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It’s Not Too Late to Take Advantage of These Labor Day Travel Deals

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Labor Day travel
Many people are looking forward to the long weekend Labor Day provides. For many Americans this means road trips and travel plans. If you haven’t made your Labor Day travel arrangements, don’t worry. There are still a few last-minute deals you can take advantage of without breaking the bank.

Affordable Labor Day Travel Destinations

Where you decide to travel this Labor Day will have an impact on how much your trip will cost, of course. According to KAYAK, these will be the most affordable Labor Day travel destinations.

St. Louis 

St. Louis budget hotels hover around $105 per night. Flights into St. Louis are also extremely affordable at this time of year. You may even be able to find flights as low as $131 round-trip if you book through a third-party site. Many of the hotels in St. Louis also offer special packages for your stay. For instance, the Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta Hotel offers families a package with movie tickets, parking, and breakfast.

Washington, D.C.

There is plenty to do in D.C. for the Labor Day holiday. If you’ve ever visited the nation’s Capitol you know there are a plethora of museums to visit. On Labor Day, the National Symphony Orchestra also puts on a free concert. Because there are plenty of airports nearby, you should be able to find an affordable plane ticket without much of a problem.

Local hotels are normally a bit pricey. However, the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill is offering rooms from $112 per night. If you’re a member of AAA you’ll get an additional 10% off and free breakfast for two.

New Orleans

New Orleans is generally an affordable trip all year long. Through Labor Day weekend you should be able to find flights from $149 round-trip and you’ll be able to see New Orleans’ LGBT festival in full swing. Because of the festival, there will be plenty of deals on activities, events, and hotels in the area. If you’re finding everything is booked, you may want to consider an Airbnb.

New River Gorge

Individuals living around West Virginia may consider a drive to New River Gorge. It is a short weekend drive from a number of locations on the East Coast. Adventures on the Gorge, an adventure resort in Fayetteville, W. Va., is offering a buy one outdoor activity, get one free special Labor Day weekend. You’ll pay just $149 for two people to go whitewater rafting and $99 for ziplining for two (the regular price for one). You can choose your accommodations based on your budget as well. The resort has campsites from $15 and cabins available (up to $1,150 per night for a luxury cabin).

Hershey Park

Families may be looking for something that everyone will enjoy. If that’s the case, consider a trip to Hershey Park. Once again, many people on the East Coast can easily drive there for the weekend. A price tag of $458 per night (for a family of four) will get you free breakfast and free admission to Hershey Park for kids under the age of 17.

Labor Day Flight Deals

If you’re less concerned with the destination and just want a quick getaway you may make your decision based on the price of a round-trip ticket. According to CN Traveler, there are still some great deals to be had when booking your Labor Day weekend flight. Here are some of the best prices still available.

  • Dallas to Los Angeles: You may find round-trip tickets to L.A. from Dallas for as little as $277 with Delta airlines.
  • New York to London: Fly with Wow Air from NY to London round-trip for $380.
  • Houston to San Diego: Round-trip flights to San Diego from Houston Labor Day weekend on United are running about $233.
  • L.A. to Austin: Fly into Austin from L.A. and back for just $262 with Delta.
  • Atlanta to Cancun: You can get an amazing deal on flights to Cancun from Atlanta with American Airlines. Average round-trip ticket prices for Labor Day weekend are hovering around $286.
  • San Francisco to Honolulu: Get away to Hawaii for just $397 round-trip from San Francisco. (Hawaiian Airlines)
  • Chicago to Ft. Lauderdale: Ft. Lauderdale is a popular Labor Day travel destination. You can get a round-trip ticket from Chicago for just $294 with United Airlines.

It is important to note that, for the most part, a good deal on travel is going to occur when you’ve booked far enough in advance or are able to fly in or out of an international airport. You can also save money by making travel plans within driving distance of your home or finding events closer to you.

These are just a few of the best travel deals this Labor Day. Readers, are you traveling over the holiday weekend? Did you score a good deal?

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Airline Discounts You Should Be Using Now

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airline discountsEach and every day, approximately 2.6 million passengers board flights in the US. On average, airline customers spend around $340 for a round-trip domestic ticket, though some routes commonly exceed the average.

Even if you do spend the average amount, for a family of four, that means paying about $1,360. And, considering that extra costs like baggage fees can increase that total, finding discounts can be crucial if you are dealing with a tight budget.

However, many would-be passengers don’t take advantage of every discount that may be available to them, largely because they aren’t aware that they are available. Airlines don’t always advertise their discounts in obvious ways, so it’s important to know which ones you could be entitled to before you book your flight.

