Travel tips to help you save on your next trip
Summer is a great time to get a change of scenery, whether that is going down the shore or across the Atlantic Ocean. Regardless of your destination, traveling can be a lot more affordable than you may think, especially if you follow these tips to save money on plane tickets, lodging and activities.
Get a better deal on flights
When looking for plane tickets, don’t just book the first flights you see. Instead, compare prices from multiple airlines and online travel sites. These sites track visitors and remember the prices they quoted you. To make sure you’re viewing the most updated pricing, clear your cookies and cache from your browser history before each new search. Google Flights, Secret Flying and The Flight Deal are great places to find current ticket prices and flight schedules before going directly to the vendor to purchase your ticket. This can save you money because it cuts out the middle man, which comes with a fee, and it connects you straight to the ticket seller. Also, the cheapest ticket isn’t always the first to appear on a google search.
Flights leaving in the middle of the week (Tuesday/Wednesday) are typically cheaper than flights on the weekends. There are a limited number of lower fare seats, so be ready to act fast when you find a price in your budget.
Hotel hacks
Staying in smaller hotels can be a good way to save some money, but if you are considering a big international hotel chain, such as Marriott, Hilton or Hyatt, you may want to join their loyalty program. These free programs reward customers for staying in the hotel with discounted room rates. Some even partner with airlines so you can use their rewards for airline miles.
If you plan to research hotels yourself, HotelTonight is a good app to find hotels last minute. Read reviews on where you’re staying. Cross reference listings on Airbnb with Booking.com, Vrbo and other sites to know if you are getting a good price. It is also good practice to check what you need to bring and what they offer. Does the place have amenities like air conditioning, a microwave and dishwasher?
Another way to save money on lodging is to house sit. Housesitting eliminates the expense of paying for lodging, but limits where you can go. Also, many people in need of a house sitter are looking for someone to take care of their animals in addition to the home, so that is something you must be comfortable with. TrustedHousesitters is a good website to start, though you must set up a profile and pay a membership fee, it can be a lot cheaper than paying for a place to stay each night if you plan to travel for longer.
Have fun without breaking the bank
Touring and eating out can get expensive during your stay, but there are still tons of ways to save on different activities. Tripadvisor and Context Travel are helpful sites to find guided tours, user ratings of attractions and destination deals at a fair price. For dining out, use OpenTable to research nearby restaurants and reserve tables ahead of time. OpenTable also offers a loyalty program that can help you save with a variety of discounts and rewards.
When in doubt, hire out
Coming up with a travel plan can be very time consuming. If you don’t want to deal with the headache of creating a plan during your busy work week, hiring a travel agent might be worth it. With their expert knowledge, they may even be able to you a ton of both money and time.
Conclusion
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t have a great trip. It does require you to travel smarter and put in more effort to find the best prices for airfare, lodging and activities. But that’s all worth it if your savings get you further on your financial journey.