Peer-to-peer (p2p) car-sharing connects drivers who wish to rent vehicles with owners who have vehicles for rent.

Getaround is a p2p car-sharing service that makes privately owned cars available for rent to people who need short-term transportation.

With the Getaround app, you can schedule and pay for your rental without ever having to interact with the vehicle’s owner.

And as an owner, you can earn some extra cash by signing up to rent your car when you are not using it.

In this Getaround review, we take a closer look at the service to see whether it is convenient, secure, and worth your while.

Getaround Spotlight

How Does Getaround Work?

Getaround is available in 14 cities coast to coast, including Atlanta, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Miami, and Washington, D.C.

Creating your account is free and so is the app.

How To Rent A Car

Once you provide some essential information such as your driver’s license and credit card number, the app instantly verifies your information, initiates a quick background check and, if all is well, gives you the green light to proceed.

In the app, you can search for the location, date and time, and duration that you need the car.

Depending on where you are, you can select among a number of luxury, economy, seasonal, and specialty brands.

The app will show you what is available based on your schedule and specifications, and it will send you a code to unlock your rental car. All you have to do is go to the car’s location, get in, and drive wherever you need to go.

Getaround charges either by the hour, the day, or the week. You can use your Apple Pay account or your individual credit card to submit what you owe.

How To Earn Money From Your Car

If you own a car that you would like to share on Getaround, you create your car’s profile with a catchy name, a description, and photos that the company provides for you.

A staff member comes and installs Connect, a proprietary keyless entry system.

You determine availability, your car’s pickup location, and parking instructions for your renters.

Although the system is free to renters, it does charge some minimal fees to owners.

Installation of the Connect feature is $99, and you pay $20 per month to list your car on Getaround.

The company does offer a 30-day free trial, so you can test it out short-term before making any longer-term commitments.

Is Getaround Safe?

According to the Getaround website, the company vets renters with the DMV, credit bureau, and other points of reference before approving them as customers.

Getaround has both drivers and owners covered with complete auto insurance, theft protection, and even roadside assistance.

It also offers round-the-clock customer support. All of these features help protect you and your car in case of any accidents, breakdowns, or thefts that occur during a scheduled rental.

Get Started with Getaround >>

Getaround Pros and Cons

How Easy Is Getaround to Use?

Once you have downloaded the app on your phone and registered for an account, you will find that Getaround is designed to be user-friendly.

Select and then book the car you want that is available in your time frame.

If you need more time with the car than you booked, you can easily arrange an extension on the app.

Getaround charges you automatically, and you return the car according to the owner’s directions.

Problems could arise if a car is not returned on time and therefore not available when you booked it.

Fortunately, the customer service helpline is accessible and responsive according to reviewers who have used it in the past.

Getaround Connect:
How to Get Keys From Owners

The Connect feature built into the app enables keyless entry to the vehicle you have rented.

You activate it with your phone when you arrive at the car, and you are set to go.

For security reasons, you do not receive the car’s precise location, pickup and return directions, or other sensitive information until minutes before your reservation period begins.

You will typically not meet the car’s owner at any time during the process.

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How Good Are Cars on Getaround?

You can rent some high-end vehicles with the Getaround app, including luxury cars, convertibles, electric cars, and SUVs.

You may even find a rare exotic model that you may not otherwise ever get the chance to drive.

Because the company can charge top rates for newer, more expensive cars, the quality of the available rentals is typically very good.

Also, when you figure that newer cars in better condition are less likely to need roadside assistance, which can be expensive for the company, it makes sense that Getaround would prefer to offer more cars of a high caliber for rent.

Keep in mind, though, that the cars are privately maintained and driven by their owners rather than the company, so individual quality and care can vary.

Getaround has some general criteria for rental cars:

• 2008 or newer
• Less than 125,000 miles on the odometer
• Maximum capacity of eight passengers
• Privately owned passenger vehicle

The makes and models available at any given time depend on the participation of car owners and the vehicles they own.

If you are in a city with a big inventory, you will have a larger variety of cars from which to choose.

How Much Does Getaround Cost?

Hourly rates start at $5 and can go significantly higher. The company sets a default rental rate when an owner registers a vehicle.

This rate is based on the car’s make, model, and model year.

The location and market demand for rentals also figure into the equation. However, the owner has the ability to change that rate if necessary.

