Mounting fuel costs have made travel more expensive than it used to be. A few cost-saving measures can help you to have a great vacation – even on a limited budget.

Hydration Economics

If you have done any research, you know that you shouldn’t drink local water when you travel. However, bottled water can take a significant chunk out of your wallet. Stock up on water at a discount department store before you leave. If you travel frequently, you might want to invest in reusable water bottles. Fill them at home, and take as much store-bought water as you can as well – while remaining within baggage weight restrictions. Check airline restrictions on liquids if you will be travelling by air.

Local Currency Exchange

You will always get the best exchange rates if you use a credit card or ATM machine. Alternatively, you can exchange money in a bank. Local stores and money changers are not likely to give you a good exchange rate. Sometimes their charges are exorbitant. An added plus for credit card purchases is the neatly organized statement you will have when you get back home.

Never Fly with Overweight Luggage

Always – always – always – be aware of airline weight restrictions. Sometimes they are very limiting. You can check the internet for specific regulations. Use a good scale to weigh your baggage (then reweigh) before you leave for the airport. Overweight luggage can be very expensive.

The Best Time to Travel

Avoid travel on weekends or during peak tourism season. The definition of ‘peak season’ will vary by country and hemisphere. Accommodations and tickets will be more expensive when everyone else wants to travel. Look for off season deals and discounts. If you’re not sure when off season is, find a bed and breakfast in your destination city and look at their website. They will probably have a range of rates that changes according to season.

Food is Expensive

Save money on meals by staying at a bed and breakfast. Free breakfast fare can range from continental to a full, hot-cooked meal with a multi-choice menu. (Some inns also have packages that include lunch and supper.) Conserve further by picking up lunch supplies at a local grocery store. Inexpensive suppers are available at McDonalds (with branches in over 100 countries).

Kids have Big Appetites

If you have kids, try to find a hotel with a ‘kids stay and eat free’ program. Some bed and breakfasts have packages for kids. However, many do not allow young children.

Barter with the Airlines

Use the internet to research airfares. Find the best deals and make printouts. Purchase your tickets through the cheapest website, or contact the airline’s toll-free number. If they don’t offer a matching fare, ask them to meet or beat the internet price. You may have to fax a printout or two – but it will be well worth the savings.

Cash, Student, and Corporate Discount Rates

Be sure to carry student or corporate ID with you. You may be eligible for a discount. (10% to 15% discounts are common.) Present your ID or business card at check-in and ask for a rate reduction. Small inns and hotels may be willing to offer a discount if you pay via cash instead of credit card. Credit card processing fees for a small company may run around 5%.

You are in Control

Seize the opportunity, research your options, and have a great worry-free vacation!

©Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author’s note below (with active links) are included.

About Pune

The Queen of Deccan, Cultural Capital of Maharashtra, Oxford of the East, this is Pune for you. Formerly known as Punavadi or Poona, it has always remained at the helm of affairs in Maharashtra. The city of Marathas, it is still known for its valor and courage. The cradle of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Pune still invoke the same feelings of nationalism and bravery in mind.

Travel to Pune

Pune, one of the most important cities of Maharashtra is connected to other parts of India as well as world through rail road and air. All the major airlines operate flights to/from Pune to various national and international destinations. Pune International Airport at Lohegaon is Pune air connecting point to the outer world. Rail and Bus service is also available to all the parts of India through Pune.

Pune Travel Destination

Being the cultural hub of Maharashtra, Pune is home to a large number of places of interest. Pune travel destinations include

• Shanivar Vada – Once a splendid edifice of Maratha times, it was built by Peshwa Bajirao. This seven storied structure was destroyed by fire and now just the ruins exist.

• Osho Ashram – Established by Osho Rajneesh, it is the headquarters of Osho movement in India.

• Shinde Chhatri – An architectural wonder, it is located at a small distance from race course in Pune.

• Pataleshwar Cave temple – Carved out of a single stone, this cave temple is located at the heart of Pune city.

Other places worth a dekko in Pune are Parvati Hill, Sars Baug, Bund Garden, Vishrambaug Garden, Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, and Tribal Museum. Get Pune map to know more about the places of interest in Pune, its road, rail network.

