Jean Chatzky
There are several ways to slash the sums you’re spending on flights, lodging, excursions, and meals…and still see the world.
Book in Advance (or last minute)
The former is a solid strategy if you’ve planned travel as much as a year out. But if you want just a few days away, lining up your travel dates with last-minute availability and just getting on a plane (or ship) can be a great way to save big.
Be Flexible
Flexibility with travel can help save time and money. Ask yourself the following:
- Does your beach vacation have to be in the middle of February?
- Can you ski at the end of the season instead of peak times?
- Do you have to hit theme parks in the middle of the summer rush?
By planning your journeys at less busy times of the year, you save on everything.
Add on to a Business Trip
Are you headed to California for a conference on the company dime? Great! Fly your spouse out just as it’s about to wrap and extend for a few days. You’ve cut the cost of airline tickets in half, and you may even be able to lock into the hotel at the pre-negotiated bulk rate.
Use Miles Like a Pro
If you’re a traveler but need to watch your budget, here are some tips from some savvy travelers:
- Put all spending on a single rewards or points card
- Transfer points to a variety of partners (airlines and hotels)
- Pay off that card every month
- Watch like hawks to see when reward seats are released and pounce
SavvyTravelers know that when they can’t use the points to fly, there’s a good payoff in spending them on hotel rooms instead.
Stay Somewhere With a Kitchen
Airbnbs and VRBOs are often just as pricey as hotels these days. Having a kitchen can bring significant savings. Here’s how to save:
- Hit the supermarket
- Stock up on breakfast and lunch that you can have in the room
- Use those savings to eat out for dinner
Staying within your budget doesn’t have to derail travel plans. Simply thinking and planning ahead can provide the savings needed to travel in style and on budget.
Chris O'Shea
