Fortunately, there are experts like Denver-based travel writer Laura Daily who toil daily to find travel deals and suggest tips for lowering the cost of travel.

“It’s no secret airlines make their money from business travelers and they seek those people,” she says. Because of that, airlines, cruise ships and resorts, which once were considered “quiet zones,” are amping up services that cater to the business traveler, says Daily. For example, more airplanes are being equipped with Wi-Fi, and not because airlines care if passengers are able to email their Aunt Martha in-flight. “It’s a revenue source,” that allows business travelers to work while flying, she says.

So when Daily, who describes herself as a “consumer travel strategist,” travels, how does she save a buck? The first place she looks for airfares is www.itasoftware.com. The site, owned by Google, is the go-to URL for “journalists and savvy travelers,” she says. Users enter their travel origination and destination data along with desired dates into the site, which then compiles a list of airlines that accommodate those requests, along with costs of travel.

There are two main reasons Daily embarks on her travel searches on the site. First, it doesn’t try to sell anything to the user since airline tickets cannot be purchased through the site. Secondly, booking codes are included in the data provided by www.itasaoftware, so if a traveler finds a higher fare on the actual airline’s web site, they can provide the booking code to receive the lower rate. Interesting note: Southwest Airlines is not listed on the site.

Loyalty is key
Certainly it’s expensive for an airline to install and maintain Internet capabilities on an airplane. However, many hotels located in urban centers also charge for Internet access, which surprises Daily. “What we’re not seeing is higher-end business hotels including Wi-Fi with rooms, which we all find annoying,” she says.

One of the best ways to stretch the travel dollar is to “join every hotel loyalty program you can,” says Daily. Depending on the hotel chain, travelers can enjoy perks such as free Wi-Fi, travel points to earn free or discounted rates or free parking.

“Loyalty does pay,” Daily says.

The same rule regarding car rentals apply. Not only does Daily suggest travelers join loyalty programs, she advises them to also peruse several travel web sites to input travel dates, location pick-up and drop-off and vehicle desired, then compare rates. It’s also a good idea to check into using AAA or AARP discounts, if available.

Because travel, whether for business or pleasure, is an expensive proposition, it’s wise to search for and utilize ways to reduce costs. “It’s no sin to use discounts as consumers do,” sums Daily.

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Tami Kamin Meyer is an Ohio attorney and writer who can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..