Government Employee and Military Discounts

Many airlines offer lower fares to government employees and military members, but you may have to contact the carrier to see if you and your flight qualify, as well as to find out the cost difference.

For example, American Airlines provides discounts to government and military personnel, but only in specific markets, which they don’t identify on their site. Additionally, they don’t outline how much of a price reduction you can receive, so you have to contact reservations to find out.

Delta Airlines has a similar benefit but also does not provide clear details about the entitlement online.

However, JetBlue is a little more open. Military fares for leisure travel are 5 percent cheaper than regular base fares.

Other airlines offer the benefit as well, so don’t hesitate to contact your preferred carrier directly if you are a government employee or member of the military. Just keep in mind that some airlines only provide discounts for official government travel, while others extend the benefit to leisure travel as well.

Large Party Discounts

In some cases, traveling in a large group makes you eligible for a discount, depending on the size of your party.

Alaska Airlines has two discount programs for groups, each with its own requirements. If you are traveling together on the same flight with 10 or more people in your party, you get a discount. If you are on separate flights, then you need a group of at least 20.

American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United have similar programs, mostly with a party minimum of 10 people. Plus, most of these programs provide at least one free name change per ticket, allowing you to choose a new party member if someone else can’t make it.

Senior Airline Discounts

AARP members tend to be eligible for a range of discounts, and flights are no exception. If you have AARP, British Airways offers one of the best discounts, allowing you to save up to $200 on a flight.

Senior fares are also available through numerous carriers, with the age requirement typically being 65 or older. American, Delta, Southwest, and United have lower fares available for seniors. However, they may only be available on certain routes, and you might have to call the carrier to secure the discount.

College Student Discounts

Students at colleges and universities may be eligible for cheaper fares through American Airlines. This is thanks to a partnership with StudentUniverse. This can make traveling home during the summer or heading to a spring break destination more affordable. Which is something that is incredibly beneficial for students with tight budgets. Plus, students may have access to hotel and tour discounts too, making a vacation easier on their wallets.

Lufthansa’s Generation Fly program provides a similar benefit to American students. They offer some of their lowest fares to students and an exceptional amount of flexibility. This flexibility includes date changes and the ability to schedule up to 12 months abroad as a round-trip.

Bereavement Fares

If you are scheduling an immediate flight. This is typically with only 24 to 48 hours’ notice, after the death of a loved one, you may be eligible for special bereavement fares.

These are meant to help travelers reach their destinations quickly should an immediate family member die, allowing them to attend funerals and similar events. In some cases, discounts are available. Additionally, the tickets may provide more flexibility, making it easier to change your return date should your plans change unexpectedly.

Conditions and requirement vary from one carrier to the next. Alaska offers a 10 percent discount based on the lowest available fare within seven days of travel to those who qualify. However, you have to be a member of their Mileage Plan. The plan is free to join and you have to call them directly.

Delta has a similar program, and being a SkyMiles Member is a requirement.

Ultimately, all of these discounts are frequently available. If you have a preferred carrier, contact them directly and inquire about their programs. You may also be able to find details on their websites.

Do you know of an amazing airline discount? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Looking for more ways to save on air travel? Check out these articles:

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

Going to the Mountains? Here’s Your Road Trip Checklist

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road trip checklist

Each year, around 2 million people head to Mount Rainier in Washington. Rocky Mountain State Park in Colorado sees approximately 4.4 million visitors a year, and Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park has an astonishing 11.3 million people come through. And that doesn’t cover every trip to the mountains across the country.

During warmer summer months and in early fall, when the leaves begin to change, families from all over the US head to the mountains. They go not only for the cooler temperatures, but also the amazing scenery. In some cases, the ability to see snow outside of winter makes these destinations attractive.

If you’re heading out to the mountains, it’s important that your vehicle is properly stocked. Before you head out, here’s a road trip checklist that can help you make sure you cover your bases.

Clothing and Shoes

The temperature difference between lowland areas and the mountains can be dramatic. In some cases, you’ll experience variances of 40 or more degrees, particularly if you stay until nightfall or choose to camp in the mountains.

When you pack for your road trip, make sure you have clothing for a range of climate conditions. Bring items that can be easily layered and don’t forget raincoats or heavier coats, depending on your chosen destination.

It’s also wise to bring extra socks, especially if you will be encountering snow or wet conditions. Wet feet can quickly make you miserable, particularly if it is also cold, and could increase your risk of hypothermia or frostbite.

