If it seems as though everyone has gotten the travel bug as of late, you aren’t wrong. And with that heightened demand for travel and inflation remaining an issue, the cost of travel is anything but cheap. The good news is that there are always ways you can be a travel-savvy tourist and save money in key areas. These savings add up fast and can make it possible for you to take a vacation multiple times a year, rather than just once.
Here’s a look at where you can save and where you should splurge when it comes to travel, making the booking process as smooth and cost-effective as possible.
There’s No Need to Pay Top Dollar on Flights
One of the best places to save money is on flights. If you’re not careful, the flight can easily end up being the most expensive part of your trip, and that’s not always necessary. There are a few effective ways to cut down on costs when it comes to flights, starting with the day of the week. Did you know that mid-week flights are always cheaper than weekend flights? Even the time of day can make a difference, with late-night or overnight flights (red-eye flights) costing less money.
Still, the best date to book a flight is whenever you find a good deal. While it’s true that you can usually find cheap flights early in the week, no one can dispute the fact that you come across dirt-cheap flights heading to your destination on a Friday.
Booking flights online can also help you to get the best deal. Google Flights is a flight search engine that will provide you with a list of fares over one month. You’ll be able to compare airlines, dates, and flight times and see for yourself where savings are possible.
And speaking of flights, while it can be cheaper to book flights with connections/stops, you’ll spend so much time traveling that it cuts into your holiday. In this case, it’s worth the splurge for a non-stop flight.
Travel In the Off-Season for Big Savings
Another money-saving tip is to travel in the off-season. Every travel destination has a popular or peak travel season as well as an off-season. During the off-season, you can save on flights, accommodations, attractions, dining, experiences and more. On top of the savings, the crowds will be thinner, which is preferable for many travelers.
Generally speaking, here’s a guide on when off-season occurs in the most popular destinations:
- Europe – November to March
- North America (excluding Hawaii and Florida) – November to April
- Southeast Asia – June to October
- India and Sri Lanka – May to early September
- China, Japan and Taiwan – November to March
- Mexico and the Caribbean – May to Mid-December
- South America – Varies depending on the region
Accommodations Can Make or Break the Vacation
Just as there are places to save money, there are some worth splurging on. Where you stay can often make or break a vacation, especially in terms of location. Let’s imagine you want to book a sun destination in the Caribbean and you dream of spending your days on the beach and around the pool. You want to be sure the resort you choose is beachfront, the beach is well-maintained and safe for swimming, and the pool is impressive enough to meet your needs.
There will be some vacations where the hotel facilities and amenities are less important, but the location will be a priority. This is true for city-based holidays where you want to be close to the action and not have to worry about also renting a car and constantly taking cabs to get around.
These are just a few of the areas worth saving and splurging on, as travelers have a lot of tools and options at their fingertips.
