i am 21 and living in a different state than my family, i am goin home for christmas BUT...?

Question

the airline tickets are about 580 for round trip. i am flying from utah to alabama. this is the one time of the year i get to see my family. i am not the richest man in the world, this plane ticket, then paying all my bills will put a strain on getting presents for my family. my nephew will be born in about 2 more weeks and i want to get him plenty of things seeing as i wont be there to watch him grow up and only see him once a year. so... what kind of things can i do to ensure that i can get my family some gifts, and now go broke? AND if you knwo where to get cheaper airline tickets... please help!

Answer 1

go rob some grannies

Answer 2

I'm assuming you've checked Expedia, Orbitz, Southwest.com, etc.? Also check with a travel agent - sometimes there are unpublished specials that only the agents have access too. (And any reputable travel agent gets paid by the airline, not the passenger.) Look at surrounding cities and consider driving a couple hours to a different airport. Example, in Washington D.C., it's less expensive to fly from Baltimore than Reagan National.

If you have time - you might consider the train or bus. Amtrak is generally less expensive, and the bus is definitely the least expensive, but obviously not as fast as flying.

Final thought - check with a local university. Often they have boards where people post the location where they're traveling and will let you come along if you split the gas. I almost never drove alone in college. (1990s)

Answer 3

Might consider taking the bus. It is cheaper than the plane and see the country instead fo clouds would be nice also .. about $375 for round trip and it is about 2 day road trip .. Greyhounds ususally runs some great deals around the holidays.
As far as gifts well it is the little things that count. If you parents know you are struggling then you might upset them by spending money on them for the holidays. Ever think of making some gifts. Nice scrap book for your mom, maybe spend some father and son time with you father. Good parents know more about their kids then you would think.
With children it is hard. I am lived far away from my neices and nephews. I know I won't make it ome for the holidays this year but i make a point ot call them a lot and I send them letters and pictures and I make a point to let them know that I always think about them. Somethings you just can't help.. Make a point to spend quality time with them while you are there .. Offer free babysitting service while you are there .. Parents will love it and kids will adore you.

Answer 4

You may want to look into taking the bus. Greyhound will take a little longer, but will almost certainly be cheaper.

For inexpensive gifts, my first advice is to hit the yard-sales. Thrift and consignment stores are good too. A lot of people have a hang-up about giving used gifts, but as long as you check the item out thoroughly before you buy, you can get some excellent presents for very little cash. And you can occasionally find some really unique items.

I also wouldn't stress gifts for your nephew, this year. He will only be a few months old, save the real effort for when he will remember it.

Answer 5

If possible, consider driving, trains, buses, and other modes of transportation. I know a plane is faster, but keep your options open. Besides, trains are sort of nice. If you have the chance, you could leave early and make a vacation day stop along the way as a present for youself.
You could also try to squirrel aside some money in the next couple of months to prepare. Also, look through your stuff and find what you don't need anymore (besides, you might find a few things to pass on to family). Try selling it in a yard sale, on eBay, or on a local internet bulletin board or paper. I made over $300 early this year when it was cold by having two yard sales! Good luck!

Answer 6

Well I am sure your family will be happier to just be able to see you rather then hope you bring great gifts. I am like you I see my family once a year and I know it's not cheap. I feel guilty I can't spoil them to show how much I care. But I also know my family would not want me to go broke trying. Believe me they will be just as happy with a small gift. I am sure they all feel you being there is the most specialist gift of all. And if you make your self broke what is going to happen next year? Will you even be able to go? You have to think what is more important. You want to give the baby something special. Buy a cute teddy bear and a good plastic frame and glue the frame with your picture in it to the bear’s tummy. That way you are always there :)

Answer 7

Try a different route - you can fly Salt Lake to Jacksonville, FL
& have family pick you up (nice visit time a little long to Huntsville 0- 8 hrs) for $208 on JetBlue
do not forget the taxes & boarding around $50. Try other airports close by your home.
I like to book direct - never a problem & JetBlue Airways allows for checkin from computer 24 hrs ahead. No line - a biggie at Christmas.

Good luck & enjoy Christmas, they want to see you not get gifts.
The baby will never know but you can tell them about it's 1st Christmas with you.

Answer 8

first try Air Tran. They have a special (at least they used to) for college age kids to fly on stand by really cheap. If not they still are usually the cheapest around. Taking off from or landing at an "Off" airport instead of the "main" one for the area, usually means a drive but at few hundred dollar savings sometimes.

Your nephew doesn't need anything at this point in his life. From birth for about 6 months he will sleep, eat, and mess diapers. So unless his parents are financialy not ready for this and need clothes and such, wait until he is about 6 months old to buy him something. You can all out for his first bday and next Christmas.

Your family knows you are a college student. They also most likely understand your financial situation. Cheap meaningful gift ideas: Writing letters to everyone. Go to a craft store and find something like a soap making kit or candle making kit and make something, or bake bunches of cookies or brownies and bag them up.

Answer 9

Being in the military I have had the same problem...

I found that sentimental girfts are also the cheapest gifts and the most wonderful gifts in the long run.

Think about gifts that have a life long affect....

as for your nephew...much too young to know what a gift is...his parents might know, but he doesn't. Think about getting him something that he will appreciate his whole life. And thats memories.

Sometimes, it helps to go to a travel agent and tell them the dilemma of the airline ticket cost... they very often find deals or can give alternative travel advice...

Hope I got you thinking a bit...

Answer 10

you should have been saving money all year round for this! check on all the travel sites such as expedia.com, priceline.com, travelocity.com etc. you can then compare each web sites lowest prices. your nephew won't remember what you got him, being that he was just born?!?!?!!? Tell your family your situation, they will understand. Tell them that your Christmas present to them is to have you around to lavish them with love and Christmas cheer. I would get some christmas cards, and write each person a lovely letter inside. Family appreciate things like that more than any amount of presents. If there are kids(do not count infants) in the family, I recommend getting them each a 20 dollar best buy gift card. Adults don't need presents!!! Christmas is for kids, if they can't understand that then Poo-hie!

Answer 11

So I did a few searches myself. From the Salt Lake City Int'l airport to the Huntsville airport. From December 20 to December 27. Keep in mind tickets during the holidays are going to be pricey. The sooner you buy them the better because they will keep going up ecspecially if there is another gasoline price spike.

http://www.hotwire.com/air/ $383 with 2 stops
http://www.cheaptickets.com $479 with 2 stops
http://www.sidestep.com $512
yahoo travel $483
you can also name your own price at priceline.com $566
http://www.hotwire.com/ $568