Additionally, hiking boots are usually ideal. Not only can they handle challenging terrain more effectively, but they may also be waterproof. Just make sure you break them in before your trip. Otherwise, you may be plagued by blisters. And consider bringing a backup pair in case your first one gets wet.

Sunscreen, Hats, and Sunglasses

Even if the temperature is cooler in the mountains, that doesn’t mean you won’t be dealing with the sun. Sunglasses can protect your eyes, making it easier to see under bright conditions.

Hats can both provide shade for your eyes while also keeping the sun rays off of your face and head. Since UV rays happen regardless of the temperature, sunscreen is also a must. While it may seem odd that you can get a sunburn on a 50-degree day, it is possible. Plus, if sunlight reflects off of snow, you may get a burn in some unexpected places.

Food and Beverages

When you head out on a road trip, it’s wise to have food and beverages available. Not only can this help save you money during your journey, allowing you to avoid costly gas station snack or restaurant prices, but it can make your time in the mountains more enjoyable.

In most cases, you aren’t going to find many (if any) shops once you head into the mountains. Make sure you have enough food and drink, especially water, on-hand to handle your needs. It may even be wise to bring more than you anticipate needing. After all, significant snowfall could hinder your ability to drive off the mountain, incidentally extending your stay until conditions improve.

Electronics

While you might not have a cell signal on the mountain, it is wise to have one in your car. That way, if you need assistance and happen to be able to place a call, you have that option. Bring along a backup battery-based charger as well, preferably a solar one, letting you power up your device if the need arises.

Additionally, bringing a hiking GPS is a smart decision. These function in deep woods and on high peaks, letting you get your bearings if you get turned around.

If you are heading off the beaten path, you might also want an emergency beacon. These can broadcast your location, making it easier for emergency crews to find you if you need assistance. It also functions as a distress signal, letting someone know that you are in trouble.

Car Supplies

Even if your car is in good repair, having certain items with you is a must. First, check your spare tire to make sure it is properly inflated and in good shape. If not, replace it before you leave.

Also, make sure you have the ability to change a tire. Take a look and confirm that your jack and tire iron are in the right place. That way, should you get a flat, you can handle it.

You can also get puncture repair kits. Some include a variety of tools and plugs while others rely on sealants to repair holes. No matter which you prefer, make sure you can reinflate the tire once you fix the hole. Otherwise, you might not be able to drive out.

Additionally, invest in an emergency battery charger. These go beyond jumper cables, allowing you to charge a dead battery on your own. However, you do need to charge it in advance, so make sure to plug it in for a while before you head out on the road.

Activity Gear

What you need as far as gear varies depending on your goal. If you want to hike, then you’ll need a pack to carry food, drinks, and similar items. Campers will also need tents and sleeping bags, and possibly things like fire starter, grills, or other helpful tools.

If you want to document your trip, then you may need a camera. If the idea of kicking back and reading is attractive, then books and a book light might be necessities. In the winter, skis, snowshoes, or ice skates might be fun additions.

When it comes to packing for this category, plan out what you want to do while you are in the mountains. Then, consider what you need to have to make that happen, and add those items to your mountain road trip checklist.

By covering the areas above, you can increase your odds of having everything you need to enjoy your time in the mountains. However, even the best-laid plans can be derailed by weather, so, before you hit the road, make sure the conditions support a visit. Otherwise, it is always better to be safe than sorry, so you may need to reschedule.

Do you know of any helpful items that should be on every road trip checklist? Tell us about them in the comments below.

Looking for more great travel tips? Check out these articles:

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

10 Car Maintenance Tips To Prep for Winter

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car maintenance tips
With kids headed back to school, many people don’t have travel plans until the holidays. Not having any plans to drive long distances, the fall presents a perfect time to perform regular maintenance on your vehicle in preparation for the winter. Here are a few car maintenance tips to get your car ready for cooler weather.

Car Maintenance Tips for Winter

Preparing your car for the colder winter months is important. Below are 10 tips from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and CarCare.org.

