How to Save Money on Travel: Airfare & Hotels Edition

Travel can be notoriously expensive, especially if you’re booking at the last minute or traveling during peak seasons. But with some savvy planning and the right approach, it’s possible to score significantly cheaper airfares and hotels. The techniques for saving on both of these things are very similar. Once you have these tips down you will be traveling cheap in no time.

How to save money on airplane tickets.

Be Flexible with Travel Dates
One of the easiest ways to find cheaper flights is to be flexible with your travel dates. Even shifting your trip by a day or two can make a big difference in pricing. Also, aim for midweek flights when possible as weekends tend to be more expensive.

Book Well in Advance
Airlines typically raise prices as the travel date approaches, so booking early is key. Ideally, aim to book at least 1-3 months in advance for domestic flights and even earlier for international routes. Set fare alerts to be notified of price drops.

Compare One-Way vs Round-Trip
While conventional wisdom says booking a round-trip is cheapest, that’s not always true. Compare costs for one-way flights on different airlines and airlines’ own round-trip fares to find the best deal.

Check Alternate Airports
Flying out of or into an alternate airport can sometimes unlock major savings. Just factor in added costs for transportation to avoid false economies.

Fly the Red-Eyes and Unpopular Times
Early morning and late night/red-eye flights tend to be cheaper as they’re less desirable times. You’ll save cash by sacrificing some sleep.

Travel Light
Many airlines now charge fees for checked bags. Pack light and opt for carry-ons only to avoid these extra costs piling up.

Explore “Mistake Fares”
Websites like Scott’s Cheap Flights monitor error fares published by airlines and let you know about crazy deals by email. These can yield international flights at a fraction of the usual price.

Use Airline Miles/Points Wisely
If you’ve racked up airline miles or credit card points, use them for expensive flights and pay cash for cheaper routes to maximize value.

After airfare, lodging is often one of the biggest expenses for travelers. Hotel rates can vary wildly depending on timing, location, and demand. But you don’t have to resign yourself to paying premium prices. By following some smart strategies, you can shave serious costs off your hotel stays.

Shop Around and Compare Rates
Never book the first available rate you see. There are several booking sites and tools that allow you to easily compare rates across multiple travel sites and hotels. Sites like Trivago, Kayak, Trip Advisor, and HotelsCombined scour the web for the lowest prices. Also check the hotels’ own websites, as brands sometimes offer better deals directly.

Join Hotel Loyalty Programs
If you tend to stay at certain hotel chains frequently, sign up for their free loyalty programs. Members often get access to special discounted room rates, along with other perks like late checkout, free WiFi, room upgrades, and more.

Book an Opaque Rate
Want to roll the dice for potentially huge savings? Try an opaque rate offered by sites like Priceline Express Deals or Hotwire Hot Rates. You’ll see a discounted price, but the specific hotel’s name is revealed only after booking. Great for flexible travelers who don’t need to lock in their ideal hotel.

Score Last-Minute Deals
Just as airlines lower prices on unsold seats, hotels slash rates on empty rooms at the last minute. Apps like HotelTonight and LastMinuteTravel.com allow you to book rooms the day of for up to 70% off standard rates.

Consider Alternative Accommodations
If a full-service hotel isn’t essential, explore apartment rentals, home shares, or hostels for much lower nightly rates, especially for longer stays or larger groups. Websites like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Hostelworld connect you with affordable alternatives.

Avoid Holidays and Events
Hotel rates spike dramatically during holidays, special events, and peak tourist seasons. If possible, travel during shoulder seasons when there’s lower demand and empty rooms.

Ask for a Better Rate
It never hurts to inquire politely about any available discounts, deals or upgrades when checking in at the hotel. Many will offer you a lower rate or comp some perks to incentivize you to book directly next time.

Taking the time to shop around, remain flexible, and take advantage of rewards programs can go a long way toward saving serious money on hotels and airfare without skimping on comfort and amenities. You can save some serious money on your next vacation if you just put a little bit of effort into it. Happy Traveling!

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