Given record airfare, hotel, and rental car prices, travelers need to adopt effective cost-cutting measures - such as using travel hacks or being flexible about their plans - in order to reduce spending. Credit card rewards programs may also offer some cost savings opportunities for travelers.
Travelers looking for ways to reduce costs should also explore alternative accommodations such as Airbnb, hostels or house-sitting platforms - while being wary of hidden fees which may add up quickly.
1. Book Early
If you're planning a trip during peak travel seasons or around major holidays, such as Christmas or Thanksgiving, it is wise to begin shopping for airfare six months ahead. For instance, if heading somewhere popular for Fourth of July celebrations such as Hawaii or Florida it would be wise to start looking in February, according to Berg.
Experts have disproved the myth surrounding "the best day to book a flight", yet it still pays to keep an eye on prices as your trip approaches. Hopper is an invaluable free app which will enable you to track fares and predict when it may be beneficial to book.
2. Look for Package Deals
If you're planning a trip, experts suggest bundling airfare and hotel stays together to save money.
Orlando notes that ticket prices can change at any moment due to airlines offering tickets with various fare buckets.
Subscribe to newsletters and alerts from online travel agencies so you are among the first to hear of flash sales or promotions, and sign up for travel credit cards with no foreign transaction fees.
3. Be Flexible
Airline and hotel prices fluctuate frequently, and being open-minded about your destination and dates is key to finding deals. Set price alerts so you can pounce on opportunities as they present themselves.
Pack light to avoid checked bag fees and minimize baggage costs when flying, and always use your travel credit card wisely; NerdWallet has an in-depth guide for doing just that!
4. Book Last-Minute
Some people prefer leaving everything until the last minute, which is fine as long as you know how to find affordable flights and hotels.
Experts advise booking domestic flights one to three months out and two to eight months in advance for international trips.
Prices begin to increase just two weeks prior to a trip, so it is wise to be flexible. Use Google Flights or Hopper to monitor prices for your preferred dates, and consider signing up for price alerts for notifications of price increases or decreases.
5. Book During the Off-Season
Travel can be expensive. To stay within your budget and save money when booking flights and hotels in off-season periods, book them during this period - this will allow you to save both on airfare and hotel room rates.
Food prices tend to drop during this period due to supply and demand forces.
Applying points or miles toward flight tickets is one way to maximize savings; however, NerdWallet advises spending rather than hoarding rewards.
6. Look for Hotels with Breakfast
Counterintuitively, some hotels provide complimentary breakfast as part of the room rate - from continental spreads to full buffets! This may seem odd at first glance; however, many offer this perk in order to attract customers.
Prior to booking your hotel stay, it is wise to search for this option if you wish to start each day off right! Starting each day right with a complimentary meal!
Additionally, some hotels provide club lounge access with complimentary food and drinks - which may mean full breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets! You may even find cash back with these stays via cash-back portals!
7. Book a Room with a View
Travel can be costly, but you don't have to make it so! By following these budget-friendly travel tips you can save money on flights and accommodations while still having an amazing vacation.
If you find a lower rate on another website, contact the hotel directly and inquire if they will match it - this may often be easier and can save considerable money!
Staying away from tourist attractions can also help save on hotels; however, be mindful of transportation costs each day to and from your accommodation.
8. Book a Room with a Pool
Booking a hotel that fits within your budget is key, but to save money on transportation costs it's also advisable to search for nearby major attractions.
TIP: If you find an exceptional hotel deal and know your travel plans won't change, consider prepaying the room to save significant amounts of money. Doing this can significantly cut costs.
Make sure to read all of the fine print when booking travel arrangements - many prepaid rates are nonrefundable! When possible, use a booking website dedicated to travelers visiting your specific destination.
9. Book a Room with a Jacuzzi
Hotel rates can be one of the largest expenses for travelers, but that doesn't have to be the case. By being smart about when and how they book rooms, travelers can save lots of money that can go toward other travel perks.
Booking hotels during their off-season or traveling during weekdays is often the key to finding better hotel rates, and using cash-back sites as booking platforms provides travelers with rewards as they save money - it's a win-win!
10. Book a Suite
If you have the means, consider opting for a suite instead of a standard room. Suites often offer lower rates and extra amenities like jacuzzis.
Travel can be costly, but that doesn't have to be the case! By following these budget travel tips you can maximize savings on flights and hotels so that you can have an incredible trip - Brian Kelly from NerdWallet offers some useful budget travel advice here. Happy Travels!
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