5 Tips To Save Money On Travel
I often get asked how I can travel as much as I do. There are many ways to travel on a budget and find great deals to make your trip feel like a five star experience. In the spirit of transparency, my husband and I do make good incomes from our day jobs. While I have always found a way to travel, even before making a healthy living, I don’t want to set false expectations. With that said, here are some tips and tricks to help you afford your next vacation.
- Search for flights and accommodations in the off season. If you can afford to be flexible with your travel you can find amazing deals on flights and hotels. One place I try to get to every year is Hawaii. It is my happy place. In all the times I have gone, I have always avoided the busy season. Traveling to Hawaii during their “off season” which by the way is still perfect temperature weather and water, has saved me thousands of dollars. I’ve gone in October, January, February, May, and June and loved it each and every time. If you’re willing to adjust your travel plans you can save some money.
- If you utilize a credit card for monthly transactions, get yourself one that offers travel benefits. I fly Delta a lot so I took advantage of their relationship with American Express. A few times a year, these credit cards will offer a higher mileage bonus to kick start your travel goals. Other airlines have their own card offerings or cards like Chase Sapphire, Capital One Venture, Alaska Airlines Visa, are some other great options not affiliated directly to an airline or hotel chain.
- Shop around. You do not have to book the first thing you see online. Check different travel websites, or browse deals directly through the hotel. Before you book with the hotel directly or through a third party it is important to see what protections you have in place should your plans change. Websites like Expedia, Kayak, Orbitz, Hotels.com, Booking.com, etc. each have their own cancellation and exchange policies. It is your responsibility as the traveler to make sure you are clear on what is and is not covered or allowed. With that said, these websites often have great deals and can be a great resource for finding affordable flights and accommodations.
- Use a Travel Agent. Surprisingly enough, booking through a travel agent could actually save you money! They often have relationships with various hotels, airlines, etc and are regularly given discounts which they can pass on to you, their client. Travel agents are an added resource when traveling in unfamiliar areas or entirely different countries. They can connect you with reputable tour groups or help plan your own independent experience.
- Get a job that requires travel and extend your trips by a day or 2. This is one of the ways I’ve been able to see the many places I’ve seen. Conferences, Appreciation Events, and Lobbying have taken me across the United States. If the meetings ended on a Thursday, I would extend through the weekend. My airfare was already covered by work, all I had to do was cover the extra nights at the hotel. While I haven’t traveled for work as much in recent years since my focus has shifted to children, my husband’s work has started to require travel. You better believe if a location sounds appealing, I will find a way to join him. Of course I will have to fund my own way on those trips, but his way will be covered!
If you’re feeling the travel bug but your bank account is telling you a different story, don’t be discouraged. Certainly don’t go into debt to vacation, but look around at more affordable options. Research a little and you just might find a Vacation is within reach.
Sincerely,
Amanda
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