Suggestions

[Tina Gary's mom]

Hi All,

I'm looking for any and all help in cutting the cost of our trip to Great LAkes in the next few weeks, so can anyone suggest the most inexpensive hotels in the area that are closest to the RTC and is anyone getting any great deals for flights that they don't mind sharing? My family and I (5 of us total one is a baby) will be flying out of GA. so any coupons codes that you may know of would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Tina

[zStratMom]

First - some "structural" notes: Sometimes when you post a separate discussion, other mom's won't see to help you. Also, you want to edit your title to reflect you are seeking assistance [ex: "Any suggestions for low cost travel???"] versus possibly offering "suggestions." Because there are so many PIR groups, the veteran moms try to monitor the main dialog thread, instead of individual discussions.

Second - to help answer . . . I've seen other families get great deals on Southwest. Try playing around with different airports . . . Midway, or the one in (Waukegan??). Another trick for some was two one way saver fares, rather than round trip fares. Be mindful of the amenities offered by a hotel. One that is slightly higher per night, but provides breakfast might be the better deal. Also, some offer "suites" - two bedrooms, a living room with a sleeper sofa, a kitchenette - which could be cheaper than multiple rooms. Explore taking the train, rather than rental cars or shuttles to/from the airport, at least one of the ways, that could save you a day's rental fee. To get train routing, use google maps or map quest to get directions between an airport and Great Lakes. Then switch the route from auto/driving to bus/train (there's usually an icon above the route that does this.

Finally, I'm going to ask a favor. please copy and paste your question and this answer into the main page. I'll bet there are other families asking similar questions who will benefit by the discussion and will share their tips as well.

[Tina Gary's mom]

Thanks so much, I'll do just that.

[KikiOtter]

Hi there,

When it comes to hotels, CALL and book! When you call, ask if they have a discount for graduation. Many of the hotels in the Waukegan area do! I actually didn't find out about this until after I had already booked via the website, but called after to inquire about if they had the discount (They did, but for a different room than we booked-we booked the 2-bedroom suite at Residence Inn which was a better deal that multiple rooms). Also, don't forget to ask if they have a shuttle to graduation and the cost (some are like $7, some are $15).

Airlines: I don't know personally (I hate flying), but I've heard from multiple people that the airfare out of the airport just north of Waukegan is cheaper than flying into Chicago. I actually know several people that are driving from the south rather than flying. One of them I know is in Florida. Advantage there is you don't have to worry about flight delays due to weather and wind (we have some absolutely crazy wind up here on the michigan side of the lake today). And no worry of renting a car or taking a taxi.

Transportation: Some say go by train, some say rent a car, some say just take a taxi...each have their own pros and cons. When it comes to trains and taxis, you're at the mercy of THEIR schedule. If you rent a car, you're at your leisure. Train and taxi can be cheaper though if you don't plan to do a lot of bouncing around from place to place. If you do want to take the taxi route, the cheapest I've heard is via Sarge. Check out the discussions "Some Great Info!" and "Meet & Greets" for more info on stuff in the area. Also, Sarge's meet-and-greet you get a coupon for a free entree at a local restaurant for your sailor. 

There's loads on info on here and on the internet on inexpensive places to eat and such. Think the meet-and-greet gives you some info on some places to check out as well.

[Tina Gary's mom]

Thank you so much, this information is very helpful. I thought of driving but we live in GA and my husband thinks it would be to long of a drive.

[Annette GM3 Mom]

Hi Tina... we are in FL and my husband insisted that we fly also.  I wanted to drive but 2 days in a car with my parents and his mother, hmmm. Anyway, the best deal I found was Delta flying in to Milwaukee.  I also used the Ace car rental from the brochure we got. As far as hotels I have booked a 2 room suite at Residence Inn also.  A little oh the high side but it sleeps 6 and all around I was finding it cheaper than 2 or 3 rooms.  Also, with the kitchen you can cook for your son and everyone else as opposed to eating out which might also be a money saver.  When I mentioned to my son that I was thinking of a room for a kitchen I got a response of "yes I want some of your food".  Hope this helps.