Pune Hotels

There are a large number of hotels in Pune to cater to accommodation needs of the travelers to the city. Whether you are looking for 5 star hotels to enjoy your vacation in the lap of luxury or want to go for budget hotels in Pune, you will find every type of it. Hotel Le Meridien, Hotel Royal Orchid, Sun n Sand, Hotel Gordon House, Taj Pune, Hotel The Pride Pune are some of the most popular 5 star hotels in Pune. Whereas Hotel Baron Lakside Resort, Hotel Alankar, Kapila Hotel, Ketan Hotel, Parkview Hotel

Pune Education

Pune is literally dotted with educational institutes. You will find all types of schools, colleges, universities and educational institutes – formal and non formal – in the city of Pune. It is due to this large number of educational institutes that Pune earned the sobriquet of Oxford of the East. Students from far off South East Asia and other cities of India come to Pune in search of good education opportunities. Bharathi Vidyapeeth, Deccan College of Post Graduate and Research Institute, Dr D Y Patil University, Symbiosis International University, Symbiosis Center for Distance Learning, and Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics are some of the well renowned universities of Pune.

Pune Economy

Pune economy contributes a major chunk of revenue to the economy of Maharashtra. Automobile industry of India is concentrated in Pune that’s why it is also referred to as the Automobile City of India. The city is also home to some of the largest software industries such as Wipro, Tech Mahindra, Infosys, Kanbay Software. Recently BPO industry has also shown a lot of growth in Pune.

With all these qualities to offer, Pune is definitely a city worth a visit atleast once in a lifetime.

When the pocket is light and the economy jittery, you don’t need to go for a costly accommodation in India. In fact, in India there is no dearth of cheap accommodations available, all you need is travel smarter in order to turn your trip into an enjoyable, smooth and affordable reality. Here are top ten tips you will find immensely helpful for landing a cheap yet clean and comfortable rooms while you are on India Travel.

1. Check Discounts: Check prices of different rooms and ask for discounts. Room prices may vary largely even within a hotel. For example a room with shower is cheaper than a room with tub. Air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms have different prices. Similarly rooms with pool or garden views pricier. If you want a cheap room, say it. Some hotels have a few rooms that need renovation without private baths, which they don’t usually mention, figuring they would be unacceptable to tourists. And, if you plan to stay three or more nights, it’s worth asking if any discounts are available.

2. Consider Hotel Agents: As you step out from the airport or railway station, you’ll be met by some hotel agents offering their rooms for rent. They are usually just hardworking entrepreneurs who don’t have guidebook listing. If you like what the agent says, and the hotel isn’t too far away or filthy (many are), follow him to his hotel. You are obliged only to inspect the hotel. If it’s good, check into it. If not, leave. You are probably close to other budget hotels anyway.

3. Compare Prices: Sometimes hotels differ in prices for the same amenities and class. It is worthwhile to check and compare prices of the hotels in the locality. Some hotels raise their prices due to locational advantage as they are near some favorite hot spot. Consider searching for hotels a little far from such spots.

4. Bargain If It’s Off Season: The hotels are governed by economics of demand and supply. Prices usually rise with demand during festivals and special occasions such as Christmas or New Year. If it is off-season, try bargaining. If it’s too expensive, tell them your limit, they might meet it.

5. Come Early: Early birds get the room easily. If you anticipate crowds, arrive in the morning when the most and best rooms are available. If there is none ready until noon, take one anyway. Leave your luggage with the front desk, they’ll move you in later.

6. Think Small: Larger hotels are usually costlier than small hotels.

7. Let Hotel Managers Help: Have your current manager call ahead to make a booking at your next destination. If you’re in a town and having problem finding a room, remember that nobody knows the hotel situation better than the local hotel managers.

8. Consider a Chain: There are many hotel chains which offer cheap or moderately priced rooms. Although you may not find character, you’ll surely get predictable comfort.

9. Business Hotels: In Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Chandigarh and Bangalore, business hotels need customers in the winter and on weekends, when their guests are away. And, the later you arrive, the better the discount.

10. Buy a Good Guidebook: Good guidebooks are like good friends. They are like having a friend check places out for you. There are some good online guides too which can be of immense help to locate hotels while you are on Indian Travel.