Summer may be halfway over, but it’s never too early to start planning for next year! I’m not ashamed to admit that I usually start planning my summer adventures for the following year before the current season has even wrapped up – I just want to see it all! From May to September, vacation destinations are packed with couples and families alike who have been waiting months to finally kick back, relax, and enjoy a week a pure bliss. Places are PACKED this time of year, and with large crowds comes large price tags. While travel is certainly expensive these days, it doesn’t have to break the bank! Here are my best budget travel tips for your next vacation!
- Book early
Planning in advance is a necessity to score the best deals. Not only can you save some serious money, but you have the best variety to choose from when it comes to resorts, room styles, and flights. As inventory begins to sell out, prices climb higher and higher to meet the demand. I usually like to begin planning around the 6 month mark in order to grab the best prices and secure accommodations. However, if you’re planning a last minute trip there is hope – you can sometimes snag some pretty good last minute deals on hotels booked less than 30 days out from your date of travel. This happens when places still have rooms to sell for certain dates and are trying to fill the property. It’s worth a shot, but just know that whatever money you save in accommodations, you can expect to pay towards plane tickets, and flights typically skyrocket the closer you get to the day of travel.
- Travel light – avoid baggage fees with carryons
We’ve all been there – you see an offer for a crazy cheap flight and think “this is too good to be true!” Well chances are, it is. Often times airlines will offer some crazy cheap deals to popular destinations, and the price tag is enough to grab anyone’s attention. But what they don’t tell you until you actually start the booking process is that price doesn’t include the dreaded baggage fees. With checked baggage fees as high as $35 one way, that can add up quick! My best travel tip for saving some cash is to travel with carry ons as often as possible. Not only will it save you some money, but it’s so much easier to navigate the airport with a carry on compared to huge pieces of luggage. Most airlines also allow a personal item in addition to your carry on, and this can be anything from a purse to a back pack – just make sure to check size requirements. If my husband and I can travel to Italy for two weeks with only carry ons, I promise you can too!
- Invest in a good credit card with a point system
This is a HUGE, and I mean HUGE, way that you can save some money! Travel credit cards are SO worth it if you love to travel and are looking for ways to cut costs on future trips. They offer so much value and most people don’t take advantage of their benefits! I’m a big fan of Southwest, so I swear by the Southwest Rapid Rewards Visa credit card, but there are plenty others out there that offer tons of benefits for other airlines, hotels, etc. Travel credit cards work by using a point system – the amount of money you spend each month is converted into points, which can then be redeemed for airline miles, hotel stays, car rentals, and more! These credit cards usually have a higher annual fee, ranging anywhere from $95-$500, but are worth it compared to the amount of money you can potentially save on your future vacations. My husband and I fly free the majority of the time by cashing in our points for flights, and it cuts down on costs drastically. Some of the most popular travel credit cards include – Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture Rewards, United Explorer, Discover it Miles.
- Travel off season
Summertime and holidays tend to be the most popular time to take a vacation – schools are out, many people have time off work, and schedules line up perfectly. Not only is this the most popular, but it is also the most expensive time to travel. The demand for travel is there during the summer months, Christmas time, and spring break season, and travel companies know this. People are willing to pay a premium price and believe me – you will. One of the best budget travel tips I have is to travel during the off season, if possible. This tends to cut down on both flight and hotel costs significantly, because the travel industry is always looking to fill those planes and hotels. Less demand = less $$$. You also have a much better chance at getting complimentary upgrades and special perks if resorts have less occupancy! Side note: always always always double check the weather for your destination during off season times to ensure you will still get to enjoy your trip!
These are my best budget travel tips for your next vacation – happy planning!
