the ticket counter agent nicely or perhaps offering him/her a bribe.
5). Backpacking – Go Light On Your Budget & Luggage
Backpacking is one of the best ways to see the world, travel light and enjoy cheap travels.
6). An Oregon Coast Ghost Hunting Guide
The winds cut deeper and make progressively louder noises as the days shorten. Fog creeps in from the sea more often. And then Halloween shows up, as if to really remind us about things otherworldly. It's no wonder Oregon's northern coast has a load of ghostly tales swirling about. It's no wonder the remake of "The Fog" currently in release is set in a fictional North Oregon Coast town.
7). Chapeau Noir...Cheap Chic Travels!
Copyright 2006 The Edventures Group
You've got a favorite photo from your last vacation, right?
Mine is of moi in Paris on the Champs Elysee. I'm posed at the edge of boredom. After all, I am an American in Paris, and can't look too exited.
Looming large in the photo behind me is the famous Louis Vutton store. Ladies, you know what I'm talking about.