Travel expert: Trips still possible on tight budget

But Dimitri Ioannides, tourism expert and professor of planning at Missouri State University, says would-be travelers shouldn’t abandon the idea of a trip too quickly.

“You can still eat a meal in New York City for about $7,” he said in a news release. “You just have to be willing to find the right place.”

According to AAA’s Annual Vacation Costs survey, a family of two adults and two children can expect to pay an average $269 per day for food and lodging combined – an increase of 3.7 percent compared to 2007. The report showed that lodging rates will average $152 a night, up nearly 7.9 percent from last year, and meals will cost $118 per day, down 1.3 percent from 2006.

Ioannides offers several travel tips that could make this year’s vacation more affordable – even with current economic pressures.

1. When traveling to a big city such as New York, Chicago or Boston, find lodging on the outskirts of town but near public transportation.

On a recent trip to Boston, Ioannides said the price for a hotel room in the downtown area was about $300. After some investigating, he located a bed and breakfast near Harvard University in Cambridge for $115, which by definition included the morning meal. The B&B was within walking distance of the city’s subway system, and for $15, he purchased a visitor’s pass, providing unlimited subway access for an entire week.

2. Take advantage of a city’s freebies – everything from festivals to zoos. Ioannides said a city such as St. Louis offers free attractions including the zoo and the art museum in Forest Park. He also advises travelers to investigate festival schedules. Admission to many festivals is often free, and food can be purchased at a nominal price.

3. The professor said thrifty travelers need to avoid the “tourist bubbles,” aka traps, and take the time to tour the various unique neighborhoods that comprise a city. For instance, when traveling to Chicago, Ioannides suggests a visit to Wicker Park instead of the more expensive Navy Pier. In St. Louis, tourists can stop by the Soulard Farmer’s Market and grab some fresh fruit and vegetables, or go to Lafayette Square or the Central West End. In Boston, visitors can walk the Freedom Trail – a self-guided tour that takes visitors to 16 historical sites. “Some of the venues you’ll pay for – like going into Paul Revere’s house,” Ioannides added. “But you don’t have to go into Paul Revere’s house. You can stay outside and take photos.”

4. Instead of a big-ticket theater such as those on Broadway, visit a neighborhood theater. Ioannides said prices at smaller theaters can be as low as $6 to $10, compared to $50 or $75 at the bigger venues.

5. If travelers have the opportunity to pack a small picnic, they can save on dining out, Ioannides said. He suggests making a quick trip to a local grocery store to buy some essentials and heading to a local park.

6. Travel at “off-peak” times, when gas is cheaper, room rates are lower and airfare is more affordable. Ioannides said travelers should go online to gauge travel prices. If travelers have kids, vacation times are often limited because of school schedules, but Ioannides said that technology might allow for more freedom “Maybe there’s a way to work something out with the teacher to allow for the student to communicate with e-mail so they don’t fall too far behind,” he said.

7. If possible, find hotels that offer free parking, free wireless Internet and free breakfasts. “When you stay at large downtown hotels, you often have to pay for these services, which will increase the cost dramatically,” Ioannides said.

Ioannides said frugal travelers should do as much research as possible before traveling in order to gauge – and sometimes cut – expenses.[[In-content Ad]]