Money-saving secret your cable and internet provider doesn't want you to know
When you’re driving, spotty cell coverage is a drag. Music, GPS, and calls just won’t go through. Here’s a quick guide to boosting your service no matter where the road takes you.
What about a travel pro tip if you prefer to fly to your destination? You can see which flights include the most legroom with the right tools. I tell all my tall friends about this trick. Tap or click here for the secret — it’s No. 5 on the list.
If you’re heading off for a long trip, spending time in a seasonal home, or otherwise away, here’s a smart way to save money: Pause your cable and internet. Yes, you can do this and keep many of your service’s perks.
Here’s why canceling isn’t your best option
When you’re going on an extended trip, there’s no reason to pay for internet service back home. You might think canceling and reactivating is the way to go. That’s a bad idea.
- You’ll often face a cancellation fee.
- Canceling your service is frustrating and takes time. You’ll likely be bombarded with questions about why you’re canceling and offers to keep you. And once you’re through with everything, you’ll have to take time to return equipment to your provider.
- You’ll often pay an activation fee to reactivate your previous service or sign up with a new one.
- Resuming service takes time, too. You’ll need to set up your plan, payment, and equipment.
The good news is many ISPs and cable/satellite providers allow you to pause your service, which is much more convenient. Below I gathered info on some of the biggest providers in the country. If you don’t see yours, check its website or call them.
NOTE: Before pausing any service, speak with a representative to ensure you won’t lose any special pricing or features. For example, if you’re on a price-for-life rate and pause your plan, you might lose that rate when you restart it. You don’t want to give up a great rate that you’re locked into to save a few bucks while on vacation.
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Comcast Xfinity
Xfinity’s Seasonal Convenience Plan lets you put your TV, internet, and voice services on hold while you’re away. You keep your equipment, phone number, and Comcast.net email address, which you can still access during the hold.
If you upgrade to Seasonal Internet Access, you’ll still be able to control your smart devices at home while you’re away, too. There’s no reconnection charge, and you won’t need a service call when you return.
Smart tech tips to make summer travel cheaper and less stressful
Travel prices are up about 18% compared to pre-pandemic costs. Then there are the flight cancellations and extra-long waits to contend with. To help, I put together a list of the 10 best travel apps for 2023. Check out the list here.
Save big bucks if you book your flight this day of the week
There’s no doubt about it. Flying is rough these days. Rules and delays aside, flights are way more expensive, too.
If you want to save, what’s the best day to book a flight? For years, the answer was Tuesday. Not anymore. Plus, it pays to know what day of the week is best to fly along with how far in advance to purchase a ticket. Keep reading for money-saving travel tips.
10 best travel apps to plan your next adventure
Some things may have changed since your last excursion if you haven’t traveled in forever. You might even run into sticker shock regarding airfare and hotel accommodations. Tap or click here for the best budgeting apps to help get your finances in order.
This free online translator blows Google Translate out of the water
Are you planning your next family vacation? There are a few ways that tech can make your trip safer and more enjoyable. Tap or click here for five smart tech steps before hitting the road.
You might want to be prepared with a translation tool if visiting a foreign country. It can help you quickly navigate unfamiliar territory by asking locals for directions in their language. Google Translate is a popular way to go. But we’ve found a different translator that you will like even more.
Great site: Take a virtual drive around your favorite city
Do it safely when you decide it’s time to get out of the house for your next adventure. Tap or click here for eight ways to stay safe while traveling.
But if you want to experience different cities from around the world without leaving the comfort of home, thanks to modern technology, you can.
Use this website to find new travel buddies to split costs with
Solo traveling is rewarding, fulfilling … and super expensive. Teaming up with a travel buddy can help you save money and feel safer — but that’s tough when all of your friends are busy. Luckily, a helpful website helps you find travel buddies you can trust.
The best time to get the CHEAPEST hotel room (and get a free upgrade)
They say the best things in life are free. But sometimes, it takes a good deal of money to set yourself up for those so-called “best things.” Take travel, for example: Although it’s a fun way to make lifelong memories, it can cost an arm and a leg. Luckily, this guide on how to get the cheapest hotel room will help you save a ton of money.
Travel the world from your living room with this free website
Being stuck at home can be pretty depressing. No one wants to be glued to the same four walls constantly. Luckily, you can travel the world from home — all thanks to this magical website.
If you’re bored, take advantage of the free stuff companies are offering now. Tap or click here for tons of freebies. Now, you may be in lockdown but that doesn’t mean you can’t see the world. In fact, you don’t even have to leave your couch.
5 ways to extend the battery life of your Android
Ever been traveling, only to discover you’re down to only 5% battery left on your phone? And, of course, you need your phone’s map app to get where you’re going.
You can also use one of many apps for travel assistance. But if your battery is low, no app can help you. Luckily, if you have an Android, there are ways to extend your phone’s power.