With the onset of fall, most Howard students anticipate the chance of returning home for Thanksgiving break; finally being able to escape campus food and living for a while. Students can travel to be with family members and enjoy some old-fashioned, home-cooked food.
However, with our nation still feeling the effects of the economic downturn, many have to re-think alternative methods of transportation in order to save money.
“I paid almost $400 to get home to Chicago, for Thanksgiving,” said sophomore economics major Saidah Anderson. “I think it is a lot of money and I’m just grateful that my parents were in a position to buy the ticket!”
Anderson, who decided to fly home for the holidays purchased her ticket a little over a week ago.
According to Flights.com, that was her first mistake.
Flights.com’s first tip to saving money on airfare is to purchase months in advance.
While flying may be the fastest mode of transportation, there are other options that students can consider this holiday season that will cut costs and the hassle of long security lines, baggage fees and the overall hassle of flying.
“Prudent families should closely compare the cost of all modes of transportation for both price and hassle,” said Rick Seaney of FareCompare.com.
Students can opt to drive, ride a bus or train to their holiday destinations.
“I’m driving back home for Thanksgiving,” said sophomore biology major Evyan Durham of Winston-Salem, N.C. “I didn’t even consider flying, because it’s not worth spending the extra money for that short of a distance.”
The MegaBus has given students a cheaper alternative to flying.
Students traveling from Washington can get to popular destinations like New York and Philadelphia for as low as $7 one-way.
Likewise, AmTrak offers discounts to students for up to 15 percent.
They also offer a student discount card that can be used on AmTrak and other travel outlets as well.
According to the Associated Press, the following is a by-the-numbers look at different modes of transportation traveling on a common route- New York to Boston on Nov. 25 and returning on Nov. 29- and how you can save during your trip.
The airfare selected was the cheapest nonstop itineraries available as of last weekend.
Booking a flight on U.S. Airways will cost $282.20 round-trip, including taxes and fees, per person.
Add in one bag checked at the airport and that adds $50 round-trip. Air total: $332.20
Greyhound will get there for $144 roundtrip. Checking a second bag will cost $40 roundtrip. Bus total: $184.
One can drive the 215 miles each way for about $50 in gas roundtrip.
Meals on the road will add about $80 more. No charge for entertainment. Driving total: $130.
Whether going by car, bus, train or plane, there is no doubt that this year, travel expenses for the Thanksgiving holiday will be higher than in previous years.
Students who want to save money in travel expenses, should consider all of their options before booking an itinerary.
For more information on how to save money while traveling this holiday season and a complete list of tips for finding cheap travel, visit, www.flights.com/cheap_airfare.html
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