If you’re planning an upcoming vacation and are looking to save on airfare, lodging, entertainment, dining out and more, be sure to check out these “HIP” travel tips…
1.) Purchase Airline Tickets Early AND on Tuesdays
Does the time of day you buy your flight really matter? According to a recent Expedia report, whenever booking at least 3 weeks in advance, you should try to book on a Tuesday where you can save you as much as $28 per ticket (as opposed to booking your tickets on a Saturday). Buying a ticket on a Friday less than 3 weeks before your trip is the most expensive time to buy. That means the earlier the better…
BUT, does the early bird always get the worm?! According to Expedia, domestic travelers have a window between 50 and 100 days before a flight when airline tickets are the cheapest. Booking TOO early or TOO late will end up costing you hundreds of dollars for your flight. On average, the most precise day to book is 57 days in advance.
2. Download Hotel Apps for Incredible Deals
If you’re looking to book a hotel room without spending a lot out of pocket, be sure to download FREE highly rated apps like Hotel Tonight or Hotels.com that allow you to book highly rated hotels at amazing last-minute rates…a win-win! When hotels have unsold rooms, they are loaded onto the app then allowing YOU to book those rooms at incredibly low rates for tonight, tomorrow or even next week.
3.) Discover Your Credit Card Member Perks
If you’re a cardholder, be sure to check out the discounts and rewards that are associated with your credit card company. Several credit cards offer rewards like free flights, discounted hotel stays and more. According to this article, the best 2016 travel credit card for hotels is the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express and the best card for airline miles is the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Also, select banks offer entertainment perks for cardholders. For example, during the first full weekend of each month, Bank of America’s Museums on Us program offers cardholders FREE admission to over 150 museums in 31 states with a Bank of America credit card or debit card. Planning a trip to a theme park? Discover cardholders can get a 5% discount on Six Flags season passes, play passes, admission tickets, parking, food, merchandise, the FLASH Pass and VIP tours.
4.) Buy Restaurant Certificates & Entertainment Books
if you’re looking to save on dining out or entertainment for your vacation spot, consider buying a few Restaurant.com Gift Certificates or an Entertainment Book for that area. An Entertainment Book comes filled with money saving coupons featuring local restaurants, entertainment and retail spots, grocery stores and more. Plus, they often go on sale for $10 or less, so consider grabbing a few books when a sale pops up!
Restaurant.com provides great deals for thousands of restaurants across the country – often up to 88% off! That means you can buy a $15 voucher for just $1.80 or a $25 certificate for only $3 when bought during a sale. However, be sure to read the restaurant’s special instructions before purchasing the certificate; many restaurants require that you make a minimum purchase, many add 18% gratuity prior to the certificate being applied, some may state valid for food or dinner only, and some may restrict the days that the certificate can be used (i.e. Monday-Friday only).
5.) Snag Daily Deals for Your Vacation Spot
Be sure to sign up for daily deals from sites like Groupon and LivingSocial for the city that you’re traveling to. This allows you to see what restaurants are available in that area, entertainment ideas for the family, hotel packages and more! Plus, consider purchasing a few deals whenever there’s a discount code available and you’ll save BIG.
More Ways to Save on Travel:
Dunhill Travel Deals
Save up to 70% on Hotels, Cruises, Vacations, Airfare & more!
Shermans Travel
Save up to 70% off Travel Deals worldwide!
Rue La La
Search for various travel deals worldwide. Each day, they offer different Boutiques filled with the best of the best in travel, fashion, home, kids, and more.
TripAdvisor
Search the World’s Largest Travel Site with over 200 million+ unbiased traveler reviews and over 200+ sites to find the best hotel prices.
Expedia (and Expedia Disney Vacation Packages)
Plan your trip with Expedia. Buy discounted airline tickets, read reviews, reserve a hotel, find deals on vacations, rental cars & cruises with great prices guaranteed!
Booking Buddy
Search for your favorite travel websites with fewer clicks and in less time! Save on hotels, vacation packages, cruises, flights, cars and more – up to 80% off!
Booking.com
Get big savings on hotels in 85,000 destinations worldwide. Browse hotel reviews and find the guaranteed best price on hotels for all budgets.
CheapAir.com
Search cheap airline tickets and book discount airfares and air tickets, including cheap last minute fares.
Groupon
Save BIG on various travel deals and local vacation spots.
LivingSocial
Looking for a memorable getaway? LivingSocial offers a wide range of relaxing and fun escape and hotel deals!
Request FREE Travel Brochures
Get your FREE, full-color travel brochures – many include bonus discounts, special hotel packages, and even the chance to win free getaways!
Request a FREE Alaska Vacation Planner
If you are interested in possibly traveling to Alaska, be sure to request this FREE travel guide filled with beautiful pictures, helpful information and more!
How do YOU save on travel?