OUTING HOME, STEP TO DO

1)Whenever possible, plan aheadNothing takes a bite out of your travel budget like last-minute airline tickets and hotel bills. Try to choose travel dates at least two months ahead of time (three's even better), then start scanning the newspapers and the Web for bargains. Even if you don't find a great deal, you'll benefit from the standard discounts airlines offer on tickets purchased more than 30 days in advance. 2)When you can't plan ahead, be flexiblePlanning ahead is great, but with kids in the picture it's often hard to find the time. If you don't have the luxury of spending the next two months searching for the best deals, work on your spontaneity. If you're flexible, you can find some fantastic last-minute bargains 3)Become one of the localsLocally owned and operated hotels are often much nicer and less expensive. And you'll learn more about the town you're visiting if you eat at the local hangout. 4)Hit the roadCut the cost of plane tickets out of your travel budget and your money will go a lot farther. No matter where you live, there's probably a wonderful family destination within a days' drive. Why not start with a National Park? ( http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/destination/national%20park-cat.html ) 5)Read the promotional offers 6)Always ask about discountsWhether you're booking airline tickets, hotel rooms, car rental, event tickets, or even dinner reservations, always ask the reservation agent if the company is running any deals. Don't forget to mention your kids. You may be surprised to learn that kids stay free7)Call a travel agentIf you don't have time to surf the Web extensively, try a travel agent. Ask friends and family for recommendations or find an agent who specializes in discounted travel and vacation packages by looking in the travel section ( http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/p2g ) http://www.virtualmalaysia You can plan from the moment you step out of the hse to the day you arrive home. Include the estimated prices and rates as well in yr list. Of course, to be able to do this, you gotta do a little research & asking around. Be prepared for any emergencies though. U won't go wrong with a well-prepared checklist. All the best! Ladiearcher