Quick Visits are brief capsules on current movies, TV shows, travel tips, and travel news.
Let’s face it: Cross-crossing the continent to live the movies isn’t as cheap as it was a few years ago, when it seemed like a new discount airline was popping up every week. But that doesn’t mean that you should miss out. We’ve got three ways to make sure that rising transportation costs don’t disrupt your summer plans.
1. Take – and type on – the bus. New, classy bus companies are popping up near major cities, especially on the East Coast (good news for our “Sex and the City” movie and TV tour ideas). Newcomer BoltBus can bring you from Boston, Philadelphia, or Washington, D.C. to New York City. You’re likely to find a fare on the Boston to New York route for $10 to $20 each way. That’s a steal, considering that you’d likely spend more than $70 round trip for gas alone. BoltBus even offers free wireless Web access and ports to plug in your iPod or laptop.
2. First seek public transportation; if you can’t, Zip. Once you’ve reached your destination, try to take advantage of public transportation if you’re in a city – fares on subways typically are set by local or state government and therefore can’t mirror rising energy costs in real-time. But if you need a car for a day trip out of the city, consider Zipcar. Gas is included in the cost of the vehicle. This solution is probably only right for you if you find yourself traveling often, as it involves an annual fee or monthly commitment. One added benefit: you only need to be 21 years old to use a car.
3. Pack light and find the silver lining. Much has been made over the past few weeks of many airlines’ decision to start charging for checked baggage, snacks, and various amenities. The larger airlines (including US Airways and United Airlines) want you to fork over $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second. But with the cost of jet fuel up by more than 80 percent over the last year, the airlines need to raise prices somewhere – and if they weren’t charging for add-ons, we’re willing to bet that base fares would go even higher. So let your fellow travelers pay for their baggage while you pack light. (After all, memories don’t weigh a thing.) If you insist on filling your suitcases with souvenirs, JetBlue and AirTran will let you check your first bag for free, while Southwest lets you take two. (Sidenote if you’re taking JetBlue: You’re no longer flying, you’re “jetting.” Cute.)
Have thoughts on these tips or want to offer your own ideas? Use the form below to submit to the editors. We’ll work them into future lists.
-Bobby Guerette, executive editor
