Tagged With "Money Saving Tips"
Comment
Re: Sea World gives up its killer whale shows
I grow weary of political correctness. Orcas are highly intelligent animals, no doubt -- and have the "cruelty" we expect of intelligent animals (anyone who's seen them hunt a baby gray whale for hours, only to kill it, eat its tongue and let the rest go to waste knows what I mean). I never saw Blackfish, but I do recall at the old Marineland park in Southern California. The park was closed for a number of months, and the orcas got depressed. Listless, didn't eat, didn't look good. Someone...
Comment
Re: Money Savings Tips, for your Big Trip - Part 1
These are all good tips and add up to quite a bit of coin. I've also never had luck with renegotiating cable rates. But I did give up my coffee stop and just brew my own and take it along to work. Works fine for me. Looking forward to the rest of your tips. Thanks, Samantha!
Comment
Re: Money Savings Tips, for your Big Trip - Part 1
Thanks Samantha. All great tips. Some we do now and some (public transit) we do not since we live outside Edmonton and both work in the city. A 15 minute commute would turn into over an hour on transit. We actually just redid our cable subscription, obtained a better plan and updated internet with a reduced monthly cost. With our kids now moved out we are able to save a good bit on our utilities, phone costs and especially food costs. All extra coin for the next trip.
Comment
Re: Money Savings Tips, for your Big Trip - Part 1
And don't forget: use a miles-earning card for everything you DO spend! Between bonuses for new cards and steady use, you can go a long way!
Comment
Re: Money Savings Tips, for your Big Trip - Part 1
Great tips.! Cable companies usually don't reward loyalty and offer their best promotional rates to new people. Netflix, Amazon Prime are good ways to save on cable bills if you can get internet. As far as eating out, I always find it's a question of what I order. I avoid drinks, desserts , and the cost is not bad at all.
Comment
Re: Money Savings Tips, for your Big Trip - Part 1
Thanks DrFumblefinger. Glad you enjoyed the post and the second part will be out this week!
Comment
Re: Money Savings Tips, for your Big Trip - Part 1
Hi there Rob. Since I wrote this post we actually cut the cable and only have OTA and Netflix. Saves us over $100.00 a month. Nice amount to save for our travel adventures! And you are right about the drinks. That is what will kill you. Stay away from them and it should help. Thanks for the comments. Part 2 this week!
Comment
Re: Money Savings Tips, for your Big Trip - Part 1
Yep, it definitely adds up. Thanks for the comment. Make sure to read part 2 coming this week.
Comment
Re: Money Savings Tips, for your Big Trip - Part 1
Thanks for the comment. Glad you were able to get a new contract with your cable company. We had Comcast and they don't care about retaining customers, only getting new ones Such a shame. Thanks for the comment and happy travels.
Comment
Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, July 13, 2015: Gettysburg at dusk
Thanks for the tip, Jonathan. Another interesting stop is to President Eisenhower's home, which adjoins Gettysburg. Like stepping back into the era of MadMen.
Reply
Re: Is Porto worth the trip?
Much as I loved my time in Porto...it's NOT a day trip. Much too much to do there, including evening stroll along the Douro, port-wine tasting across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia and more. I'd say take the advice above and save Porto for another trip. Of the recommended day trips above, I'd vote for Sintra. It's an easy trip--trains run about every 30 minutes, more frequently in rush hours, The town itself is interesting, the Moorish Castle up on the mountain and the Pena Palace above that...
Reply
Re: Frequent Flyer Strategy - Delta
Great tip! We're usually both on FF tickets so we haven't had this issue, but L.A. in July will be different. Not sure which carrier we'll be on, but we'll watch for it.
Reply
Re: Frequent Flyer Strategy - Delta
You learn something new every day! That is a good tip, thanks!
Comment
Re: Eat Out at Restaurants on the Cheap
That's a great tip, TravelRob! I've been using the emiles I've generated for frequent flyer miles, but this really does sound like a much better option! Thanks!
Reply
Re: Finishing college. Need help planning trip to U.K,
Wow! This has been very helpful, especially the tip about the Youth Hostels. I'm definitely going to look into that. I think staying at a hostel can help me stay within my budget. I'd really like to go to the UK if at all possible. I know there are cheaper places, but there's only one England and I've always wanted to see it. I think I'd like to spend maybe a week in London then head into the country, maybe doing a circuit to include parts of Wales and Scotland. I need to do some thinking...
