Last week my other half and I decided that we might want to take in a ball game. After doing the math, because we live a couple of hours away from the park it really started to add up. I ran across an article at CNN that gave out some tips to enjoy a major league baseball game and not break your wallet at the same time.

Like everyone else major league baseball teams are feeling the crunch of high fuel costs and giving away some pretty good deals right now. "To ease the pain of record high fuel prices, for example, the San Francisco Giants are giving $25 gas cards to anyone who buys four tickets for $75. In Minnesota, the Twins are discounting the weekly national average price for a gallon of gas off certain tickets."

Here are some more tips:

1. See if you can bring your own food, a lot of clubs are allowing it or eat before you go and try not to be at the food stands every inning.

2. If driving try to find free curbside parking, even if you have to walk a few extra blocks. Parking near the stadium is a premium.

3. Get online and research your teams website and look for deals  on tickets or $2 hot dog day, or family zone specials. Plan your day out, especially if you are bringing kids.

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An interesting arcticle appeared on CNN yesterday stating that you can still find cheap airline tickets and travel rates out there but you have to do a little digging and be flexible with your travel plans.

1. Fly on Tuesday and Wednesday because they are the slowest days of the week. Business people fly Sundays or Mondays and return on Fridays making those busy days.

2. Fly during the slow times of the year. Between Labor Day and Thanksgiving is when you will find the best deals.

3. It's the old adage, fly to popular destinations off season and you are bound to save on your vacation.

4. Buy during the cheapest time of the day such as early morning as airlines will change their prices several times a day.

5. Scout out the internet and look for package deals. Even if you don't want one take a look anyways because they can end up saving you money. The travel industry if very competitive online and I bet you can find a deal somewhere.

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In a few weeks a friend is packing up his family and heading out for two weeks to enjoy the scenery of Atlantic Canada. Where is he staying? He found a friend that has a rental cottage and is staying there instead of using a hotel  or motel.

If you are planning a trip away this year save yourself some money by renting a cottage, cabin or even an apartment. The money savings between that and staying at a motel could be staggering.

Search the internet or ask friends or co-workers. Chances are somebody knows somebody that owns a place or has stayed somewhere themselves and can find you a deal on accomodations. The internet should be able to find you somewhere cheaper to stay other than a hotel or motel.

Not only can you save on the rental fees the key is the kitchen facilities. Buying your own food and beverages will really help keep the money in your wallet. Think about the costs of groceries and even alcohol bought at a store vs eating out every day. I am sure you could save up to $50 a day eating your own store bought groceries.

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With the price of just about everything going up this year it's more important than ever to stretch your vacation dollar as far as you can. Rising gas costs are reason enough to try and search out the best deal. Well there might be some help. This summer everything from large hotel chains to small bed and breakfasts are offering up gas incentives to get your travel dollar. This is good news for us.

"Oddly enough, the pain at the pump may help some summer travelers actually save on their getaways. From big-name hotels to tiny bed & breakfasts, the lodging industry has started rolling out incentives that help guests offset some of the costs of hitting the road. While some properties are offering prepaid gas cards (ranging from $10 to $50), others are extending cash bonuses or reduced room rates to guests who drive a hybrid vehicle, or take a train or bus to their destination."

As the article warns be careful and check out your travel destination carefully. Just because you get a $25 gas card at one place may not save you money if you have to pay for parking.

You can read the rest of the article at the Source as well as see some of the the gas incentives they have already scouted out for you. 

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