Things You'll Need:
- Internet access
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Step 1
For many, taking an exotic cruise or second honeymoon in Switzerland this Christmas is neither possible nor appropriate. Therefore, this portion on travel is for those looking to reconcile with family and loved ones during the holidays. With gas prices dropping (at least as compared with a few months ago) and towering airline rates, many are considering car travel more seriously. Websites such as www.gasbuddy.com and www.mapquest.com aid travelers in finding cheap gas along their routes and offer additional travel advice. Regular car maintenance prevents hiccups along the route and carpooling cuts costs and offers companionship on long drives.
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Step 2
If air travel is a necessity in your situation, planning and bargain hunting is naturally part of the process. The Air Transport Association, or ATA, predicts that 2 million travelers will be using the services of U.S. airlines this season, with December 19 and 27 being the busiest. Of course, traveling outside of these dates will afford you the most savings upfront but weigh all your expenses in the form of lost workdays and missed special holiday promotions. Another opportunity to save money is through light packing. Be creative in bringing lightweight gifts and wear as many heavy clothes as possible when checking in. When boarding the plane, you can simply take off the extra weight and store it in your compartment. If you will need lodging and amenities, ask about airline packages and family rates rather than making each purchase individually. Websites that can aid your search and offer more advice are www.travelocity.com, www.yapta.com and www.airlines.org.
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Step 3
Public transportation is becoming a more viable option for travelers for several reasons. Railway companies are offering discounts of up to 35 percent for advance booking, and many businesses have developed a points or rewards system for frequent commuters. Ask about which discounts you and your family are eligible for, and travel in a large party. To be classified as military personnel, an AAA cardholder, a student or a senior citizen can mean a major reduction in your travel costs. Though public transportation may seem undesirable, especially when traveling with children, many cases have been made for the fiscal and environmental responsibility of this means of travel.
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Step 4
Before hoarding your standard reserve of brightly hued and creatively tagged Christmas gifts, communicate with your loved ones about alternative methods for gift-giving. Many large families and colleagues use the Secret Santa approach or a white elephant exchange, or have a predetermined spending cap for all presents. Oftentimes, small gifts are only given to children and all-enveloping gifts or services are given as a family. Correspond with all members of your family or network to ensure expectations are shared, especially those loved ones with whom you have limited contact. Money spent on brief retreats or music lessons or some resonating memory or education has a bigger impact and greater return in the long run.
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Step 5
Shopping for any type of gift should be a year-long, creative pursuit. Take advantage of department store after-Christmas sales for next year's gifts, and shop at discount stores and yard sales for stocking stuffers and the occasional big find. Make use of bargain websites such as www.dealio.com or www.afterchristmassales.org. Oftentimes, churches and charitable organizations will host seasonal sales and gift exchanges, or you could host such festivities yourself. Especially among adults, practical gifts are helpful and thoughtful in that you are noticing and accommodating their most important interests. Books, magazine subscriptions, neutral household appliances, plants and food are always safe and appreciated. Avoid items that can be rented cheaply, such as movies and CDs, because so many tracks can be uploaded more easily through online services such as ITunes or Rhapsody.
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Step 6
The cliché that "the best gifts in life are free" is true. Homemade gifts or thoughtful activities resonate with recipients long after they are given. One pastime that is appropriate for any family gathering is writing personalized notes, thank-yous, compliments or promises to each other. These can be signed or left anonymous. The content can be adapted to any situation, including the workplace, and can be as humorous or as poignant as the creator imagines. More frugal gifts include homemade recipe books, a child's artwork or collage, board games, dress-up boxes and imaginative collections, craft supplies and "coupons" for special services or events. More ideas can be found on www.doityourself.com, www.tightwad.com and www.familyfun.go.com.
