Vacations can be expensive, but with a little creativity and flexibility, you can stretch your budget further and still have an amazing trip. Here are five unexpected ways to save on your next vacation:
- Use credit card rewards to pay for flights or hotels.
If you have a credit card that offers rewards, such as frequent flyer miles or hotel points, consider using them to offset the cost of your vacation. Many credit card companies offer generous sign-up bonuses, so it can be worth it to apply for a new card specifically for the purpose of earning rewards. Just be sure to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid paying interest on your purchases.
For example, let's say you want to fly from New York to Los Angeles and a round-trip ticket costs $500. If you have a credit card that offers 1.5 points per dollar spent, you would need to charge $33,333 in purchases to your card in order to earn enough points for the flight. Depending on the specific terms of your credit card rewards program, you may be able to redeem your points for a statement credit or for travel purchases made through the credit card company's travel portal.
- Book a vacation rental instead of a traditional hotel.
Vacation rentals, such as those listed on Airbnb or VRBO, can be a more budget-friendly option compared to traditional hotels. Not only are they often cheaper on a per-night basis, but they also provide more space and amenities, such as a kitchen, which can save money on meals. Plus, vacation rentals are often located in more residential areas, providing a chance to experience local life and culture in a more authentic way.
For example, let's say you are planning a beach vacation and want to stay in a hotel right on the beach. A quick search on a hotel booking website shows that a room with a beach view costs $200 per night. However, if you search on Airbnb, you might find a vacation rental just a short walk from the beach for $150 per night. The vacation rental might have a fully equipped kitchen, allowing you to save money by cooking some of your own meals, and it might have a washing machine and dryer, saving you money on laundry fees.
- Travel during the off-season.
Prices for flights and hotels tend to be higher during peak travel times, such as summer and holidays. By travelling during the off-season, you can often find lower prices and fewer crowds. For example, consider planning a beach vacation in the spring or fall instead of the summer, or a ski trip in the spring instead of the winter.
For example, let's say you want to go on a Caribbean cruise in the winter. A quick search on a cruise booking website shows that a 7-night cruise costs $1,500 per person in December, but only $1,000 per person in April. By travelling in the off-season, you can save $500 per person or $1,000 for a couple. Additionally, the crowds are likely to be smaller in the off-season, so you might have a more relaxed and enjoyable vacation.
- Use a budget travel app or website to find deals.
There are many websites and apps dedicated to helping travellers find discounts and deals on flights, hotels, and activities. Some options include Kayak, Hopper, and TripAdvisor. These types of resources can be especially useful for finding last-minute deals or for flights with layovers, which can often be cheaper than direct flights.
For example, let's say you want to fly from New York to Paris and a direct round-trip flight costs $1,000. However, if you search on Kayak, you might find a flight with a layover in Toronto for $800. By adding a layover, you can save $200 on your flight. Additionally, some budget travel websites and apps offer alerts when prices for flights or hotels drop, so you can be notified if there is a sale or a deal that could save you money.
- Negotiate with hotels or tour companies for a better price.
Don't be afraid to negotiate for a better deal, especially if you are booking a package or multiple services. Hotels and tour companies often have flexibility in their pricing, and they may be willing to offer a discount if you ask. It never hurts to ask, and you may be surprised at how much you can save.
For example, let's say you want to book a package that includes flights, a hotel, and a rental car for your vacation. You see a package advertised for $2,000, but you thinkyou can find better prices if you book each component separately. You decide to contact the hotel and rental car company directly to see if they can offer you a better deal. The hotel offers you a room for $100 per night, and the rental car company offers you a car for $30 per day. By booking these components separately, you save $200 on the hotel and $100 on the rental car, for a total of $300 in savings.
Additionally, if you are booking a tour or excursion, consider negotiating with the tour company for a better price. Many tour companies are willing to offer discounts for large groups, or if you book multiple tours with them. It can also be helpful to negotiate if you are booking a tour at the last minute, as the tour company may be more willing to offer a discount to fill an empty spot.
By considering these five surprising ways to save on your next vacation, you can stretch your travel budget further and experience all the fun and adventure you desire. Don't let a tight budget hold you back from your dream trip – get creative and see how much you can save.
You must be logged in to post a comment.