Traveling can be very expensive, but there are a few simple ways to save money while booking so that money can go to the things that really matter: making memories. Here are five ways to save money while booking travel!
Fly on Less Popular Days
Everyone wants to fly out from Friday to Monday to maximize their vacation time, but by holding off a few days or leaving a day or two early, a lot of money can be saved. Booking a flight from Tuesday through Thursday typically offers discounted rates compared to the “preferred” days. Sometimes that difference can be enough to pay for a luxury excursion, or simply put more money in the savings account, so consider booking on these less popular days. It’s even possible to search cheaper flights based on a time range for departure times, which is very helpful.
Call the Hotel Directly
Calling the hotel directly is a great way to see if a cheaper rate is available. Often the prices online can include website posting fees, but the hotel can give the bare minimum for a really great deal. Also consider alternate accommodations if the hotel prices are too high. Airbnb and Hostels have changed the way of travelers by offering great services at affordable prices.
Track Flights
Setting a price alert is super fast and easy with the help of google and various other flight platforms. In fact, it is usually as simple as typing in an email address and watching the deals roll in. One problem is that it requires being attentive to the email address that the deals are going to because flights can be very finicky when trying to book the best deal. Make sure to stay on top of it and this is a great method for saving money!
Try an Airlines Home Website
This might seem a little bit strange, but often airlines will offer discounts to people from the country they’re based in. This means it’s as simple as booking the flight through a different ending than a .com. Norwegian airlines is known for this, and booking through the Norwegian website rather than the US version can save up to 30% off a regular ticket. On a $600 ticket that is a significant chunk of change back. Checking is always worth it even if the discount winds up being less significant.
Take Advantage of Long Layovers
This is one of the best things to do when booking a trip. A long layover is often seen as an inconvenience but it should be looked at as an opportunity. Any layover over 10 hours gives an opportunity to explore another city on the way to the final destination. On the way to the Paris a long stopover in Reykjavik, Iceland gives a great opportunity to visit the Blue Lagoon on the way. Some layovers even stop for over a day, giving ample opportunity to grab a hotel and explore (often on the airlines dime).
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