  1. Read your owner’s manual and follow the recommended service schedules. Generally, there are two service schedules listed (normal and severe). Any service lights on in your car should be taken care of before the weather gets colder.
  2. Replace wiper blades and fluid. Freezing rain and snow will be here before you know it. You may consider stocking up on wiper fluid and keep an ice scraper in your car. Your wipers and fluid will deteriorate quickly.
  3. Check heater and defroster. Defrost is necessary in order to have good visibility, especially in the snow. Not to mention, not having heat in your car throughout the winter is miserable. Check these functions and have them fixed if needed.
  4. Have your battery checked. If you do get stranded in the snow or even need a tow on a cold night, you’ll want to be sure your battery is charged. This way, you’ll have a way to turn the heat on while you wait.
  5. Stock your car with the items needed for emergencies. Even if your heater, battery, and everything else is in tip-top shape, you should prepare for emergencies. Keep a blanket, jumper cables, flares, water, flashlight, snacks, gloves, a small shovel, and a car charger for your cell phone.
  6. Make sure your brakes are up to par. Have your brakes checked or have them replaced before winter. Driving on worn brake pads will destroy your rotors and it decreases stopping power.
  7. Check your tire tread. If your tire tread is low it will impact your ability to safely drive in snow or ice. People living in areas that have heavy snow may consider purchasing snow tires.
  8. Replace filters. You’ve probably been running your A/C all summer. Be sure to change your air filters prior to the colder months.
  9. Get any existing problems fixed. Cold weather will only make them worse. If your brakes have been bad, the cold weather will make them break down faster. The same is true of any engine problems. Extreme weather changes will intensify your problem. Take your car in to get serviced before it gets cold.
  10. Perform other basic maintenance. This includes oil changes, fluid top offs and flushes, tire alignments, and other basic care. Each of these things needs to be done on a regular basis. Doing so will minimize the likelihood of you having car trouble.

The end of summer marks the perfect time to be sure your car is in the best shape possible for fall and the upcoming winter. Consider the car maintenance tips above when prepping your vehicle.

For money-saving car maintenance tips, check out the video below!

Readers, do you have a car maintenance tip you’d add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!

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Last-Minute Beach Goers: Beware of Hookworms

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hookworms
As the summer comes to an end, many people are headed to the beach one last time before the weather cools down again. There is nothing better than slipping off your sandals and getting your toes in the sand, but you may want to think twice before doing so. A number of teenagers contracted hookworms after visiting a beach in South Florida.

According to Healthline, hookworms are a type of parasite that can affect your lungs, skin, and small intestine. People generally contract hookworms after coming in contact with hookworm larvae found in dirt that has been contaminated by feces. In this case, the teenagers’ skin came into direct contact with contaminated sand at the beach.

Although hookworm infections impact 576 to 740 million people worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, infections rarely occur in the United States. That is why it has been surprising for people to discover numerous hookworm infections spawning out of Florida.

Kelli Mulhollen Dumas said she first discovered the infection on her son, Michael, and assumed they were bites from chiggers, a type of mite that can live in the sand at the beach. Within days, her son’s entire body was covered in red, itchy hives and she knew something was seriously wrong. The doctor confirmed that Michael had cutaneous larva migrans, caused by coming into contact with larvae from hookworms.

In addition to a red, itchy rash, hookworms can also cause abdominal pain, intestinal cramps, nausea, fever, blood in your stool, and loss of appetite. It also causes colic in infants. If the infection lasts a significant period of time, you can become anemic.

Dumas told The Washington Post her son was just one of a number of teenagers that had been infected after a trip to Pompano Beach, Florida. Michael and his friends were there mid-June for a mission trip and his friends buried him up to his neck in sand. This made his infection more serious than others on the trip.

Although the photos of the ordeal are alarming, Dumas isn’t trying to gross anyone out. She simply hopes to educate others about the potential dangers of hookworms. “I’ll never walk on the beach again without shoes,” she said.

Hookworm Treatment

Thankfully, Michael and his friends will all recover fully from the infections, although Dumas says she and her son have been emotionally scarred by the experience. Michael was prescribed antibiotics to get rid of both the hookworm infection as well as a staph infection caused by the hookworms.

Outside of that, your physician may instruct you to take special care of your diet while you are mending from hookworms. Focusing on bettering your nutrition while your body fights off the parasite is extremely important. This is especially the case if you’ve become anemic.

How to Protect Yourself Against Hookworms

Preventing hookworms is tricky because they aren’t something you can physically see when you’re on the beach or in the grass. Below are a few tips on how to protect yourself against infection during your last-minute beach trip.

  • Always wear shoes when you are walking outside. Even if you are in your own backyard, it is possible to contract hookworms anywhere feces may be in the soil.
  • Be sure to drink safe water. In countries where there aren’t good sewage systems, hookworms can be contracted by drinking contaminated water.
  • Food is another source of contamination. Be sure to properly cook and clean all the food you make.
  • As always, practice good handwashing habits. This can save you from a plethora of illnesses and ailments.


Even though it is easily treatable, contracting hookworms isn’t something you want to happen to you. If you’re traveling to a beach, be sure to take the necessary precautions and do what you can to stay healthy.