As a renter, you can create and use your Getaround membership at no cost.

Although you will not pay a sign-up fee or any ongoing membership dues, you will pay the hourly, daily, or weekly cost when you want to rent a car.

If you return the car later than promised, you will pay the company’s per-hour late fee.

And if you have an accident, you must pay the deductible, and then the insurance picks up the rest.

You are also responsible for purchasing the gas you use while you have the car, and you have to return it with the same amount of gas that was in the tank when you picked it up.

As an owner who is renting out a car, you must cover the cost of the Connect installation and then pay a monthly fee for your rental listing.

You are also required to maintain your vehicle both mechanically and cosmetically so that people want to rent it.

Get Started with Getaround >>

Am I Covered if I Have an Accident?

Getaround provides $1 million in insurance coverage as part of your rental package, so if you have an accident and the car is damaged, you will be covered once you pay the deductible.

For car owners, Getaround provides:

• Comprehensive
• Collision
• Liability
• Uninsured motorist coverage

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What Cities Is
Getaround Available In?

Getaround has established its car-sharing service in New Jersey as well as in the following U.S. cities:

• Berkeley
• Oakland
• San Francisco
• San Diego
• Los Angeles
• Portland, OR
• Seattle
• Chicago
• Philadelphia
• Boston
• Miami
• Denver
• Atlanta
• Washington, D.C.

Is Getaround Available on
iPhone and Android?

Both Apple and Android apps for Getaround are available for download.

That makes it simple to manage your transportation needs while you are out and about taking care of your to-do list.

Getaround Review Summary

Getaround brings car rentals into the 21st century with a convenient, economical, and hassle-free rental system.

For Car Owners

Car owners (who are not using their cars) help to reduce overall demand for more vehicles, and therefore cut down on manufacturing emissions.

The mobile platform makes sense for a society accustomed to a digital lifestyle.

The fact that rental reservations, payment, and car access are all done through the app means that owners do not have to spend time handing over keys or acting as valets.

Getaround does a background check on renters prior to providing a car. It also supplies drivers and owners with insurance coverage.

However, should something go wrong and the car is damaged or stolen, it could put someone’s vehicle out of commission, causing inconvenience and financial loss.

For Renters

Renters must take care to observe daily mileage limits and return the vehicles gassed up and on time in order to avoid extra fees and late fees.

Getaround currently serves a limited number of urban areas throughout the United States, so it may not be available where you live and work.

However, in those cities where it is available, Getaround represents an easy-to-use option for short-term transportation needs.

The rates are typically less than the charges and fees you would find at a traditional car rental company. It is well worth a try.

Get Started with Getaround >>

The article Getaround Review – Make Money From Your Car! was originally posted on Investormint

This midwestern city offers plenty to do and see beyond a visit to the famous Arch and watching a ballgame at Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals (though we recommend those, as well).

Perhaps the best thing about St. Louis is the sheer number of things to do for free.

Here are 17 of the best places to go that won’t cost you a dime (unless you make a donation or purchase a souvenir). We’ve listed them in alphabetical order, but feel free to visit them in any order you choose.

1. Anheuser Busch (Budweiser) Brewery Tour

This brewery is the oldest in the Anheuser Busch family of breweries, founded back in 1852.

General brewery tours, which last approximately 45 minutes, are free and available throughout the day. Hours vary based on time of year, so call or check their website.

Tickets are given out on a first-come, first-served basis–check with the reception desk as soon as you get there to see about availability.

Tours include a look at entire brewery process, but your favorite part will likely be the visit with the famous Clydesdale horses.

2. Cahokia Mounds

Located just about 8 miles east of St. Louis, near Collinsville, the Cahokia Mounds Historic Site encompasses the remains of a prehistoric Native American city–a pre-urban urban, if you will.

This is a mind-boggling look at a civilization going back to nearly 700 A.D. The site spans nearly 2,200 acres, with 800 of them available to explore. That’s a lot of walking!

Start out at the Interpretive Center to understand what you’re looking at, then try to join one of the public tours offered daily in the summer and on weekends in April, May, September, and October. (The Interpretive Center is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sundays year-round.)

Entry to Cahokia Mounds is free, but a donation is suggested to help maintain the site. Don’t miss Woodhenge, a reconstructed sun calendar, or the climb up Monks Mound.

