Travel Smart to Save Money, Have Good Time
By Steve Palisin, The Sun News, Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Jun. 22–Savings can be found for fliers and on the ground whether at a motel or campground.
Area travel and park officials shared some insight to maximize spending on a budget.
Flying
Sandra Horton, general manager for AAA Carolinas’ Myrtle Beach office, said vacationers who fly can take numerous steps to keep their costs down as many airlines impose fees such as for checked baggage and pre-assigned aisle and window seat selections.
She said a travel agent might have more resources to check fares at various airlines and compare those at other proximate airports besides Myrtle Beach International.
Sometimes, a legacy carrier such as Delta or US Airways might not always charge a higher fare from Myrtle Beach than Spirit Airlines and Myrtle Beach Direct Air & Tours, but many factors come to play in pricing, Horton said.
She suggested:
Be flexible with dates and city of departure — In some cases, people who live north of Myrtle Beach might find a better bargain, even with the drive and a parking fee, by flying out of Wilmington, N.C., and the same applies for people to the south, who might use Charleston International Airport.
Pack lightly — Use a carry-on suitcase and avoid checking the bag for a fee.
Be unparticular on seating — The middle chair in a row of three or taking a seat at the back of the plane could avoid an extra charge.
Consider travel on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday — Demand for tickets on these days might bring availability of more discounted fares.
Avoid delays in buying — If good fare is found, such as on an airline’s Web site, buy it.
Hotels and motels
For lodging, Horton said a travel agent also can check rates across a market. As with rental cars, AAA members gain discounts at chains such as Best Western, Hampton Inn, Hilton, Hyatt, LaQuinta, Marriott and Starwood.
Chains also tout their own discounts solely through their Web sites.
Red Roof Inn offers “Red Hot Deals” in certain markets. LaQuinta Inns & Suites updates its “Weekend Deals” available at select sites for three weeks in advance.
Camping
Lisa Justice, assistant manager at Shallotte/Brunswick Beaches KOA Kampground in Sunset Beach, N.C., said searching for camp accommodations is like searching for a hotel: It’s based on particular necessities sought in a location.
Justice advises:
Research multiple places — Amenities vary; the fewer the luxuries, the lower the rental fees.
Scout for needs in a camp — Is the camp a family’s base of operations, with somewhere clean and safe to spend the night, to recharge after going to area attractions? Or do the travelers want to be more pampered, with recreational and other organized activities on the grounds?
Identify the purpose of the getaway — Is escaping from the everyday world for a few days the plan? Especially if children are traveling, what activities are available on the campground or nearby?
Mike Lane, assistant manager for Huntington Beach State Park, near Murrells Inlet, said renting a camp site with water and electric hookups costs roughly $30 a night there, a designated tent site about $20.
“It’s one of the best deals in town.” Lane said.
Myrtle Beach State Park had no campground vacancies last weekend.
A S.C. Park Passport, $50 at the gate, and about $33 to S.C. residents at area libraries, Lane said, brings free admission to all 47 state parks and many nature and recreation programs.
“It’s a great way to get the kids outside,” he said.
Contact STEVE PALISIN at 444-1764.
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