Cheap Travel Fixes for Winter Doldrums

Groundhog Day has come and gone. Winter's still here. You're paying holiday bills. Here are a few inexpensive ideas to keep you going until spring.

Host a travel movie night
The best way to save money is to stay home. How do you indulge your wanderlust from your living room? Rent a movie that transports you somewhere else. Invite a few friends and enjoy dinner and wine inspired by the movie's locale. Here are some of my favorites.

Research your next big trip
Planning a trip is the next best thing to actually traveling, because of the research you'll do. Create a virtual itinerary and start a board on Pinterest so you can share with your friends.

>> Get travel discounts with your AARP Member Advantages.

Challenge your friends to a discount duel
Create a budget and challenge your friends to see who can find the best travel deals that fit within it. It’s fun — and you can take the winning trip together.

Free your spirit
There are so many things you can do for free. Pack up friends or family and drive to a nearby city for an overnight visit. Look for hotel discounts, ask everyone to find five free attractions in the city and vote together for the best itinerary.

Put your points to work
Now is the time to put all those hard-earned rewards points to good use. Spend an afternoon reviewing your information and see what flights and hotels are available for a weekend getaway to somewhere you’ve never been before.

Book a last-minute deal
In terms of budget travel, last-minute travel deals can be real winners. You can find cruises, hotels, flights and vacation packages on websites such as Expedia, Travelzoo and Priceline.

Illustration: ilyast/iStock

Also of Interest

• There’s a Good Reason April in Paris Spells Romance
• 50+ Celebrity Couples — Still Crazy After All These Years
• AARP Foundation Tax-Aide: Get Free Help Preparing and Filing Your Taxes
• Join AARP: Savings, Resources and News for Your Well-Being

 

See the  AARP home page for deals, savings tips, trivia and more.