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3. Cathedral Basilica

Whether you’re a fan of architecture, stained glass, mosaics, or just cathedrals in general, you won’t want to miss out on the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis.

The Cathedral dates back only a century, but has the venerable atmosphere of a much-older building.

The mosaics found on the arches and domes (many designed by either Gorham or Tiffany) tell various stories, and you may just strain your neck looking at them all.

Take in all of the chapels, windows, and statues-just be respectful of the mass schedule and plan your visit around those times.

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4. Citygarden

Citygarden, in the heart of downtown St. Louis, spreads over two square city blocks–nearly 3 acres.

Developed as a public art piece, Citygarden contains sculptures, plants, and water features (which are especially popular with kids in warm weather).

Not only is the “garden” free, but there is also a free app you can download to your phone for an interactive tour at your own pace.

As with all St. Louis parks, Citygarden is open from sunrise until 10 p.m.

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5. Contemporary Art Museum

The Contemporary Art Museum is a “non-collecting museum,” meaning it doesn’t have its own collections. Instead, it showcases the work of both new and established artists in exhibits that change seasonally.

Expect to see objects such as paintings, photos and sculptures, as well as interactive and even performance pieces.

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. through 5 p.m.

While there, consider the rest of the Grand Center Arts District, which features theaters, galleries, music halls, museums, cultural institutions, and some fine dining spots.

>> Grab A Hotel Bargain in St. Louis

6. Forest Park

New York City may have Central Park, but St. Louis gets cred for its Forest Park, a 1,300-acre park first opened in 1876 and site of the 1904 World’s Fair.

Come here to walk, jog, bike, or paddleboat. Picnic on the grass or visit one (or all) of the five cultural institutions housed within the park, including the St. Louis Zoo.

The park hosts occasional walks and tours that are free to the public – see the schedule here.

Be sure to visit Pagoda Circle, the Nathan Frank Bandstand, and the Jewel Box.

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7. Gateway Arch Park

Although entry to the famous St. Louis Gateway Arch is not free for all (it is for those under 16), a host of attractions in the park are (including the view of the amazing arch–a celebration of the role of St. Louis in the United States’ westward expansion).

This includes the Old Courthouse, where Dred Scott sued for his and his family’s freedom from slavery in 1857 (some say the case ultimately led to the Civil War).

This also includes the recently opened Museum at the Gateway Arch, which profiles westward expansion from the viewpoint of many different cultures that were affected.

Don’t miss the photos of the Arch being constructed!

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8. Grant’s Farm

Grant’s Farm is a weird mix of attractions – consisting of both the house that Ulysses S. Grant built for his wife after their wedding and a souped-up farm owned and maintained by the Anheuser-Busch company (complete with beer garden, of course), but fun.

There are hundreds of exotic animals, including kangaroos, lemurs, zebras, elephants, and camels, as well as “regular” farm animals. Of course, the star attraction is those famous Clydesdale horses!

Visitors get a free 15-minute tram ride through the animal habitats, and admission is free as well.

Parking is not, however, so unless you walk or bike here, expect to pay a parking fee.

Visitors over the age of 21 get two free samples of AB beer.

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9. Holocaust Museum and Learning Center

The Holocaust Museum and Learning Center is a deeply moving look at the Shoah – the genocide of Jews in the Holocaust during World War II.

This small museum focuses especially on the stories of local survivors and hosts various lectures and films throughout the year.

The Holocaust Museum is located on the Jewish Community Center Campus on the northwest outskirts of St. Louis, in Creve Coeur.

Join a guided tour at 10:30 on Sundays or walk through at your own pace. Closed on Saturdays.

10. Laumeier Sculpture Park

The 105-acre Laumeier Sculpture Park showcases perhaps the best way to view art – al fresco, integrated into nature.

Walk the trails here to see 60 different sculptures in an outdoor habitat, including a Children’s Sculpture Garden.

While admission is free, visitors should go to the Aronson Fine Arts Center to register before walking around.

There are also occasional Free Family Days, offering free activities and projects.

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11. Lone Elk Park

For a look at both elk and bison in a non-zoo-like habitat, take a quick, early-morning jaunt to Lone Elk Park.

Park staff feed the animals early, so it’s best to get here at or before 8 a.m. in order to see them before they disperse throughout the park.

