Smart Spending: How to save at the slopes
Here are tips on shopping around and timing your next ski or snowboarding trip to get the best deals on equipment, lift tickets and lodging.
GEAR HEAD: Preparing for a trip to the snow can be daunting, especially for a novice trying to amass all the equipment, from skis, boots and poles — or a board and boots — to goggles and a jacket.
Start by repurposing things you already own: thermals, your heaviest winter jacket, a hat, gloves and sunglasses. Ski-specific clothing is rarely a necessity, though insulated, waterproof pants substantially boost the fun factor. Borrowing from friends can work well, if you know someone your size.
For equipment, bear in mind that even many experts rent their skis, boots and poles if they don't get to the snow more than a couple times each season. You can save 20 percent or more on rentals by reserving equipment in advance from your resort, says Vail Resorts Inc. spokeswoman Kate Lessman. Reserve online at rentskis.com, skibutlers.com or your resort's website.
"Your paperwork is mostly done when you get into the store or rental shop, so you are in and out faster," she explains.
Even more convenient in some cases is renting before you leave home. Ask at any local or national store that sells skis. This and an advance lift pass can help you save more than an hour each day you ski by skipping you past big lines.
If you're ready to buy equipment — which can be more cost-effective, get you onto the lifts faster and ensure a better fit — start with end-of-season sales at ski shops and the resorts themselves. And next fall, check out ski swaps — typically at a sports arena, park or other big venue — where you can find deals on new and used equipment and clothing. The season for swaps varies, so ask around at shops and resorts in your area. In California's Lake Tahoe area, the Truckee park district hosts a swap in November. Outside New York City, the Potter Brothers ski shop chain hosts several from September to November. Many major resorts host them too. Be prepared to pay a small entrance fee.
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8, 2011 file photo, snowboarders enjoy the blue skies and sunshine as they ride the lift at Bear Mountain Resort in Big Bear, Calif. (AP Photo/The Orange County Register, Jeb Harris, File) MAGS OUT Here are tips on shopping around and timing your next
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Best Way to Hunt for Great Deals on Rental Cars
In a difficult economy, travelers are usually trying to find the best method to maximize their vacation without throwing away their money. Getting a deal on the car rental can allow you to focus the majority of your budget on far more significant things, like fun activities, sightseeing, and of course beer!! All you’ll want to do is a small preparation in advance and some research. Here are some helpful tips and tricks for finding a great deal on your following car rental in Orange County :
Reserve your car in advance I guess everyone knows this fact already, any travel business will provide cheaper prices in case you book in advance. For example buying an airline ticket, reserving a rental car is also cheaper in case you do it a month or 2 in advance. When I worked for Avis in OC, I had clients calling in 3 months in advance to reserve and request their preferred car. These days you do not even must select up the phone to make a reservation! Just go on their internet site and book your car.
Check out SNA Auto Rental for the best car rental deals in OC, California.
Size does not matter In some particular cases this may perhaps not be true, but for most renters vehicle size do not matter. If you rent from a small business, you will most likely get a no cost upgrade! So why would you reserve a full-size or a premium whenever you can reserve an economy and possibly get the full-size for free?! If you will be traveling for business, the economy or compact class stands out as the method to go. You usually have the option to ask for an upgrade, either no cost upgrade or in your small fee (most most likely less than the normal price).
Always read the fine prints! We do know that many of us do not even read half of the contracts we sign at several places, but at the car rental companies, you should read the whole thing! There’s usually a hidden price that is certainly stated during the fine prints, and once you sign it, you will must pay. For example, in case you rent inside the an airport like John Wayne Airport, you will most likely pay around 10% far more in taxes and tourism fees than renting from an off-site company! If you will be renting a vehicle in your week or more, this 10% could possibly be a large price that you just could have simply avoided. Another point you’ll want to watch for stands out as the terms about gas, smoking in the car, and having pets within your rental car. Most businesses want you to return the car with a full tank of gas in case you got it with a full tank, and they will most likely ask you not to smoke in their cars. Read the agreement and ask the agent if the terms do not make sense.