Reply
Re: Finishing college. Need help planning trip to U.K,
Starting to get things planned now Hank ! You have the choice of flying into Edinburgh in Scotland. Manchester in the North of England. Or Gatwick / Heathrow which both serve the London area in the South of England. You can get a Train to Paris to end your tour with a few days of Culture in a foreign language ! Fly back to the US from Paris will save you hundreds of Dollars because you wont pay the UK "Departure Tax" but not vital ! Liverpool is less than an hour on the Train from...
Reply
Re: Spring Honeymoon Help
Congratulations SueZee! We're delighted in your marriage, and you've picked a great country in which to honeymoon. May is not too early to go to Italy, although pack a light jacket just in case. The crowds won't be there yet and you'll save some money when compared to the peak summer season. Where to go is very much a matter of taste. Most definitely you need to go to Venice and I'd say spend at least 5 days here, maybe with a day trip or two (such as to the glass making island of Murano or...
Reply
Re: Finishing college. Need help planning trip to U.K,
That's helpful too, Rob. So with your guys advice, I'm thinking of the following plan, which still has holes I need to fill. I actually like the idea of Paris more than Scotland for this trip, plus I worry about the cost of travel to Scotland back so unless I can get a really cheap plane ticket or train ticket to Edinburgh, I think I'll drop that and focus on eastern UK and then on to Paris. So this is where I'm at now: 1) Arrive in Manchester. Maybe ??2 days 2) Travel Liverpool. 3 days 3)...
Reply
Re: Traveling for Local Food
The best resource for good "american food" while on the road that I know of is www.roadfood.com . The website focus on quality non-chain restaurants, often mom and pop places, with good and often unique menu selections. Check it out. Not only can they help you in Colorado, they're useful throughout the USA. Just about the best tip to give someone traveling in the USA.
Reply
Re: Renting an apartment in Europe
AirBnb, and the other major rental agencies, have cancellation policies upfront that give you some choice. AirBnb has several levels ...one allows you to cancel almost up to the last minute, others have shorter deadlines. An advantage of using an agency that works this way...pretty much like a hotel booking site...is that the intermediary is holding your deposit and that can save hassles. Obviously, rules about dissatisfaction vary also, but usually if it can't be ironed out, you'll get at...
Reply
Re: Finishing college. Need help planning trip to U.K,
Hi guys, hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. It was good to be with my family again. Visiting and catching up with everyone took longer than I'd thought, but did do a little research into the trip and came out with this plan. Basically, with GarryRF's advice, I think I'll focus my time in the north to save money cause my budget is limited. After that I'll finish my vacation in London and Paris. I need to find places to stay but more important now just to frame the trip. The details I...
Comment
Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Dec. 17, 2013: Olympic Stadium, Montreal, Quebec
Yes Montreal is great. Wish I could go back more often. The fun thing about these attractions is while they are all near one another, there is also a metro station nearby. Cheaper than the taxi and an experience in itself. This is only the tip of the iceberg...so much more to see and experience.
Comment
Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov 14, 2013 : Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, Ireland
That's a cool photo, Ottoman! Reminds me of the bartender at my local pub. His smile is even bigger if you leave him a nice tip.
Comment
Re: Airbus Survey: 41% Willing to Pay for More Space
Well, so far I've gotten by in what they give me, but I'm old enough to know the difference and might wanna change up someday. And I'd sure rather pay for real estate than baggage space or airline food. Give me one bag free, no soda or peanuts, no movie, no blanket and especially no airline magazine...and hey, I'll spend $50 or so to spread out a couple or three inches! Ever stop to think about those magazines? They're printed on heavy stock, a real weight-bomb, you only read them if you...
Comment
Re: Buddy, Can You Spare 5.3 Million Dimes?
This is a no brainer. The money was left behind by frustrated travelers. It should be used to minimize some of the frustration and indignity imposed on travelers at the TSA checkpoints. Little things would make a big difference in the "reassembly area" : + Buy easy-to-clean sturdy benches for the re-assembly area. + Put footstools in front of benches to help with putting on shoes. + Put baskets under the benches so people can place their small backpacks, purses, shoes, and belts out of the...
Comment
Re: Buddy, Can You Spare 5.3 Million Dimes?
Yes, some facilities have no space for reassembly. The least they could do is hand people clear plastic bags for all of their little stuff at the beginning. Toss coins, keys, cell phone etc into clear plastic bag. Toss belt and shoes into clear plastic bag. Slam plastic bags into bin with your luggage items. Grab your plastic bags and luggage items out of bin at the exit and run for your gate, shoeless. At least people would not be fumbling around, trying to get their small odds and ends out...
