5 Ways to Save on Your Next Vacation
5 Ways to Save on Your Next Vacation
Are you itching to take one last trip before the summer season comes to an end? You’re probably not alone. Whether you are just starting to plan your next trip, or you’ve had something on the calendar for months already, there is always time to minimize your trip expenses and to take the time to plan for how much you can afford to spend. Even better, there are ways you can save money when scheduling and planning, which means you'll have more money to spend while you're on your vacation.
Avoid Peak Travel Times: Any time there are a high number of people traveling, you can expect prices to increase. For instance, if you want to travel to Daytona Beach or other common destinations during spring break, be prepared to pay a premium. Chances are, if you’re taking a trip during a common holiday weekend, such as Memorial Day, or Labor Day, you will experience a similar problem. Consider selecting uncommon travel times. Not only will you spend lodging, and transportation, but you will also manage to avoid the heavy crowds. Lastly, book your flights, when possible, on one of the three cheapest days to fly: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Consider Regional Airports: You always want to shop around for the best flight deals. Some airlines, like Spirit and Southwest, service smaller regional airports near popular vacation destinations. Airlines such as these often offer lower ticket prices and only present a minor inconvenience when getting to your final destination. The savings can often outweigh the inconvenience. However, when booking with these airlines, make sure to check the fine lines. Some airlines will tack on additional charges for baggage or not pre-downloading your boarding pass.
Skip the Hotel: Rather than booking a traditional hotel room, consider an Airbnb. These often come at equal or lesser rates and often include kitchens. An in-house kitchen can save money on eating and drinking out. Another great alternative for the more adventurous traveler are hostels. While some hostels still consist of dorm-style sleeping arrangements, many of the hostels found in popular tourist areas offer private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. For less the cost of a hotel room, you get to enjoy privacy along with the benefits of staying in a hostel. Not to mention, opting to stay in a nice hostel rather than a hotel may change your entire trip experience. Travelers in hostels are frequently more interested in meeting other travelers, with common areas that encourage socializing.
Take a Road Trip: If your destination is within 24 hours of driving, consider saving on the cost of flights and making it a road trip. Road trips can be a great alternative to the traditional vacation, and often, sights along the way are part of the trip! While there are a few more factors to consider, such as gas mileage, rental car insurance, vehicle depreciation, and more, it can often be a much cheaper route to go. Road Trips also don't mean you're stuck in your small sedan. Consider renting a car or even an RV where you can skip the overnight hotel stays. The RV lifestyle can also be an adventure in itself. Offering wonderful moments that many people never experience, like nights around the campfire with fellow travelers.
Utilize Reward Points: Many credit cards, such as Unity Catholic’s Visa® Rewards, allow you to earn rewards points on certain types of purchases, and what better way to spend those reward points than for or on your vacation? Everywhere you look, there are bonus miles and points just waiting to be earned, whether it’s by going about your everyday shopping or simply reading an email. Once you start to take advantage of them, you’ll be earning the points you need to get where you want in no time. Just make sure to spend responsibly!