As I landed in Charlotte, I checked my email and US Airways notified me that our flight was to be delayed two hours with no reason provided. Later, I would learn that apparently there were “mechanical problems” and after a two hour wait, we were on our way to San Diego.

It underscores the risk of layovers and it was annoying that I had to spend two hours of my trip sitting in an airport. I usually fly Southwest, direct with at most a stop (but not plane change) in a city, and very rarely have I ever seen a two hour delay with hardly an explanation.

I’d really be interested to learn the statistics of layover delays because that would help me decide how much I’d be willing to pay to avoid wasting two hours.

All in all, Charlotte was a perfectly fine airport, though a little chilly at 8AM as the A/C was cranking on overdrive in anticipation of the likely high temps during the day, and I had a Quiznos sub while I watched Tiger Woods play the last three holes at the British Open.

Lesson of the day – avoid layovers. Avoid at all costs!

It’s an interesting provision and while it’s likely legal, it wasn’t in the House version of the bill so it might be removed on reconciliation (assuming it passes the Senate). I’m all for anything that makes people pay what they owe but this seems like a lot of additional work.

We all need our vacations to let loose and to take a break from the stress of the daily grind. When you deprive yourself of that, you feel like you are working for nothing or simply working to survive. So instead of giving up your vacation time to save some money, consider traveling on a tighter budget by adhering to the following tips:

Consider Staying Stateside

While hitting the beaches of Mexico may seem like the ideal spot, it may be out of your budget, especially if you have a family to travel with. You don’t have to travel abroad to fully get the vacation experience. The United States is a highly diverse country with plenty to offer, and simply by road tripping and staying stateside you can have the vacation you need while still getting to experience something new.

Pick a Country With Good Public Transportation

If you do decide to travel abroad, save yourself a couple of bucks by choosing a country with great public transportation such as cheap buses, metros, or trains. This will allow you to get around the country easily without having to pay high prices for private taxis or express buses which can definitely put a dent in your budget.

Choose Markets Over Restaurants

While fine dining is an enjoyable part of any vacation, doing it nightly or for every meal can ruin your travel budget in a matter of days. Instead of eating at restaurants for every meal, consider hitting up the local markets instead. You’ll be able to find great local dishes for next to nothing, and it will give you a great way to experience another unique aspect of a different culture.

Consider Hostels

Hotels and motels are great when needed a luxurious night sleep, but if you don’t intend to spend much time in your hotel room, then don’t pay for it. Choose to stay at a hostel instead. Just don’t leave your initial necklaces unnattended while you are away. Hostels are generally a 50 to 75 percent cheaper than hotels, and give you an opportunity to get a good breakfast and meet some other interesting travelers in the process – all for about $20 to $30 a night.

Book in Advance and Online

If you do decide that flying and staying at a resort are within your budget, then book online and in advance to get the best deals. Booking online, especially when you book your hotel at the same time as your flight, can save you several hundred dollars off your vacation, and you can generally find great deals on all-inclusive vacations that you can’t get elsewhere.

Taking a vacation is the highlight of most of our years. Don’t avoid taking one simply because you are one a budget this year. The purpose of a vacation is to give you a break from your everyday routine anyway – not break your bank. So instead of going extravagant, simply travel smart with your budget in mind. You’ll find that you can enjoy yourself all the same.

Pack intelligently

Make your suitcase identifiable:  Put some identifiable marker, such as a ribbon or sticker, on your suitcase so you will be able to identify it.

Put a business card inside:  If your suitcase is lost or badly damaged, they may open it to try and identity the owner.

Don’t check valuables:  Few airlines insure damaged valuables, especially expensive, irreplaceable ones. Play it safe and don’t put your valuables in a bag you plan to check.

Make a travel bag for toiletries:  It sounds tedious, but if you’re a frequent traveler it will make your life much easier.

Getting through security

Have a formula for keeping track of your wallet, cellphone and keys:  Many travelers come up short after going through security, missing something or leaving it behind in the mad scramble to strip down and pass through the metal detector. Stay organized and keep a mental checklist that you can reverse engineer.

Anticipate the scanner:  Speaking of the metal detector don’t wear accessories, such as jewelry or piercings that could cost you time and sanity.

Outsmart the airport

Frequent fliers:  Look for good rewards programs for frequent fliers. The best benefits go to the elite fliers with 100,000 miles under their belt, but elite status can be reached with much less and can be used to avoid long lines

Get a day pass at airline club:  Airline clubs are great for relaxing but, more importantly, if your flight is cancelled you will be able to rebook much easier with a membership to one of these clubs.

Prior to flying, look for credit cards that offer free checked bags, early boarding, and reward miles:  but look out for annual fees!

Simplify boarding: Already have your boarding passes printed. This saves you time at the airport and makes it less likely you’ll get bumped in the event of an overbooked flight. These days you can even use your smartphone to present your boarding pass.

Enjoying the hotel

Once you’re checked in, do yourself a favor and memorize the route to the nearest fire escape:  especially if you’re on one of the upper floors. And, perhaps more pertinently, keep your room number handy. Who hasn’t had to take return trips to the receptionist’s desk because they forgot their room number?

Obviously, there is no sure way to guarantee an easy-going day of travel. But by heeding some of the tips listed above you can at least maximize your chances of maintaining your sanity and getting you and your luggage to and back from your destination in one piece.

(credit: kymberlyanne)

I love it. I also love the provisions of Rule #2 (they involve notification for delayed flights).

The funny part is that Spirit Airlines is making a huge stink about it, calling it “deceptive” that airlines have to “hide” taxes in quoted airfare rates. Forget the fact that all airlines and sites must now show all taxes and fees in quoted airfare rates (thus leveling the playing field), but Spirit Airlines preferred to show the lower pre-tax and pre-fee rates and then jack up prices afterwards. They’re trying to spin it as if the government wants to secretly hike up fees (which they might, but that still would appear after you check out and every airline would be subject to the fees), but ultimately this is very consumer friendly in that it shows your final price when the search.

So if you’ve started seeing higher fares, just know that it includes all the government imposed fees and taxes on the front end.

If you are turned off by the idea of holiday traffic, your best bet is to just stay inside, watch The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, and not partake in the festivities. If you absolutely must leave the house, here are some tips on reaching your destination in a more efficient manner:

Stay Off Major Roads/strong>