Comment
Re: Do you Like these Hotel Tipping Tips ?
I just don't know what to think. Does every question to a front office staff or concierge deserve a tip? How many envelopes do I need to carry for three weeks for housekeeping? If you are fortunate enough to get twice daily service do you tip both times? On my last trip because it was low season, we spoiled ourselves with a very nice hotel.... I admit more times than one desperately searching my pockets for change or (gulp) even a five Euro note... I understand that hotel staff does not make...
Comment
Re: Do you Like these Hotel Tipping Tips ?
Remember these recommendations were in essence from the hotel owners. They are trying to have the consumer subsidize the poor salaries many of them pay. I'm a reasonably generous person, and I realize that most hotel employees are not wealthy, but I don't tip at those levels. I usually leave a few bucks for the maid if a good job is done, and for an excellent bit of advice or help will as well. But if I ask the concierge where the nearest bus stop is, that's his job and not worth the five...
Comment
Re: Do you Like these Hotel Tipping Tips ?
You'll find most Europeans are unsympathetic to the American Tipping Rules. If I cant get the Waitress to get my 2nd cup of Coffee when its supposed to be "free refills" then she gets no tip at all. Same as when someone starts to clear the table while I'm still eating my dinner. Reaching across me and my meal with dirty dishes and napkins. No Tip. If I see the meal I ordered waiting to be collected and sitting there for 5 minutes getting cold - No Tip. And she takes it back to the kitchen.
Comment
Re: Do you Like these Hotel Tipping Tips ?
I find that typical of Europeans, Garry. And it makes sense as in Europe most restaurants include an automatic service charge of about 10%. That is not the case in the USA or Canada (with the exception of large parties of 8 or more in some cases). Most waitresses don't earn anything except minimum wage plus tips, so I do tend to tip some for all but the absolute worst of service. But certainly EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE makes me feel very generous, as it does you.
Comment
Re: Do you Like these Hotel Tipping Tips ?
Often the Waitress will have too many tables to serve. Dashing around trying to cope and not doing a very good job at it! Too eager to catch new customers coming in and claim them as "Another Tip" But no time to do "Customer Service"
Comment
Re: Do you Like these Hotel Tipping Tips ?
I'm well aware that there may be many contributing factors to the problem of poor service. But I'm not there to consider the state of the world nor am I there to balance justice among the poor. I just want a decent meal at a decent price. Just as in any job - my own included - people just want me to do my job. Do it well. No excuses. And they show there gratitude occasionally, with a tip. Its the same with me. Good food and good service gets you well rewarded. Shape up or Ship out !
Comment
Re: Do you Like these Hotel Tipping Tips ?
Yes. I get the picture Paul. To be blunt about the experience - I don't care who's fault it is ! Perhaps dining out in the UK is a less frequent event. But when I go out for Dinner I want a pleasant experience. I don't want to hear about other peoples problems. I never get a reduction in the price because the service was bad. And I'm certainly not going to reward it either ! Minimum wage of a waitress in the UK is about = $400 US for 40 hrs. But we still tip for good service !
Comment
Re: Do you Like these Hotel Tipping Tips ?
Before I retired, I traveled quite a bit on business, both inside the U.S. and abroad. I still travel frequently to racing and club events, but almost all are in the U.S. or Canada. That said, here’s my take on tipping: Restaurants – According to the sources I checked, in the U.S. the Federal minimum wage for tipped employees is $2.13. Most states have set higher amounts, but food service workers are still generally paid much lower wages that other ‘minimum wage’ employees. Unless the...
Comment
Re: Do you Like these Hotel Tipping Tips ?
also keeps you from being called unflattering names behind your back. No worries - I find that people don't mind calling me unflattering news to my face Dave B. has given this issue a lot of good thought. My policy in the US is to tip 15 percent for adequate service. I add and subtract 5 percent from there, depending. According to the guidebooks, many servers outside of the US are paid professional wages. In that case, we do not tip, but simply round up the bill. Hope that this is not wrong.
Comment
Re: Do you Like these Hotel Tipping Tips ?
I certainly understand GarryRF's comments completely. A guest has a right to expect a good quality meal with good service. That should be part of the dining experience. That said, because I was raised and have lived in Canada/USA my life, I have a sensitivity to food service employees not being paid well and being stressed by their employers. So I tend to follow Dave B's guidelines (thanks for outlining these, Dave!) If I see a waitress is trying hard, I'll leave the 15% tip (and don't come...