While there, stretch your legs with a walk on the trails. Don’t forget the coffee, early bird.

12. History Museum

Save time on your trip to St. Louis for a visit to the impressively large Missouri History Museum.

Learn more about the history of St. Louis and the 1904 World’s Fair held here in two continuing exhibits, as well as showcases of local history that change seasonally and/or annually.

Let the kids loose in the interactive and hands-on History Clubhouse, where they can explore scaled-down replicas of famous St. Louis buildings, take the wheel of a steamboat, board a trolley, and so much more.

It’s all free and open daily, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

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13. The Muny

The Municipal Theatre Association–also known as the Muny–is “America’s Oldest and Largest Outdoor Musical Theatre.”

Located in Forest Park, the Muny hosts musicals throughout the summer. Tickets for the last nine rows of the theatre, totaling 1,450 seats, are offered for free on a first-come, first-served basis for each and every show.

Gates open at 7:00 p.m. on the day of the show to get the tickets and there’s free pre-show entertainment in the plaza right behind the seats.

14. Pulitzer Arts Foundation

Located in the Grand Center Arts District, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation (formerly just the Pulitzer, but not that Pulitzer) offers both free entry and parking.

It’s open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and until 8:00 p.m. on Fridays.

It also participates in the Grand Center Arts District’s “First Fridays” program, during which museums and galleries stay open until 9 p.m. on the first Friday of each month, with free admission from even those that typically charge.

The Pulitzer is small and typically showcases one exhibit at a time.

15. St. Louis Science Center

The St. Louis Science Center boasts more than 700 “interactive experiences,” as well as a five-story high OMNIMAX theater and a planetarium.

Hands-on learning is everywhere at this public institution, where general admission is free for all.

Some attractions require paid tickets, such as the flight simulators, IMAX movies, planetarium shows, and Discovery Room, but the bulk of them do not. This includes the Experience Energy gallery, GROW pavilion and gallery, Makerspace and workshops, and so much more.

If you visit on the first Friday (evening) of the month, parking is free, as are a 7 p.m. planetarium show and 10 p.m. OMNIMAX classic sci-fi movie screening (grab tickets to the latter two on a first-come, first-served basis).

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16. St. Louis Zoo

The 90-acre St. Louis Zoo occupies the southwest quadrant of Forest Park.

Admission here is always free, though some shows and tours cost extra, as does the Children’s Zoo. However, if you get up early and visit in the first hour that the zoo is open, you’ll get free entry to the Children’s Zoo, Conservation Carousel, and Stingrays at Caribbean Cove.

Kids of all ages will love the variety and number of animals there are to see here, including the popular Polar bears, red panda, snow leopard, Tasmanian devil, and elephants.

17. World Chess Hall of Fame

You don’t have to be a budding Kasparov to appreciate the collection in the World Chess Hall of Fame.

The WCHOF is open every day except holidays and admission is free (although there is a small suggested donation of $3 per person or $5 per family).

Think all things chess when it comes to exhibits here, from chess pieces to women chess champions to the history of chess in the U.S.

Even if chess isn’t your thing, make sure to visit the World’s Largest Chess Piece – a king piece standing 20 feet tall, carved out of African Sapele mahogany located outside. Talk about an Instagram-worthy photo op!

The article 17 Free Things to Do in St Louis was originally posted on Investormint

Groupon Getaways: What’s the Catch?

Best known for its deeply discounted vouchers that are good for a wide array of goods and services, Groupon branched out into the world of travel a few years after launching.

What is Groupon Getaways all about, though? Are the deals really worth it?

As you will see, Groupon’s vacation deals often appear too good to be true. By understanding how they work, you are more likely to snag an offer that will truly save you money while exploring amazing parts of the world.

Groupon Getaways Review

Deals through Groupon Getaways vary widely, so the biggest piece of advice is to do plenty of research prior to booking one.

Many of the packages include airfare to and from a handful of major cities, but you are limited to whichever airports the third-party agency books when there are multiple choices.

Likewise, hotel accommodations are included in many packages, but limitations often apply. For example, you might be promised a stay at a specific hotel but warned that you might also end up in a “similar hotel,” which can be a bit nerve-wracking.

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Are Groupon Getaways As Good As Advertised?

