Whether you’re going on a trip or heading home, there is a lot that goes into travel. From transportation and hotels to food and activities, it can all add up quickly. If you’re looking to save some money on your next break, here are a few tips.
Travel Tips:
Tip 1: Travel during the off-season: One of the best ways to save money is to travel when fewer people are doing so. This means avoiding peak times like summer and winter break, and instead opting for spring or fall. Not only will you save on airfare and accommodation, but attractions will likely be less crowded as well.
Tip 2: Similarly, popular destinations will be more expensive than other options. Going to Daytona on spring break might not be the best idea for your wallet and it probably won’t give you as cool a story as going cliff jumping at Devil’s Island in Texas.
Do something you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Tip 3: Look for deals and discounts: There are often great deals to be found if you know where to look. Sites like Groupon offer discounts on activities, dining, and more, while Expedia and Travelocity often have deals on airfare and hotels. It’s also worth signing up for newsletters from airlines and travel companies, as they will sometimes offer exclusive rates to subscribers.
Signing up for mileage programs and hotel rewards points will help you to get deals and earn points to redeem for free/discounted travel.
Here Are Some Great Rewards Programs:
United MileagePlus
United MileagePlus is the frequent flyer program for United Airlines. The program offers a variety of benefits to members, including the ability to earn and redeem miles on flights, upgrades, and more. You can also use your miles to book hotels, car rentals, and other travel experiences through the United MileagePlus app.
Southwest Rapid Rewards
Southwest Rapid Rewards is the frequent flyer program for Southwest Airlines. The program offers a myriad of benefits to members, including the ability to accrue and redeem points on flights, hotel upgrades, and other items.
Jett Blue TrueBlue
Jet Blue TrueBlue is the frequent flyer program for Jet Blue Airways. The program has many advantages for members, such as being able to earn points and get free rewards like trips and upgrades.
World Of Hyatt
World of Hyatt is the loyalty program for Hyatt hotels. Members can earn and redeem points for free nights, room upgrades, dining, and more.
Hilton Honors Rewards
Hilton Honors Rewards is the loyalty program for Hilton hotels. Members may use points to obtain free nights, room upgrades, experiences, and other amenities.
- Be flexible with your plans: If you’re willing to be flexible with your travel dates or destination, you can often save a lot of money. For example, flying mid-week is typically cheaper than flying on the weekend, and traveling to less popular destinations can also help keep costs down.
- If your dates are firm, make sure to shop different airlines to see which has the best rates. Also, keep in mind that round-trip tickets are often cheaper than two one-way tickets.
- Avoid tourist traps: When you’re in a new place, it can be tempting to visit all of the most popular attractions. However, these often come with hefty price tags. Instead, do some research to find lesser known but equally amazing places to visit. Not only will you save money, but you’ll likely have a more authentic experience as well.
- Sometimes tourist traps are too good to pass up, like going to see the Eiffel Tower. If you can minimize the souvenir spending and take pictures, you can still save some money, while getting the full experience.
- Use public transportation: When possible, use public transportation instead of taxis or rental cars. This is not only cheaper, but it’s also a great way to see a new place and meet the locals. In many cities, you can purchase day passes or multi-day passes for public transportation, which can further reduce costs.
- Limit your shopping: It can be tempting to do a lot of shopping when you’re on vacation, but this can quickly eat into your budget. If you’re looking to save, try to limit your purchases to a few souvenirs or items that you really love. A picture may be just as special and not end up cluttering your closet.
By following these tips, you can save money on your next trip without sacrificing any of the fun. So get planning and enjoy your next adventure!
