
Whether you’re staying in the country or heading overseas, it’s important to find ways to save on your travel expenses, so that you don’t go over your budget. With these great tips, you're sure to avoid expensive pitfalls, and you can fully enjoy your travel experience!
Book in Advance - But Not Too Far
First and foremost, be sure to book your plane tickets, hotel rooms, and car rentals in advance. Booking too close to the date of travel can result in much higher rates, as availability is significantly reduced. However, don't book too far in advance, since rates may not yet be established, and you may find yourself paying an estimated rate that is higher. According to Skyscanner, you are likely to get the best deal on domestic airline tickets if you book 30 days in advance. It differs for international flights, which should be booked four months in advance.
Travel Outside High-Traffic Dates
Be sure to look for travel dates that are outside high-traffic holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Memorial Day. Domestic flights tend to be less expensive when traveling in August, as students are going back to school and there are no major U.S. holidays. For international travel, be sure to check for local holidays, so that you don't find yourself paying more for travel during a particularly busy time of year. In general, international flights tend to be less expensive in February and March.
Look for Deals, Packages, and Special Offers
When making your travel reservations, be sure to shop around. Some sites like Kayak and Priceline will offer special deals if you book your flight, hotel, and car rental together. They will also offer last-minute deals and special discounts for certain destinations, so if you don't have a particular destination in mind, be sure to check out their travel deals and special offers.
You can also find great coupons and promo codes for a variety of domestic and international travel deals on sites like RetailMeNot and Giving Assistant. Simply search for your travel discounts and use the promo code on the corresponding booking site.
Don't forget about your frequent flyer miles! Some credit cards and airlines such as American Airlines and JetBlue offer frequent flyer miles that accumulate as you travel and then can redeem for airline tickets. Be sure to take advantage of any frequent flyer miles you've collected, to get the best deals from your favorite airline.
Venture off the Beaten Path
When booking flights, hotels, and car rentals, consider reservations in areas that are less traveled. Hotels outside tourist areas will often have better availability at lower prices, and may only be a quick cab ride away from the major attractions.
Rental vehicles in high-tourism areas will often be picked over, but you can sometimes catch a cab or public transport to a location with a better selection and correspondingly lower rates. If booking your car in advance, look at the surrounding areas before deciding on a pick-up location.
Finally, consider flights through smaller airports instead of major hubs. Sometimes, you can get better rates if you choose to fly through Chicago Midway rather than O'Hare, for example. When searching for flights, it's always best to include nearby airports, so you can be sure you're seeing the best possible deals.
Update Your Mobile Plan
Don't find yourself stranded! Before you embark on your travels, be sure to update your wireless plan, especially if you are traveling internationally. International roaming fees can be very expensive, and you can easily go over your data limit if you do not have an unlimited plan. Browse prepaid plans offered by your service provider to ensure that you have reliable international phone service and unlimited data to keep in touch with your friends and family, without hefty roaming and overage charges.
Whether you’re staying in the country or heading overseas, it’s important to find ways to save on your travel expenses, so that you don’t go over your budget. With these great tips, you're sure to avoid expensive pitfalls, and you can fully enjoy your travel experience!
Peterson Travel Pros can help you plan a great vacation in your price range. Contact us at [email protected]. Let us know what you are looking for, dates, and number of people.
Photo courtesy of Pixabay
Article: Jesse Clark
Book in Advance - But Not Too Far
First and foremost, be sure to book your plane tickets, hotel rooms, and car rentals in advance. Booking too close to the date of travel can result in much higher rates, as availability is significantly reduced. However, don't book too far in advance, since rates may not yet be established, and you may find yourself paying an estimated rate that is higher. According to Skyscanner, you are likely to get the best deal on domestic airline tickets if you book 30 days in advance. It differs for international flights, which should be booked four months in advance.
Travel Outside High-Traffic Dates
Be sure to look for travel dates that are outside high-traffic holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Memorial Day. Domestic flights tend to be less expensive when traveling in August, as students are going back to school and there are no major U.S. holidays. For international travel, be sure to check for local holidays, so that you don't find yourself paying more for travel during a particularly busy time of year. In general, international flights tend to be less expensive in February and March.
Look for Deals, Packages, and Special Offers
When making your travel reservations, be sure to shop around. Some sites like Kayak and Priceline will offer special deals if you book your flight, hotel, and car rental together. They will also offer last-minute deals and special discounts for certain destinations, so if you don't have a particular destination in mind, be sure to check out their travel deals and special offers.
You can also find great coupons and promo codes for a variety of domestic and international travel deals on sites like RetailMeNot and Giving Assistant. Simply search for your travel discounts and use the promo code on the corresponding booking site.
Don't forget about your frequent flyer miles! Some credit cards and airlines such as American Airlines and JetBlue offer frequent flyer miles that accumulate as you travel and then can redeem for airline tickets. Be sure to take advantage of any frequent flyer miles you've collected, to get the best deals from your favorite airline.
Venture off the Beaten Path
When booking flights, hotels, and car rentals, consider reservations in areas that are less traveled. Hotels outside tourist areas will often have better availability at lower prices, and may only be a quick cab ride away from the major attractions.
Rental vehicles in high-tourism areas will often be picked over, but you can sometimes catch a cab or public transport to a location with a better selection and correspondingly lower rates. If booking your car in advance, look at the surrounding areas before deciding on a pick-up location.
Finally, consider flights through smaller airports instead of major hubs. Sometimes, you can get better rates if you choose to fly through Chicago Midway rather than O'Hare, for example. When searching for flights, it's always best to include nearby airports, so you can be sure you're seeing the best possible deals.
Update Your Mobile Plan
Don't find yourself stranded! Before you embark on your travels, be sure to update your wireless plan, especially if you are traveling internationally. International roaming fees can be very expensive, and you can easily go over your data limit if you do not have an unlimited plan. Browse prepaid plans offered by your service provider to ensure that you have reliable international phone service and unlimited data to keep in touch with your friends and family, without hefty roaming and overage charges.
Whether you’re staying in the country or heading overseas, it’s important to find ways to save on your travel expenses, so that you don’t go over your budget. With these great tips, you're sure to avoid expensive pitfalls, and you can fully enjoy your travel experience!
Peterson Travel Pros can help you plan a great vacation in your price range. Contact us at [email protected]. Let us know what you are looking for, dates, and number of people.
Photo courtesy of Pixabay
Article: Jesse Clark