Posts Tagged ‘budget-friendly travel’
How to Find Cheap Tickets and Vacation Package Deals
If you’re looking for a great deal on travel packages and dirt cheap airline tickets, you can do some online research to compare rates and packages, and find a discounted package for your destination of choice. Many third-party travel sites make it very easy to find cheap tickets and vacation package deals, but you do need to book at the right time and choose destinations that are in the off-peak season.
Whether you’re planning a spring break getaway or an extended stay for your birthday, use these tips to find cheap tickets and vacation package deals:
1. Book your flight and hotel together. Book your flight and hotel stay together to save on your vacation package. Many travel sites extend discounts to travelers who book their flight and hotel together, and you could save up to 30 percent or more depending on the destination and type of hotel you choose.
2. Compare packages from several sites. Don’t be afraid to shop around for the best price on hotel and flight deals to your destination of choice. Sometimes you can get a much better deal on a flight and vacation package deals when you shop around. Take the time to compare similar packages and deals so that you can get the best rates.
3. Consider booking your car rental with your vacation package. If you are planning on renting a car during your trip, consider booking your car rental with your vacation package and flight. Some travel sites will offer a reduced rate on the rental and even your entire package if you book everything together. This can be a great way to save money on your trip and get the lowest possible price.
4. Book sightseeing tours with your package. If you are planning on doing some sightseeing and want to experience some of the attractions at your destination, book a tour with your package and you could secure a low rate. Some third-party travel sites allow you to add on tours and other experiences to your trip at a discounted rate, because some are partnered with the local visitor’s bureau and attractions. Consider adding on some services to get a lower rate on your vacation package.
5. Travel with a friend. In most cases, you’ll find that hotel stays and vacation packages are cheaper when you book for two or more people. Plan your trip with a friend to get the lowest prices on airfare and vacation packages.
Tags: budget travel, budget-friendly travel, Cheap travel, cheap travel tips, Dirt cheap airline tickets, dirt cheap travel
Best Ways to Find Discount Airfares During Peak Season
If you’re a budget traveler, you probably already know that it’s pretty easy to find dirt cheap airline tickets during the off-peak season of several destinations around the country, and around the globe. But what can you do to get discount airfares and low prices on tickets to destinations during the peak season?
If you’re traveling during peak season, or over holiday weekends, there are still some ways to save money on airline tickets and hotel deals. Here are just some of the best ways to find discount airfares during peak season:
Be Flexible with Travel Dates
If you can book your flight and hotel a few days before or after your “ideal” date, you may be able to get a better deal on airfare and travel packages. Try and be flexible with your travel dates so that you can get a good deal on your travel package and find discount airfare to your destination of choice, even during peak season.
Shop Around for Discount Airfare
Checking the airlines’ website and shopping around for the best deal on airfare and hotel packages from several third-party travel sites can help you find the best prices during peak season. Take some time to shop around for the best deals on airfare and compare rates over a course of a few days. Sometimes the “best” deal on a certain day isn’t necessarily the lowest possible price. Patience can pay off, but it’s still better to book as far in advance as possible.
Fly Out During the Middle of the Week
Most flights that depart during the middle of the week are priced much lower than those that leave on weekends. Plan your trip so that you depart and fly back during a mid-week day, rather than over a weekend day and you could end up saving a lot of money on your trip. This might take some adjusting to your schedule but the extra step could mean a much lower price on your travel package and discount airfares – even during peak season.
Flying and traveling during peak season can be expensive, but there are some ways to secure low rates on airfare, hotels and vacation packages. Shopping around and booking early can save you money on travel, especially during the holiday season. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or an extended stay getaway, use these tips to get the lowest airfare to your destination of choice during peak season.
