As summer vacation gets closer, many travelers are looking to book their dream trip. Save on vacation this summer with these handy travel tips.
Watch Exchange Rates
Not sure where to go on vacation? Look for countries that have favorable exchange rates.
There are many beautiful places to travel to where you can stretch your vacation budget. Europe and the US are expensive, but an international trip may be cheaper!
Book Last Minute
Watch for last-minute deals on travel. If you’re not picky about when you travel, last-minute deals are your friend.
Airlines and hotels scramble to fill up to capacity by reducing rates leading up to the date.
If you just want to get away, check out what you can get for cheap a few days before travel.
Browse Privately
Your browser likely has a setting that lets you browse privately or without collecting cookies.
When you’re trying to save on vacation, use this setting to avoid being tracked. When travel companies know you’re ready for vacation, they’ll see the next time you’re looking for flights and remember your level of interest, increasing rates accordingly
By keeping things anonymous, you can always get a true quote without assumptions about your level of intent to purchase.
Check With Your Credit Card Company
If you use a major credit card like American Express or Discover, you may be eligible to get flight and hotel deals through them as a perk of being a member.
Call your card services representative and ask what specials they may be able to help you out with.
Rewards Programs
By joining or maintaining your membership with a travel rewards program, you can get price breaks on different travel options.
If it’s your first time signing up with a rewards program, you may get free miles or hotel points.
If you’re a long-time member, deals may pop up that you can use to get reduced rates or promotional offers on family-packages.
Keep it in the Backpack
In recent years, up-charges for additional luggage have become commonplace for many airlines.
You can save on vacation by keep your packing limited to just a carry-on.
If you’re staying at an Airbnb at your destination, you’ll likely have access to laundry facilities. If not, you can use a laundromat every few days to wash your clothes.
Use your free carryon to pack a few shirts and an extra pair of pants to keep costs down.
Don’t Buy Anything at Airports
Pack your own snacks and lunch before you head to the airport.
Airports notoriously charge excessively for their food and drinks, so stock up the best you can before you make it on the flight or to your destination.
Those extra packs of gum and magazines probably cost more than you think.
Airbnb
Even though Airbnb has been around for a few years, many travelers still haven’t tried it.
While prices of Airbnb homes are comparable to a hotel suite these days, the additional amenities still make it a worthwhile investment for families who travel.
In many cases, you can wash clothes, cook meals, and save on commuting costs around the city you’re staying in.
Public Transportation
Most major cities around the world have robust public transportation systems.
Take advantage of a daily or weekly pass to save money on taxi and Uber fares to and from your tourist destinations.
Bus and train routes are also likely conveniently located to landmarks and are built for tourists to easily navigate.
No matter where you’re headed this summer, there are plenty of waves to save on vacation. If something seems high-priced, it probably is!
Talk to locals, get recommendations, and get away for awhile!