Photo: CBS News

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Discounted Fun: Costco Disney Tickets and Great Deals on Travel

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Costco Disney Tickets
Costco is a go-to spot for discounted wholesale everything. From clothing to food, to cleaning supplies, and even vitamins, Costco seems to have it all. So, you probably wouldn’t be surprised to find out there are discounted Costco Disney tickets, among other tickets to be had.

Below are some of the best-discounted ticket deals at Costco.

Boondocks Food & Fun

Boondocks Food & Fun has locations in Utah and Colorado. Right now, you can get four $25 gift cards to redeem at Boondocks ($100) for just $74.99.

California’s Great America

Costco locations in California may have this in-store. However, they are available online to all Costco members. Get 2 general admission tickets for $84.99 or a Gold season pass for $79.99. Considering a one-day admission to the park normally runs $47, this isn’t a huge deal as far as general admission goes. The Gold season pass is priced at $107 though, so buying that at Costco will save you $27.01 per pass.

Castle Park

If you have children, you may be interested in this Costco deal. Get two annual passes to Castle Park water park for $79.99 with your Costco membership. Premium season passes normally cost park goers $49.99 each.

Costco Disney Tickets

In states where Disneyland and Disney World parks are located, you can purchase annual passes at Costco for a discounted price. In previous years, Costco charged around $330 for an annual pass. When compared to the $95-per-day charge most tourists pay, Costco is offering a great deal.

The pass purchased from Costco also offers a 10% discount on food and merchandise at the park. It is important to keep in mind that Disney tickets purchased at Costco are subject to blackout dates.

You can also book your entire Disney trip through Costco Travel. Read more about the Ins and Outs of Costco Travel.

Costco Universal Studios Tickets

Similar to its Costco Disney tickets deal, Costco offers Gold annual passes to Universal Studios Hollywood for just $239.99 (regularly priced at $309). Costco members can grab a three-visit ticket for $129.99. Single-day admission can cost as much as $124.

Explore Your City With Costco

GO cards are also on sale at Costco. GO cards generally allow you access to the city’s best tourist attractions, museums, theme parks, etc. You can choose what is included in the package, so prices may vary. However, prices for a 4-day GO Los Angeles card with Universal Studios start at $189.99 – which is a great deal. The company also has deals for trips to San Diego, Oahu, San Antonio, and San Francisco. Depending on the activities you choose, these “all-access passes” to the city can cost as little as $55.

Kings Dominion

Kings Dominion in Virginia also works with Costco to offer slight discounts on tickets. Two single-day admission tickets only cost $72.99 for Costco members. Single-day admission runs non-members about $52 per person.

LEGOLAND Tickets at Costco

You can also get discounted tickets for LEGOLAND Florida and California through Costco. A 3-day resort hopper pass for the California park is $104.99 (normally $130+ per person). Two-day park and water park combo tickets for the Florida location are $99.99 (regularly $112.49).

Raging Waters

One of California’s most popular water parks, Raging Waters, discounts admission fo Costco members as well. Its Sacramento location offers two season passes for just $49.99 to Costco members (regularly $33.99 each). The San Jose location offers a discounted prices of $27.99 for a single-day admission, which normally costs $37.99.

SeaWorld Aquatica

Members of Costco can get a premium season pass to SeaWorld Aquatica for just $69.99. These cost non-members $80 each.

Wet N’ Wild

Wet N’Wild Palm Springs works with Costco to offer members two general admission tickets for $47.99. The regular price of a single-day admission ticket is $39.99. Members get a considerable discount at the park’s Phoenix location as well – $54.99 for two tickets that would normally cost $81.98.

Other Costco Ticket Deals

In addition to the deals mentioned above, it is not unusual for Costco to carry tickets for large local events, locally-owned establishments and parks, and other regionally-specific deals. You can also get deals on movies and rentals nearby.

Costco Movie Tickets

Believe it or not, Costco Disney tickets aren’t the only great event or attraction discount the retailer is offering. You can score great deals on bulk movie tickets through Costco too. The retailer offers 10 tickets for $89.99 (AMC and Regal) and $84.99 (Cinemark). You can also get packs of four movie tickets between $33.99 and $35.99.

Redbox Rental Codes

Costco actually sells a set of 10 Redbox rental codes. It can be a great gift for someone who enjoys a movie night at home. You can 10 codes for $16.99.

These are just a number of Costco’s ticket deals available online at any given time. Visit your local Costco for information about specific theme park ticket discounts and travel deals available to you.

Readers, have you used Costco to purchase tickets before? What was your experience like?

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