There’s nothing better than planning a vacation and saving a ton of money in the process. Reducing travel expenses can allow you to enjoy a few more cocktails by the pool or just stretch your money a little bit more, whether you’re planning a short city trip or a longer getaway. Fortunately, finding a deal doesn’t require scrolling through airline pages for hours or placing bets on dubious last-minute websites. You can significantly reduce the price of flights, lodging, and everything else in between with a few smart tips. Here are some tips that wise travelers use.
These 8 Booking Tricks Will Help You Travel Smartly:
1. Make use of tools for flight comparison
It’s likely that you have previously used Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kayak. Although they are excellent for comparing costs between airlines, you shouldn’t trust them. Prior to making a reservation, always check the airline’s official website for rates. Why? Particularly in Europe, some low-cost airlines offer lower fares if you book directly. Additionally, booking directly frequently entails less shady fees or more accommodating cancellation terms. The best advice is to use incognito mode or clear your cookies. Dynamic pricing is genuine; if a website knows you’re interested, it will raise prices.
2. Reserve Flights During the Week — And Take The Correct Days Off
Yes, it does matter what day you book and take off. Booking your tickets on a Tuesday or Wednesday usually results in the lowest costs, according to statistics from Google tickets and Expedia. What about the days of travel? It’s usually less expensive to fly on a Tuesday or Saturday than to go on a Friday or Sunday, which are the busiest travel days. Bonus: Red-eye or early-morning flights are typically less expensive as well. Your wallet will appreciate it, but it’s hardly glamorous.
3. Examine Low-Cost Airlines
Although they make their money on extras, low-cost airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air provide incredibly low rates throughout Europe and beyond. Costs can include seats, luggage, and even printing your boarding card. Hack it: If you don’t care about seat selection, go with simply a backpack or small cabin bag (be sure to verify the airline’s dimensions). Purchase your tickets individually if you’re traveling with someone; occasionally, two single tickets are less expensive than two single tickets.
4. Be Adaptable and Set Price Alerts
You have a lot more opportunities to save money if your dates are flexible. To get informed when costs decrease, use the price alert options on Hopper, Skyscanner, or Google Flights. Some apps even advise you to wait or make a reservation right away. If you have some wiggle room, Google Flights also offers a convenient calendar display that shows which days are less expensive.
5. Try ‘Soft Brands’ for Stay or Go Local
Although handy, chain hotels are sometimes neither the most affordable nor the most distinctive. Try boutique hotels, hostels with private rooms, or locally owned lodging. Websites such as Booking.com and Agoda provide excellent filters for locating these treasures. Look into “soft brands” like Hilton’s Curio Collection or Marriott’s Autograph Collection if you want hotel-like amenities at a lower cost. These independently operated hotels still provide loyalty benefits, but their rates are more affordable.
6.Compare Hotels and Airbnb
Particularly after cleaning and service charges, Airbnb isn’t always less expensive. In fact, a hotel can be a preferable option for brief visits (one to two nights). However, dividing an Airbnb can result in significant cost savings for longer visits, particularly when traveling with friends or family. You may prepare your own meals, which is an added bonus. A few pounds can be saved each day, even if it’s only for breakfast.
7. Make use of reward programs and cashback websites
Avoid dozing off on cashback websites such as Quidco or TopCashback. With reservations made through Expedia, Hotels.com, Booking.com, and even certain airlines, you can frequently receive 5–10% back. Additionally, join reward programs offered by hotels and airlines; they are free and may provide immediate benefits like free Wi-Fi, early check-in, or additional baggage. The points can mount up even if you only take trips a few times a year.
8. Examine Other Airports and Adjacent Cities
It can be significantly less expensive to fly into a smaller or other airport. For instance, flying into Milan Bergamo rather than Milan Malpensa or Girona rather than Barcelona. You’ll be set if you combine this with inexpensive ground transportation (hey, regional trains or FlixBus). Just be sure to account for the expense and travel time to make it worthwhile.
