Maximize Your Family Memorial Day Vacation Dollars

GREENVILLE, S.C., May 24 -- With Memorial Day upon us, many travelers are heading out this weekend for a little "R & R." Very often, the family budget ends up determining the weekend plans. According to Uniroyal Tire and savings expert Stephanie Nelson, planning a fun and memorable Memorial Day vacation doesn't have to break the bank. By following these 15 easy travel tips, families can cut costs during every stage of their trip, no matter where the desired escape.

Uniroyal Tire and "Coupon Mom" Stephanie Nelson recommend the following as their top 15 best-kept secrets for saving hundreds on your Memorial Day travel:

  On the Way

  Gas:
  1. Check the inflation pressure of your tires. Research conducted
     by Uniroyal found that most Americans are driving around on
     under-inflated tires. You need to check your tire inflation
     pressure "cold" once a month and adjust accordingly. The proper
     inflation pressure can be found in the vehicle's owner's manual
     or on the placard usually located inside the doorjamb. The
     pressure indicated on the tire sidewall is the maximum pressure
     allowed, not what is recommended for your vehicle. This simple
     step can save up to nine cents per gallon.

  2. Maintain proper wheel alignment. Making sure your vehicle is
     properly aligned can save as much as 15 cents per gallon. Your
     local Uniroyal dealer can assess your vehicle's wheel
     alignment.

  3. Replace clogged air filters. This is a biggie! A clean filter
     versus one that is severely clogged can mean savings as much as
     31 cents per gallon. Air filters also keep impurities in the
     air from damaging internal engine components.

  Airfare:
  4. Book your airfare as soon as you can. By booking at least 14
     days in advance, you'll have a better chance at lower rates.

  5. Shop smart with online search engines. Use a travel search
     engine to identify the lowest fare airline, but then go
     directly to that airline's Web site to make sure you are
     getting the lowest fare available.

  Airline Parking:
  6. Use parking coupons. Typical airport parking charges average at
     least $10 to $12 per day. By using coupons, you can cut that
     amount by up to half. Sites such as www.longtermparking.com
     offer coupons in cities nationwide.

  7. Keep an eye out for savings offers. Often you can find airport-
     parking coupon offers on the bottom of your printed airline
     itinerary, on printable coupon Web sites, in direct-mail coupon
     packets, and on coupon Web sites. When you see these items,
     clip them and save.

  Where You Stay

  Lodging:
  8. Think outside the hotel. If traveling with family on vacation,
     hotel alternatives such as extended-stay hotels with kitchens
     and free breakfast, condos, or houses will offer more space and
     also help save money on meals.

  9. Look for private owner rentals. Web sites such as www.vrbo.com
     (Vacation Rental By Owner) offer bargains because the owners
     are not paying management company fees, which are typically 40
     percent of the reservation cost. Private owners may also
     provide savings tips to renters such as local coupon books,
     restaurant recommendations and tips to get discounted tickets
     for local attractions.

  Rental Car:
  10. Bid online for rentals. If you are willing to pay for your car
      rental on a nonrefundable basis, you can save dramatically by
      using a site like Priceline.com or Hotwire.com where you can
      name your own price. You select the specific location where
      you need to rent the car, the dates you need it and the car
      size you require. You cannot select the specific rental car
      company. Your credit card is charged if your bid is accepted,
      and then you will see which company you rented from.

  11. Utilize Shuttles. If you are staying at a hotel with airport
      transportation, check to see if you can turn your car in the
      night before you fly out and use the airport shuttle to get to
      the airport.  This strategy may save you a full day's rental
      charge.

  While You Play

  Attractions:
  12. Know where to look for entertainment deals. Check Web sites
      like www.frommers.com for tips on what to see, how to get
      discounted rates at popular attractions, or to find out about
      free events.

  13. Ask the locals. Check the visitor's bureau Web site of the
      city you plan to visit to find information about free bargains
      and local promotions.

  Eating Out:
  14. Sign up for savings. Sign up for email newsletters at national
      chain restaurants to get printable coupons before you leave
      home. Combine these coupons with discounted gift certificates.
      For example, both TGI Fridays and Maggiano's give a free $9
      appetizer coupon immediately when you sign up for their
      newsletters.

  15. Find savings online. Look for discounted restaurant gift
      certificates by zip code from restaurant.com, or check
      rewardsnetwork.com for participating restaurants in the area
      you are visiting for 4 percent to 20 percent rebates.