I use these tips regularly. One key is that you have to be flexible and the next is that you have to have a system. One of the best trips I planned was for my family. I had a bunch of frequent flyer miles and bought tickets for everyone. Then I found a very good deal on a cruise. These can be found when cruise lines are having sales. For example Royal Caribbean has a sale 60% off the second guest. You really can't get much better than that.
If you are planning a group trip, I don't recommend waiting for last minute deals as you may not find enough rooms on the ship.
I hope you can use these tips.
1. Follow the deals
Don't plan your trip until you find a deal.
Thrifty travelers plan like this:
“I’m going somewhere awesome and cheap this fall.”
That is, thrifty travelers build their plans around deals. They get alerts about cheap flights (from a service like AirFare Watchdog) and wait for one that suits their fancy. Then they plan around the deal.
This different approach can save you hundreds and hundreds of dollars off the bat — yet most people never do it. They’re so used to building their plans and then finding a flight that they inevitably spend way too much.
2. Travel during shoulder season
Tourist destinations have a “peak” season (usually summer) with tons of visitors and an “off” season with very few. Spendy travelers plan their visits during peak season (crowded and expensive.).
Thrifty travelers know the best time to visit is during “shoulder season” — usually end of April to end of May and Sept to beginning of December. Airfare and accommodations are cheaper, and the crowds thin out considerably.
3. Watch the value of the dollar
The U.S. dollar is very strong against many currencies right now, which makes international travel especially cheap.
Some of the best current exchange rates can be found in:
- Japan
- Indonesia (including Bali)
- Colombia
- South Africa
- Turkey
Hawaii is great. I love Hawaii. But it will cost about 4x more for a hotel there compared to Bali or Mexico. Thrifty travelers use the power of the dollar.
4. Use your frequent flyer miles
Use your points and miles. There are a lot of credit cards that give either 1.5 or 2 miles per dollar spent. Don't hesitate to sign up for cards that give you a hefty sign up bonus. Your credit score won't go down as long as you pay your bills.
When you earn the miles, make sure you use them. That’s because points and miles depreciate with time — they get less valuable the longer you hold them. Many even expire.I love the cards that let you use your miles on any travel expense. They are the most flexible.
Judy Peterson, Travel Agent
For more information about traveling cheaply, check out my article:
https://www.petersontravelpros.com/20-tips-to-travel-cheaply.html
Schedule a planning session with me. I can help you find some very good deals.
calendly.com/judypeterson1travelpros
If you are planning a group trip, I don't recommend waiting for last minute deals as you may not find enough rooms on the ship.
I hope you can use these tips.
1. Follow the deals
Don't plan your trip until you find a deal.
Thrifty travelers plan like this:
“I’m going somewhere awesome and cheap this fall.”
That is, thrifty travelers build their plans around deals. They get alerts about cheap flights (from a service like AirFare Watchdog) and wait for one that suits their fancy. Then they plan around the deal.
This different approach can save you hundreds and hundreds of dollars off the bat — yet most people never do it. They’re so used to building their plans and then finding a flight that they inevitably spend way too much.
2. Travel during shoulder season
Tourist destinations have a “peak” season (usually summer) with tons of visitors and an “off” season with very few. Spendy travelers plan their visits during peak season (crowded and expensive.).
Thrifty travelers know the best time to visit is during “shoulder season” — usually end of April to end of May and Sept to beginning of December. Airfare and accommodations are cheaper, and the crowds thin out considerably.
3. Watch the value of the dollar
The U.S. dollar is very strong against many currencies right now, which makes international travel especially cheap.
Some of the best current exchange rates can be found in:
- Japan
- Indonesia (including Bali)
- Colombia
- South Africa
- Turkey
Hawaii is great. I love Hawaii. But it will cost about 4x more for a hotel there compared to Bali or Mexico. Thrifty travelers use the power of the dollar.
4. Use your frequent flyer miles
Use your points and miles. There are a lot of credit cards that give either 1.5 or 2 miles per dollar spent. Don't hesitate to sign up for cards that give you a hefty sign up bonus. Your credit score won't go down as long as you pay your bills.
When you earn the miles, make sure you use them. That’s because points and miles depreciate with time — they get less valuable the longer you hold them. Many even expire.I love the cards that let you use your miles on any travel expense. They are the most flexible.
Judy Peterson, Travel Agent
For more information about traveling cheaply, check out my article:
https://www.petersontravelpros.com/20-tips-to-travel-cheaply.html
Schedule a planning session with me. I can help you find some very good deals.
calendly.com/judypeterson1travelpros
