Traveling this summer can be more affordable with the right strategies. Renowned consumer advisor Clark Howard, who has visited over 75 countries, shares his insights on finding deals and planning trips efficiently. By focusing on flexible travel dates, utilizing online resources, and considering alternative airports, you can save significantly on flights and accommodations. Additionally, Howard emphasizes the importance of avoiding checked baggage fees and re-evaluating hotel and car rental bookings closer to your departure date.
Planning ahead and leveraging technology are key to securing great deals. Whether you're traveling domestically or internationally, adjusting your itinerary based on pricing trends can lead to substantial savings. For instance, flying out of major cities like New York or Boston often offers cheaper rates than smaller airports, even when factoring in transportation costs to these hubs.
Strategic Flight Planning
Clark Howard recommends starting your search with flexible tools such as Kayak's Explore feature, which displays global fare options based on your departure point. However, if your destination is fixed, Google Flights provides an interactive calendar to compare prices across various travel dates. Timing your trip to avoid peak seasons, such as mid-August after schools resume, can further reduce expenses.
When it comes to international travel, choosing departure cities strategically can yield significant savings. Major metropolitan areas often offer lower fares due to increased competition. For example, flights from New York to London may cost half as much as those from Charlotte. Moreover, exploring nearby airports for both origin and destination can uncover hidden bargains. Avoiding unnecessary baggage fees by packing light also contributes to overall savings. Howard advises that anything not fitting into carry-on luggage simply doesn't make the trip.
Optimizing Accommodations and Rentals
For lodging, Howard suggests beginning your search on Priceline to identify potential hotels, followed by reviewing them on TripAdvisor for unbiased opinions. Booking refundable rooms allows flexibility to re-negotiate rates closer to your travel dates. According to Howard, revisiting hotel prices two weeks before a trip frequently results in better deals.
Similarly, car rentals should not be overlooked in terms of saving money. Re-checking rental quotes shortly before your trip could reveal considerable price drops. In one instance, Howard managed to slash his weekly rental fee from $475 to $254 by re-shopping just prior to departure. These tactics demonstrate how proactive adjustments can lead to substantial financial benefits. By combining smart planning techniques with resourceful use of digital tools, travelers can enjoy their summer getaways without breaking the bank.
The 2025 PGA Championship concluded at Quail Hollow Club with an impressive display of golfing prowess. The tournament featured a remarkable prize pool of $19 million, underscoring its significance as one of the most lucrative events in professional sports. Scottie Scheffler emerged victorious, securing a substantial reward of over $3 million. Beyond the champion's winnings, every golfer who made the cut received a commendable payout, highlighting the event's financial appeal and competitive nature.
This year's PGA Championship took place amidst heightened excitement due to the escalating prize money in major golf tournaments. The competition brought together some of the world’s top players, each vying for recognition and financial rewards. At the forefront was Scottie Scheffler, whose performance not only earned him significant monetary gains but also solidified his reputation on the global stage. Other notable contenders such as Bryson DeChambeau, Harris English, and Davis Riley shared second-place honors, each receiving nearly $1.42 million.
In addition to these top performers, numerous other participants benefited from the generous purse. For instance, those finishing tied for fifth were awarded approximately $617,000 each, while those tying for eighth position received around $455,000 apiece. This structure ensured that even lower-ranked competitors left the tournament with respectable earnings.
Beyond the monetary aspect, the event showcased the evolving dynamics within professional golf. With discussions surrounding affiliations between PGA Tour players and Liv Golf gaining traction, this championship added another layer of intrigue. Observers speculated whether future champions might come from outside traditional circuits, altering the landscape of professional golf.
The conclusion of the 2025 PGA Championship reaffirmed its status as a pinnacle achievement in golf. As participants celebrated their successes or reflected on opportunities missed, they acknowledged the immense value of competing in such a prestigious setting. Moving forward, anticipation builds for how these athletes will continue to elevate their performances and contribute to the sport's growth globally.
Renowned Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah recently opened up about a challenging phase in his career during an interview with Aadyam Theatre. He recounted how he once accepted roles solely for financial gain, often juggling multiple film shoots in a single day. Despite being celebrated for critically acclaimed performances in films like Bazaar and Aakrosh, Shah admitted that working three shifts daily was one of the most grueling experiences of his life. The conversation also touched upon the importance of dedication to craft regardless of the medium or quality of work.
A Glimpse into Naseeruddin Shah's Career Challenges
In a candid moment, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah shared insights into his early career struggles in the vibrant yet demanding world of Bollywood. During a heartfelt discussion at Aadyam Theatre, he revealed how, during a particularly difficult period, he found himself accepting numerous roles purely out of economic necessity. This phase saw him moving from set to set, sometimes even working three different shifts in a single day. According to Shah, this relentless schedule was nothing short of torture, emphasizing that no amount of money could compensate for such exhaustion. In addition to these revelations, Shah discussed his approach to acting, stating that whether performing on stage or in front of the camera, his technique remains consistent. Interestingly, his wife Ratna Pathak echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the importance of giving one's all to every project, despite variations in their artistic merit.
Shah's latest cinematic endeavor, Fateh, directed by Sonu Sood, marked another milestone in his illustrious career. Released earlier this year, the film narrates the tale of an ex-agent who emerges from retirement to confront a dangerous cyber mafia syndicate after a young girl goes missing. Although it garnered mixed reviews and performed modestly at the box office, earning approximately ₹19.06 crore globally, it further solidified Shah's reputation as a versatile and dependable performer.
From a journalist's perspective, Naseeruddin Shah's reflections offer invaluable lessons about balancing artistry with practicality in the entertainment industry. His admission highlights the universal struggle faced by artists who must navigate between passion and livelihood. It serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made behind the scenes and the enduring commitment required to sustain a successful career in the arts. For aspiring actors and filmmakers alike, Shah's journey underscores the significance of staying true to one's craft while navigating the inevitable challenges of the profession.