At first glance, it looks like Groupon Getaways has some truly amazing deals.

This is often the case, but some of these packages cost about the same – or even more – because of the nickel-and-diming for extras.

Sometimes, the extras really are “extra” — things like walking tours and wine tastings.

Other times, though, they are what many people would consider an essential part of a vacation package, such as special dining accommodations or upgrades to nicer hotel properties.

With many of the packages and deals, guided tours and other perks are included.

You will notice, however, that these packages tend to have much higher — and less enticing — price tags than the ones that offer “open itineraries.”

The best packages to international locations include English-speaking tour managers and locals who guide travelers around for an insider’s view of the area.

For those who like to mix adventure with travel, Groupon offers a nice assortment of packages that include interest-based tours. For example, some packages include winery tours, zip-lining excursions and even mountaineering treks.

When these types of extras are included, however, the overall price can be pretty steep.

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Groupon Getaways:
What You Need to Know

Is it worth it to book a trip through Groupon Getaways? It can be, but it helps to be aware of a few important things:

Third-party Booking

Groupon Getaways acts as a middleman that connects travelers with third-party travel agencies.

Like other businesses that collaborate with Groupon, these agencies are often willing to take a hit in terms of profit for the benefits of working with the discount giant.

To protect themselves while still earning a decent profit, agencies may impose a laundry lists of terms and conditions, so it is crucial to always read the fine print.

Because these offers are extended across multiple “layers,” dealing with problems that pop up can be frustrating and confusing.

Strict Travel Dates

If you need to book a trip for a specific window of time, Groupon Getaways may not be the right choice.

With most of the deals, you are required to book your trip within a very short period after purchasing your voucher – typically within anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

You are likely to notice that the available travel dates tend to fall during less popular times, which can be frustrating.

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Customer Reviews

Before doing anything through Groupon Getaways, check online reviews from customers who have booked through them in the past.

Some customers complain about being misled regarding accommodations, rates, amenities and more.

ABC News even cast the spotlight on the downsides of booking through the site in their special report, “The Groupon Vacation from Hell.”

Cancellations and Fees

Even if you see no reason why you might need to cancel your trip, the last thing that you want is to be out a ton of money for doing so.

Unfortunately, many Groupon Getaways deals impose sizeable cancellation fees. Generally, the closer to the date of your trip, the steeper the penalty.

Additionally, extra fees apply for many things. For example, these packages are designed for two travelers. If you want to travel solo, you are likely to be slapped with a fee as high as $700 or more.

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Groupon Getaways: How to Win

If you are thinking about booking a vacation through Groupon Getaways and want to save money while still enjoying an amazing trip, be sure to keep the following points in mind:

Check the Fine Print

Remember that the advertised price per person is generally the bare-bones minimum of what you will really pay.

Ask the following questions:

• If airfare is included, can you easily get to one of the airports included on the itinerary or will you need to book another flight just to get there?
• If tours are included, are they more of the souvenir-peddling variety rather than true explorations of the area?
• How quickly do you have to book the trip, and what kinds of fees are imposed if you need to cancel?
• Does the fine print say anything about staying in “similar hotels?”

Double-check How “Inclusive” It Is

Just because certain things are included in a Groupon Getaways package doesn’t mean that they are quite what they seem. Often airfare is included, but baggage fees typically are not.

Depending on the airline, this could set you back by an additional $100 → $200 per person.

If possible, compare the package to what you would pay a la carte for the same trip. If it’s similar or even cheaper, it may be easier to book directly.

Plan Out The Entire Trip

Before booking a Groupon Getaways package, map out precisely how it will unfold to ensure that you will be covered from start to finish.

• How will you get from the airport to your hotel, for example?
• Will a driver be there to pick you up, or will you need to rent a car?

Is the rental car included in the price? How will you handle meals – are they included or will you have to fend for yourself?

If you book a trip with an “open itinerary,” how easy will it be for you to plan out your time at the destination?

Print & Bring Documents

Finally, be sure to print out everything that you do as you move through the booking process.

This includes printing the initial voucher that you buy from Groupon Getaways along with the confirmation and any supporting documentation that you are given.

Make copies of these and bring them with you on your trip so that you can refer to them quickly in case of trouble.

