The advent of high gas prices and higher cost of living has in no doubt contributed to the skyrocketing travel expenses. Airfares have been drastically increased from what they used to be. Hotel room rates are at all time high, and restaurant prices are also on the rise. In the face of all these high expenses, a lot of people are being forced to cut down on traveling and forego the much needed vacation.
Nevertheless, travelling cost might look grim but with a little ingenuity and planning, it is still not impossible to travel in comfort without spending a ton of money. No matter where you’re going, there are plenty of simple ways to cut expenses and still enjoy the quality vacation you and your family desire. All it takes is some research and flexibility in travel arrangements and you can get some good travel bargains and save yourself some money. Let’s find out how to do that.
1. Be Flexible With Flight Times
Everyone likes to book their flights for weekend travelling because it’s the most convenient times. Unfortunately, it is also the busiest times for airlines and therefore the most expensive. Book a flight on the weekdays instead of the weekend, and if you are not in a hurry you can also choose a flight with layovers, which further lowers the cost of ticket. These small changes can save you hundreds of dollars, while keeping you stress-free because of less hustle and bustle at the airports during weekdays.
2. Travel Off-Season
Many people go on family vacations around the summer months when school is out and parents can enjoy time off with their family members. These months are obviously peak flying season. To get the best deals for Summer vacation flights, purchase your tickets as early as Spring. Don’t wait to purchase in June because it will already be in the peak season.
Also, try to fly just before or right after a peak season. This way the prices are low, the weather is nice, and there aren’t so many people around the vacation spots either. Another time to travel would be around shoulder seasons. They might not be the warmest or sunniest, but the prices are still low, and can be considered as saving.
3. Booking Early
Booking last-minute flights isn’t the best idea either. It can make all the difference between overpaying and saving money. To get the best deals book at least 6 months to 1 year before your trip. It saves you a lot of time to plan, and saves you a good spot ahead of time. Another good idea is to travel at night. It might be a little inconvenient, but it is also a money saving move
4. Pay For Train Travel Strategically
Train tickets are also up to 50% cheaper when you book two or more weeks in advance. Also if you travel by train on a daily basis, consider purchasing a monthly or yearly rail pass as opposed to purchasing daily train tickets. On average, a pass can cut travel costs by up to 70%. Yearly rail passes carry the best cost-saving bargains.
5. Share The Cost Of Gas
If you decide to travel by road for a vacation, why not carpool with friends you are vacationing with instead of driving several cars? Rent a roomy van or big SUV and share the car rental and gas costs. You can take turns driving as well so it could turn out not to be too tiring for the drivers.
6. Save On Travel Accommodation
Ever wondered why the most popular destinations are so expensive? Well, that’s because everyone wants to go there. The idea is to think outside of the box by going to a small and quiet vacation spot that can save you loads of dollars on accommodation.
Another way to save on hotel rooms is to book in advance through third party discount companies like Hotwire or Priceline. You can save literally hundreds of dollars and still get pristine rooms. Using a time-share accommodation and cooking your meals is another smart way to save money on your next travel.