6 tips to save money, time when traveling for Memorial Day

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It isn’t too late to make plans for the long Memorial Day weekend.

Gabe Saglie, Senior Editor from Travelzoo, shares these tips to save you money and time.

• Search for fares from/to alternate airports
The L.A. area has multiple airport options, some serviced by different low-cost carriers, so driving a bit further to an alternate airport, could save you big money.

• Print your boarding pass at home
The simple act of printing your boarding pass at home can save you a lot of time, since you don’t have to worry about waiting in line (and the lines will be long over the Memorial Day weekend) at the airport.

• Don’t check any bags and bring your own food/entertainment/pillow on board
Finding little ways around paying for all the extras airlines are charging for these days can save you big money (especially for families).

• Look at hotel airport parking
Airport hotels often offer parking rate discounts, and if you spend the night before an early morning flight, they will often allow you to park at their lot free of charge for several days.

• Arrive extra early
The airport crowds are bigger during the Memorial Day weekend, so arriving earlier than usual can help ensure you don’t get bumped from oversold flights.

• Consider the taking the train
Most Memorial Day travel happens to large cities, where parking rates, especially at hotels can approach $30-$50 a night; so, assuming accessible rail service, consider the train and public transportation (and walking) at your destination city.

Vacation deals from Travelzoo

LOCAL HOTEL

Arizona Grand Resort
Phoenix

Upscale AAA 4-Diamond all-suite hotel that just finished a $52 million renovation.
Property features a challenging golf course, 22,000-sq. ft. spa and one of the
highest-rated water parks in the country.

• $99/night. (Reg. $200+)

Travel through Sept. 7, including Memorial Day weekend.
Book by May 16.


GETTING AIRBORNE

Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
Grand Canyon National Park

4-hour helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon (one of the 7 Wonders of the World).
Tour (from Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters) flies over Lake Mead, Boulder
City, Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon.
Tour includes picnic lunch on the banks of the Colorado River in the Canyon.

• $199/per person (Reg. $325/pp)

Travel through June, including Memorial Day weekend.
Book by May 15.


VACATION PACKAGES

Sin City Escape
Las Vegas

Roundtrip airfare Phoenix to Las Vegas (through NWA World Vacations).
3 days, 2 nights at the Treasure Island Resort.
• Upscale AAA 4-Diamond resort in the heart of the Vegas Strip.
• Resort is home to 8 restaurants, including the celeb-friendly Social House, and its nightly “Sirens of TI” stage show is one of the best-rated adult-themed acts in Vegas.

$199/per person

Travel Memorial Day weekend (Sunday-Tuesday); taxes +$52/per person.
Book by May 25.


Holiday by the Bay
San Diego

Roundtrip airfare Phoenix to San Diego
4 days, 3 nights at the Bahia Resort Hotel.
• Popular resort hotel in Mission Bay featuring own private beach and marina.
• Situated on 14-acre private peninsula and close to Sea World.

$275/per person

Travel Memorial Day weekend (Saturday-Tuesday); taxes +$49/per person.
Book by May 20.


All-Inclusive Bahamas
Grand Bahama Island

Roundtrip airfare Phoenix to Grand Bahama Island.
4 days, 3 nights at the Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach Resort.
• Upscale property on 26 acres of white sand beach.
• Home to Viva Circus, nightly circus-style entertainment that features trapeze instructions for guests.
All-inclusive: all meals, cocktails/drinks, activities and tipping included.

$579/per person

Travel Memorial Day weekend (Sunday-Wednesday).
Book by May 14.