Are Groupon Getaways Worth It:
The Bottom Line

Although there are some great deals to be had on Groupon Getaways, finding ones that actually work for you and your schedule can be tricky.

Because Groupon acts as a middleman here – and their customer service doesn’t have the best reputation – you may be on your own if something goes awry.

While packages can be pretty hit or miss, online reviewers speak much more positively about booking accommodations only through the site, so that is something to consider as well.

At the end of the day, though, you may be better off with just putting together your own trip or working directly with a qualified travel agent.

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Wow, Amazing Groupon Getaways

Groupon Getaways include such eye-catching deals as these recent offers:

Nine-day Rome, Florence and Venice vacation from $999

Like all Groupon Getaways deals, this one was offered by a third-party travel agency, Go-today.

The advertised value of this package is $1,469, implying a 32% discount while exploring some of the best parts of Italy.

Hotel accommodations and airfare are included, but there are a few catches.

For one thing, you are limited to flying out from New York City, Atlanta, Chicago or Los Angeles. For another, the description states that you will stay at certain hotels, or in “similar hotels,” which presents something of a question mark.

Trips like these must often be booked quickly, not giving you much time to figure it all out.

What’s more if it’s a trip with an “open itinerary,” which essentially means that you will pay out of pocket for any tours or other extras. For example, for this trip, you would pay an extra $95 per person for a gondola ride in Venice.

Additionally, this deal is designed for two travelers. If you want to travel solo, an additional fee of $700 applies.

Finally, all cancellations are subject to a fee of up to the full value of the voucher price, so travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Eight-day Sydney vacation from $799

Offered by Gate-1 Travel, this package doesn’t disclose the typical cost for this trip, so there is no easy way to see how much you could save.

Round-trip airfare from Los Angeles or NYC was included, and you will get five nights at a specific hotel that includes a daily breakfast.

Like the Italy trip above, this one was listed as having an “open itinerary,” so you will have to fork over extra cash to enjoy walking tours and the like.

A $300 fee per person for cancellations applied. A 50% fee is imposed when canceled within 61 days, and you could be charged up to 90% of the voucher price if you cancel within 31 days.

11-day Scandinavian tour from $2,699

To travel solo under this deal, there is a $750 fee. Round-trip airfare is provided from NYC only, but specific hotels are booked, and 15 meals are included.

The price may seem steep, but it is far more “all-inclusive” than other deals here because it includes entrance fees, a tour manager and local guides.

There is a cancellation fee of $200 per person, and you will pay 50% of the voucher cost if you cancel within 61 days or up to 90% if you cancel within 31 days.

The article Are Groupon Getaways Worth It? was originally posted on Investormint

There are more than 5 million hotel rooms in the United States, but not all of them are the same.

From penthouse suites in luxury resorts to cozy spaces in boutique hotels, there’s an accommodation type to suit every lifestyle and budget.

The problem is, hotel rooms can be seriously expensive.

Research shows that hotel rooms in the five largest U.S. cities cost, on average, $260.27 — around a third of the average weekly wage.

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, you’re probably looking for deals and discounts that reduce hotel costs significantly. Here’s how to find them.

How Can You Save Money
on Hotel Rooms?

There are various ways you can save money on hotel rooms in the U.S. and abroad.

Book Direct With the Hotel

Third-party hotel booking websites like KAYAK and Booking.com might promise you the best deals, but is this really the case?

Many of these websites charge you a commission for using their services, which in turn may increase the overall price of your hotel stay.

Sure, you can find great discounts on these sites, but it’s a good idea to visit the hotel’s own website (if they have one) and search there instead. The chances are, you’ll save more money on your hotel stay.

Use a Discount Code

Plenty of people never use a discount code to save money on hotel rooms.

Using a coupon code could reduce your hotel bill significantly, and you could even qualify for hotel perks like free Wi-Fi.

Check out coupon websites – Coupons.com and Groupon, for example – and you could grab a bargain!

Book Early

Booking a hotel early will not only avoid disappointment, but you could save money.

Leaving things to the last minute, however, will usually result in higher hotel costs. But how early is too early?

Research shows that booking a hotel around one month in advance will provide you with the cheapest prices.

Use the Hotel’s App

If you want to stay in a large hotel chain — somewhere like a Marriott or Hilton hotel, for example — it could pay to download the company’s app onto your smartphone or tablet.

