3 Tips to Help You Save on Your next Vacation
Savings is a big deal in the travel world (no pun intended). Everyone wants to get the best vacation for the best deal. Everyone has their own ideas and opinions about how you can save. Do you book flights on Tuesdays? Should you book in the off season? Travel hacks, travel rewards on and on.
I think that a better question we should be asking when it comes to our vacations is not how much we can save or what kind of deal we can get but, what does the value of a vacation mean to you? Is quality verses “cheapness” more important? Sure you can find a vacation that is cheap but is it going to provide you with all the memories you want to have. Memories for example that could be fighting with a ticketing agent because you booked a non-refundable fare or being seasick at the bottom of the ship all because you wanted the cheaper cabin, paying all the extras because the “deal” was only for the tickets and nothing else was included.
First Tip to SAVING is looking for the VALUE not the DEALS. Don’t fall for the fancy signs and offers! If you stick with what is important to you and why you are wanting to take this vacation in the first place you are going to get the best deal out there. Here are the three big tips that I know will help you save. It will save you time, energy, and you will get the most value and the best deal out of your next vacation.
3 Tips to Help You Save
BOOK AROUND THE FLIGHT
If possible, book your travel around the cheaper flight dates available. Google Flights is a good resource. If are able to fly on these “cheaper” dates for then you may be able to save more - - maybe even spend more on your accommodations or fun excursions or tours instead! Insider Tip: Do not wait until the last minute to buy flights they will always go up. The best times to book are 1 to 3 months out for domestic and 3 to 6 months out for international. Yes, there is the off chance (and I do mean WAY off chance) that you will get a deal but don’t risk it. This is the exception to the rule.
RESERVE IN THE OFF SEASON
Plan your vacation in the off-seasons if possible. You need to know though that it is called “the off-season” for a reason, meaning it may not be the best time of year to visit. This can be due to weather or seasonal closings of attractions and other variables. Fortunately, that isn’t always the case and visiting destinations in the off-season can be relaxing and enjoyable if you can get the dates just right. This can take time and research but it can be done. A good resources is trip advisor or local tourism boards. THE SWEET SPOT: Usually, right before or directly after the off-season. If you can manage to go a week or two before the peak-season starts or the a week or two after peak-season ends you will still end up with great weather and things to do less crowds.
BOOK DIRECT WITH REWARDS
Pick ONE airline and ONE preferred hotel brand — and stay loyal. Focusing your travel with one airline and one hotel chain helps you maximize rewards, unlock free flights, extra nights, elite perks, and major savings.
Some top airlines:
Delta
American Airline
United Airlines
Top Accommodation Picks
Hilton
Marriot
Wyndham
IHG
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As a certified travel planner, I specialize in Royal Caribbean cruises, custom-tailored European vacations, and expertly organized group travel experiences. Whether you're dreaming of a luxury cruise, a personalized European itinerary, or a seamless group getaway, I design unforgettable journeys to match your travel style.
