Hotels offering gas incentives
April 28, 2008
The run-up in price for a barrel of oil has created terror in the travel biz as more and more people opt for "staycations." That's when you're off from work yet you stay home to save money.
To offset sluggish sales, some chain hotels and independent proprietors are offering free gas -- a 35-year old tactic not seen since the first energy crisis in 1973. Clark recalls that Days Inn locations actually had their own gas pumps on premises! SmartMoney.com reports that Hilton, Holiday Inn and Marriott are among the chains reviving this promotion at select locations only.
|
CLARK'S TIP TOPICS
Find more consumer advice in Clark Howard's book, "Get Clark Smart" |
Want to save even more? Hotels that once snubbed Hotwire are giving the website their inventory as bookings soften. Look for deals on 4-star hotels because Hotwire inflates its ratings. You may even find some steals on accommodations in elusive New York City.
Some people don't like Hotwire because the site doesn't disclose where you'll stay until after you pay a non-refundable deposit. Check BetterBidding.com to vet the hotels you're likely to get and TripAdvisor.com for user-generated reviews of the hotels. Finally, try using Priceline if you're willing to do the work of bidding. Visit BiddingForTravel.com for additional resources.
Clark finds that he saves about 50% on car rentals and between 30% and 45% on hotels when using Priceline or Hotwire.
Slow economy, soft travel means globe-trotting deals
April 16, 2008
We're paying an all-time record high for gas, adjusted for inflation. That makes this the perfect market for low-cost luxury bus service to expand around the United States. Companies like Mega Bus, Bolt Bus and others run city-to-city throughout the Midwest, the Northeast/New England and on the West Coast. On-board amenities typically include hi-speed Internet, HDTV and comfortable seats. The Wall Street Journal reports that business is up 137% in the Midwest for one company.
So what about the price? A Washington Post reporter went from Washington D.C. to midtown Manhattan for $1.50! Of course, there are only a limited number of seats at those kinds of prices. Other seats can run up to the $20 range.
But taking a plane or your car would definitely be more costly. This new breed of bus lines also attracts people out of their cars by avoiding traditional crime-ridden bus terminals. They instead pick up in high-income commercial districts and drop passengers off at other high-income areas at end of the line.
The irony is that Bolt Bus is owned by that parent company that owns Greyhound. They were obviously smart enough to ditch the Greyhound reputation and go with new branding and a new fleet of buses!
Slow economy, soft travel means globe-trotting deals
April 1, 2008
As the economy slows, there will be bumps along the way in the travel industry -- along with some opportunities. ... More
Clear program goes a long way to ensure air travel security
March 14, 2008
Clark always talks about spending less, but here's something it might be worth to actually spend some money on. ... More
Greyhound launches ultra cheap Bolt Bus
March 12, 2008
There is a real market demand for cheap, reliable and safe city-to-city bus transportation.
... More
More recent Travel & Leisure Tips from Clark:- Slow economy, soft travel means globe-trotting deals
- Orbitz responds to complaint
- Clear program goes a long way to ensure air travel security
- Greyhound launches ultra cheap Bolt Bus
- InsideTrip.com offers new perspective on air travel
- Travel junk fees are out of control
- CouchSurfing.com may appeal to low-budget travelers
- Workers increasingly forfeit vacation days
- Baggage loss rates skyrocketing
- Passenger revolt on grounded Continental flight