Some hotel chains reduce hotel stays if you book through their app rather than online.

How Do You Get
Awesome Hotel Perks?

Once you’ve saved money on your hotel room, you can still receive great perks that will improve your stay.

Ask for a Free Upgrade

When you check in, ask the front desk for a free upgrade.

This won’t always happen, of course, but someone might upgrade your room for free. You never know, you might receive the keys to the penthouse suite!

Collect Points

Many large hotel chains have loyalty programs.

These allow you to collect points for hotel stays and redeem them on future purchases.

Sign up to a hotel’s loyalty program if you have stayed with the company more than once.

If You’re Not Happy With the Service, Speak Up!

If you’re not completely satisfied with your hotel experience, speak to a member of staff. You might receive a free hotel stay for the future.

When it’s time to book your next hotel stay, follow the steps above and save money.

You can also access great hotel perks that will make your hotel experience a much more enjoyable one.

Ps: Save More This Year

If you’re a little short on cash this year and won’t be traveling to the next luxury resort and spa, it might be time to download a budgeting app to keep better track of your spending.

Personal Capital is best known as a leading robo-advisor but did you know the company also provides one of the best mobile apps to track your income, net worth and spending.

The article How To Grab A Hotel Bargain In 2020 was originally posted on Investormint

When you factor in the total cost of living in big cities like Chicago, it may make sense to rent out your home to earn some extra cash.

But before posting an Airbnb Chicago listing and hoping that someone will stumble on your cute cottage, cosy apartment or giant mansion, read these tips to make sure you earn a fair amount, estimate the costs more accurately, and keep Uncle Sam happy.

Hosting Airbnb Chicago

If you live in the Chicago downtown area, spice up your Airbnb listing with information about local tourist attractions, restaurants, and bars.

Although photos of your residence will be the most compelling reason for a visitor to choose your listing over another similarly priced one, Airbnb customers also want to know how convenient it is to walk to a local diner, grocery store, public transportation or even a wine bar.

As an Airbnb Chicago host, you need to stand out from the pack to ensure visitors spot your listing. And one of the best ways to ensure your listing is selected is to apply filters to your photos. A few glossy images with photo effects can transform an ordinary visual to look extraordinary.

Instagram grew quickly because it made it easy for users to apply photo effects to ordinary images. To enhance images of your home, all you need to do is download the Instagram app onto your iPhone or Android device and take a few snaps.

If you don’t wish to use Instagram, which is owned by Facebook, you can add textured backgrounds, chromatic, lens flares, and black & white effects using any good photo editor, like BeFunky.

With your images sparkling and grabbing attention, the next step is to ensure your headline stands out.

The best way to get someone to click on your listing is to include a benefit, such as Free Parking.

Or you could add descriptive language, such as luxury high-rise, sunny room, new XXL private room, spacious affordable loft, family friendly Chicago getaway, cute room, or just minutes from downtown.

Once you have picked your best photo to feature and come up with a catchy title for your listing, the next step is to pick a price.

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Airbnb Pricing For Hosts

You don’t have to scratch your head too long when it comes to setting pricing for your listing. Airbnb has a Smart Pricing tool designed to help hosts price listings more competitively in order to maximize earnings from the platform.

Airbnb Smart Pricing changes the price of your listing to factor in local demand. For example, you might be ordinarily tempted to keep your home listed at the same price all year round but if a big sporting event is taking place in Chicago, demand for rentals will probably increase and you may be able to earn even more.

The Smart Pricing algorithm constantly monitors market conditions in Chicago and other regions, and continually modifies prices to reflect market changes with no extra effort needed on your part.

It is well worth giving the Smart Pricing tool a shot because you may otherwise miss out on higher earnings when demand spikes.

And it also helps you to avoid a common pitfall: attempting to undercut your competition.

While it is tempting to look at the pricing of nearby listings and charge a lower amount, this pricing strategy can backfire because customers may start to wonder if there’s a “gotcha” and select your neighbor’s listing instead.

Plus, you can be confident that Airbnb has tested its pricing tool carefully because when you make money, Airbnb makes money.

And the more money you make the more money they make, so the Smart Pricing tool is designed to optimize how much you make by sidestepping the risk of a missed opportunity by pricing too low or too high.

