It's no secret that travel has become extra pricey lately, especially for families. The good thing is there are ways to save and plan to prevent from paying those unnecessary high costs. These budget travel tips, including planning your vacation sooner, flying on certain days, and saving your dollars and cents could result in your vacation being more affordable and achievable.
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1. Book Flights in Advance
Finding the best flight deals is a matter of timing. There are flights that open for booking about a year in advance, and the airfare will change often between then and departure. It's recommended that you book your flight as soon as possible or at-least two months prior to your trip, as prices increase as the flight gets closer to takeoff. Compare flights here.
2. Time Your Travel
Whether it's flights, hotels, trains, rental cars, etc., timing is everything. Prices are usually more expensive on weekends. If you can travel on Tuesday, Wednesday, or even Thursday, that could mean big discounts. In addition, if possible, try to avoid peak times. No matter where you're headed, take into account peak times and try to avoid these seasons.
3. Purchase Travel Insurance
Travel insurance isn't just for expensive vacations or trips overseas. With everything being so expensive, the last thing you want is to lose all your money if you have to cancel your trip. Travel insurance gives you trip cancellations benefits such as reimbursement for prepaid nonrefundable trip costs should you need to cancel. You can book another trip at a later time if needed. Let's face it, things happen and you want to be prepared. To protect your trip investment from the unknown, click the link below to get a quote and buy.
4. Homestays vs. Hotels
As you plan your trip, don't limit yourself. Hotels traditionally have been the preferred choice because of its convenience for being centrally located with easy walking or transport to different locations. The reality is home sharing is rising because it offers travelers more options than ever for accommodations. Home sharing makes you just like one of the locals. You shop at the same grocery stores, eat at the same restaurants, and check and lock the doors like everyone else. Homestay.com connects host families with students and independent travelers looking for accommodations. It offers you the opportunity to live with a local and to truly discover your destination. They offer a wide selection of rooms for both long and short term stays that offer great value for money, leaving you with more to spend during your trip.
Learn more: Homestay: May The Host Be With You
5. Build Your Savings Automatically
Money is a necessity when you travel. As a matter of fact, it is a big factor when you consider when you are traveling, the number of travelers, and other necessary expenses. Try to avoid "debt" if possible and stay away from using credit cards unless necessary and you earn cash back on all purchases. The ultimate goal is to start your savings early. Take advantage of financial institutions' saving options. For example, some banks will round up your purchases made using your debit card to the nearest dollar and transfer the change to your savings account. Others will transfer a $1 for debit card purchases and on-line bill pay. Financial institutions like Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Chime operate this way. In addition to this, set-up automatic transfers to help fund your vacation. Another option is cash back credit cards which typically offer cash rewards when you use it for eligible purchases. You can redeem your reward and deposit into your savings account.
The cost of travel can be a deterrent; however, the benefits outweigh the costs. Traveling provides opportunities for families, couples and friends to create bonds, memories, and happiness that will last a lifetime. According to a 2022 poll published by the NY Post, "64% of people said they've learned the most about some of their loved ones while on vacation, including their family members, partners and friends." So save to travel so you can reap these benefits.
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