• Travel

A few Ideas to Save Money on Travel

Here are some ideas. 

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Many people are feeling the pinch of a higher cost of living, as prices for everything from food to gasoline to utilities have increased over the last few years. Some individuals are being much more budget-conscious and scaling back their discretionary spending. Travel may have fallen victim to this perfect storm of rising costs and personal financial austerity.

Rather than giving up travel altogether, which can be a detriment to personal health and well-being, individuals concerned about vacation costs can look to ways to save some money.

· Avoid checked-bag fees. Packing light can help travelers avoid paying extra for checked baggage or overage fees on heavy suitcases. Maximize space in carry-ons so you won’t need to confront higher costs at the airport.

· Use a flight search aggregator. Sites like Google Flights will pull together several flight options based on the criteria entered. This helps customers figure out where they can get the best deals on flights. Flying out of an airport that’s a little further away may help travelers save some money.

· Travel off-season. Avoiding peak seasons for certain desirable destinations will help travelers save on everything from transportation to accommodations. Furthermore, tourists will be less plentiful when the season isn’t at its peak.

· Travel at off-peak times. Similar to traveling off-season, try booking trips earlier in the week, as Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday could translate to better deals on flights and hotel rooms.

· Utilize a mileage credit card. Credit cards often have built-in perks. Some give cash-back on a percentage of money spent while others geared toward travel may offer airline mileage or discounts on hotels or resorts. For those who will be spending anyway, it can pay to use a card that will reward that spending on travel.

· Sign up for a loyalty program. Hotel chains may waive certain fees for loyalty members. Often loyalty clubs are simple to sign up for and include perks like extended check-in or check-out times, meal vouchers or even discounted rates.

· Consider an Airbnb. The debate over the merits of a traditional hotel or an Airbnb continues. While one is not inherently cheaper than the other, an Airbnb could be a better bet for large families or those traveling with extra people. That’s because Airbnb lodgings may have extra square footage that prevents the need to secure two or more hotel rooms. Also, being able to cook some meals on premises will reduce dining expenses in the long run.

Many are concerned with travel costs. However, by exploring money-saving tips, it’s possible to enjoy an affordable getaway.