If you still prefer to select your own prices, keep an eye on when large business conferences or sporting events are due to be held, and consider increasing your prices around those times.

During other times, you may wish to compare the prices of local listings and slightly undercut your competition so you attract consumers who are price sensitive without scaring away those who may keep searching if your listing price is too low.

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Airbnb Hosts Tips

As an Airbnb host in a popular city like Chicago, you may be surprised by how much demand there is for your listing.

And it’s easy to become starry-eyed and drift off to a place in your mind where you start thinking about how much money you are going to make.

But before spending the money before it hits your bank account, plan for the inevitable increase in costs to maintain your abode.

With more guests, you can expect to pay more for cleaning services. You can save a bunch of money cleaning yourself, but that may quickly become cumbersome, and a professional cleaning service may save you a bunch of time too.

After all, you should factor in the opportunity cost if you are spending a lot of time cleaning up after guests. If you could earn more money spending the time on other activities then it’s probably not worth cleaning up after guests yourself.

You may need to replace items more frequently too when renting out your home on Airbnb too. Bed linens, bathroom towels, cutlery, shower curtains, and even furniture may need to be replaced or repaired faster than you estimate.

Plus, guests tend to be less economical about turning off lights and heating than are hosts who pay the bills. The bottom line is you should expect a spike in monthly billing charges from your utility providers.

To save yourself higher monthly costs for heating and electricity, consider placing a few notes around your residence in conspicuous places that communicate how good it is for the environment to turn off lights and heating when leaving the home.

Hotels use this tactic effectively to save on costs. For example, they may leave a note displaying a fact, such as “4 out of 5 guests use towels more than once to reduce laundry pollutants and help the environment.”

A guest who may otherwise have been likely to use a fresh towel each day may be nudged towards a behavioral change that is both good for the environment and lowers the hotel’s operating costs.

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Airbnb Hosts Fees

The cost of wear and tear isn’t the only cost you will incur when renting out your home. You will also pay Airbnb a fee of 3% that covers the cost of processing payments.

Guests pay Airbnb a fee between 6% and 12% to cover operating costs that Airbnb incurs.

As a host, you have the option to charge a cleaning fee to guests so it is possible to offset some of the costs you would otherwise pay for alone.

Most hosts also require a security deposit. The idea is to protect the host from significant damage, but it won’t be paid out unless the host, guest, and Airbnb all agree to the charges.

Keep in mind that any payments due to hosts will not be made until 24 hours after check-in.

Although guests pay the full amount at the time of booking, Airbnb holds the money until a full day after guests check in. Whether a guest books your place a few days beforehand or many months in advance, you won’t get paid until after they check in.

But don’t be tempted to get paid sooner by soliciting a cash payment because it is a violation of Airbnb rules and may risk you getting booted off Airbnb Chicago.

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Airbnb Chicago Taxes
& Chicago Airbnb Laws

Sadly for visitors to Chicago, a local ordinance was passed in 2016 which led to a 21% increase in taxes.

The short-term rental ordinance added 4% to the 17.4% hotel tax already in place. And it also added a provision whereby rental hosts would be tracked by requiring Airbnb to submit a list of host addresses.

So, if you were thinking to pocket a little extra change on the side without declaring it to Uncle Sam, think again.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom when it comes to paying taxes on Airbnb income.

You are only required to pay taxes when you rent out your home for 15 days or more each year.

And you can probably deduct expenses from your rental income, though you should consult with your tax attorney to confirm which costs can be deducted.

Airbnb Chicago Hosts FAQ

Why does a guest pay more than I receive?

Your payout is affected by a few factors, including:

• Payouts to hosts are rounded to the nearest whole amount
• Weekend pricing or custom-pricing may be applied to the reservation
• Your weekly or monthly discount may be applied to the reservation

Other than the cleaning fee, can I add other fees to guest bills?

If you want to charge additional fees for pets, bike rentals, or late check-in you may do so but you will need to disclose those fees in advance to guests.

Any fees that are not incorporated into the pricing charged to guests are not the responsibility of Airbnb to collect.

Can I add a host management service?

Third party companies that help with key exchanges, listing management, and cleaning are not affiliated with Airbnb, so even if you use them, Airbnb will still expect you to maintain high standards.

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The article Airbnb Chicago: How To Make Money Renting Your Place was originally posted on Investormint