Comment
Re: Hotels.com: Most mobile bookings are last-minute
That actually makes a lot of sense. The beauty of smartphones and the like is their ability to let you get things done at the last minute -- complete with price comparisons, etc. I know that a lot of hotels offer deep discounts the last day if they have a lot of spare inventory, but you're taking a risk at a busy time in a busy place. I tend to be more of a planner and to save my travel time for traveling and not looking for hotels. But to each his own.
Comment
Re: 1000's Drawn to North Dakota
I have not done that, Rob, but I do have some friends in North Dakota. The wages are good, but before anyone makes the jump there, be sure you understand the cost of housing and such. Apartments and homes are in short supply and expensive. But as you pointed out, so is labor. So if you can share an apartment with someone and are willing to work more than 40 hours a week, you can save a nice stash of cash. Don't just go. Educate yourself. There are excellent job opportunities in the Dakotas,...
Comment
Re: Heather in Bloom - North York Moors.
A most amazing and lovely landscape (with tip of the hat to its Scottish counterpart). When is a good time for a tourist to see the heather in bloom? I know some folks that would plan a trip just to see these colors.
Comment
Re: Heather in Bloom - North York Moors.
Early to mid august would be the prime time to visit and view.
Comment
Re: Is your airport bin clean enough? Maybe not.
Is anyone surprised that airports are a health hazard? How about those rubber gloves all the security people wear for protection - protecting themselves from us and passing it all along with every touch to our passports, our belongings and (save me!) a pat-down. And PHeymont felt duty-bound to remind us. The only thing worse is not going.
Comment
Re: HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE ASIAN ELEPHANT
Thanks for sharing these thoughts. Elephants are highly intelligent animals, probably smarter than dogs for example. Wild elephants in Asia are having a hard time because of loss of habitat and conversion of their normal range to agricultural land. Most do not have ivory tusks so unlike their African cousins, they are not slaughtered for their teeth. In Sri Lanka I visited the elephant orphanage in Pinnawala a number of times, which I've previously written about on TravelGumbo at this link .
Comment
Re: TSA Fee Hike Set to Begin Next Week
Some good news .Congress capped TSA fees to $11.20 per round-trip .The legislation passed the Senate unanimously on Thursday and is waiting to be signed by the President.This is estimated to save consumers 60 million a year. Read More- http://www.usatoday.com/story/...rlines-a4a/19942045/
Comment
Re: New Eurostar Service, London - Provence
Aside from a chance to take another jab at Heathrow, my point was that if you wanted to visit both London and Provence, you might save a bit by making London last, rather than first.
Comment
Re: Americans Leaving Half Their Paid Vacations Ununsed
Sadly, they do translate widely. Among the factors I'm aware of listening to students, parents and friends: 1. People with very little vacation (only a week in many cases) either choose to work for needed extra money, or are trying to save it to take more next year. 2. Job pressure keeps some people working; some are afraid they'll lose jobs by taking what they've earned, while others are promised other compensation. 3. Biggest reason of all: Not enough money to go anywhere!
Comment
Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Apr. 27, 2014: Painted Ladies in San Francisco
Many Victorian buildings that survived the 1906 earthquake were destroyed in the fires that followed. Those, like these, that escaped both were largely located west of Van Ness Ave, the line at which fire fighters dynamited buildings, creating a fire line to save at least part of the city. I'm glad these were saved, PHeymont, or the City would be a very different place, wouldn't it. Thanks.
Comment
Re: Prague's Jerusalem Synagogue: Where Gumbo Was (#129)
My apologies to the three Guessers who correctly identified Where Gumbo Was...when I wrote the blog, the guesses were not in yet. When I updated it with the congratulatory paragraph, I apparently failed to save it, and the older version went "live" this morning. Again, my apologies to Jonathan L, TravelingCanuck and PortMoresby, all regular (and often successful) participants. .....PHeymont
Comment
Re: New York Taxis Debut App to Compete with Uber
Anything that pushes back at Uber is generally fine with me, but there are a few side issues here...starting with the "aging taxi fleet," which is actually newer than it's been in many years. The NV2000 boondoggle (and that's what it is) started with the previous mayor, Bloomberg, who decided that all owners should be forced to use the same cab..and then chose the NV2000, which does not, and cannot, meet ADA standards. For it to be wheelchair accessible requires an aftermarket conversion...