Tags: budget travel, budget-friendly travel, Cheap travel, Dirt cheap airline tickets
Consider Yellowstone for a Budget Vacation
Yellowstone National Park experienced a record year for tourism, up 7.5% from 2008 and 5% over its highest ever record. More than 1.3 million visitors came to Yellowstone despite a drop in the economy and less tourism spending nationwide. Why? Its easy to take on Yellowstone on a budget. Try these tips to enjoy the park, get outdoors, and still save a lot of money.
Avoid Car Fees
There is a $25.00 a week pass for your vehicle to view the park from the inside. But, many tourists report the Grand Tetons can be viewed from Route 89. You can also catch a glimpse of the beautiful mountains from U.S. 191 near Jackson, WY. Stop for a night in Jackson to enjoy the fresh air and sounds of wildlife. You will find the town quite affordable, particularly if you are traveling with supplies like lunches in your car.
Reduce Flight Expenses
You can fly into Jackson Hole, but this expense can be high if you are not careful with your travel dates. Most visitors to Yellowstone go during the summer months. However, fall and winter can present the highest visibility in the mountains and leave you with much lower crowds. Plane flights tend to be less expensive at this time of year. You will also find reductions on fairs by flying mid-week. Most visitors to the park are families, and they follow a school schedule as a result. Avoid school breaks in order to save the most money.
Save on Lodging
Lodging is cheapest if you avoid the crowded summer months. You also have the option of picking up a tent at a local store and visiting one of Yellowstone’s famous camp sites. Even if you fly in, you can leave the tents behind by donating them to a shelter. This option presents the chance to actually deduct the expense of the tent from your taxable income. You will find the total expense amounts to under a few hundred dollars for a family for an entire week once the deduction is applied. Hostels are also popular in the area. When staying in a hostel, you will find there is more comradery. This can be very helpful for first time visitors who are looking for advice on what to see and when to see it. Staying in a hostel does cut down on privacy, but the park offers moments for solitude during your visit.
Visiting on a Budget
Thankfully, it is easy to make your way through the park without spending too much money. Be sure to invest in some good layering clothing, sunscreen and bug spray. You will also want plenty of socks and boots if you intend on leaving a car behind. From there, ask local tour guides and visitors what they recommend. There is something for everyone at Yellowstone, and simply enjoying a book while taking in the views is an inexpensive activity most will enjoy. Remember to avoid breaking any posted signs, however, as the fines for doing so can quickly put an end to your budget trip.
Tags: budget travel, budget-friendly travel, camping at yellowstone, flying to yellowstone, yellowstone on a budget
Finding Cheap Hotels: 8 Tips
The cost of your lodging is going to be the most expensive thing you purchase on a vacation after airfare. If you can find a better hotel deal, you will be able to splurge more on other aspects of the vacation. Start with the basics when you are looking for a good rate.
1) Ask the hotel
Just asking the hotel directly can easily get you hundreds of dollars in savings. Ask about promotions, deals for AAA members or seniors, and how the hotel would recommend saving money. Especially in a recession, hotels want your business. If you tell them you need a better deal, they may just work with you to make that happen.
2) Shop around and track quotes
The Internet makes it very easy to track and compare quotes from a number of hotels. You can check sites like Hotels.com and Expedia.com daily, and you can even set up alerts for when the price of a hotel drops below your budget. If you’re not willing to do this, consider contacting a travel agent. Often, the fees you pay to book through an agent will be only a fraction of your savings.
3) Make price a priority
If you are flexible on all points but price, you will save the most money. Don’t get set on a specific hotel property. Instead, set your budget, and make this your only criterion. You may have to rough it a little more than you would like. But, its worth it when you can enjoy a better dinner each evening.
4) Skip the 800 number
Look for the contact information on a hotel’s actual site. The 800 number that you may be using through the hotel owner (aka Hilton, Hyatt, etc) is often to an agent who does not have the most information. You can call the branch of the hotel to speak with a local manager and usually find a better deal.
5) Book last minute
If you’re willing to wait until the last minute to book you’ll find the prices go down. This is only really a priority if you are driving to your destination. Otherwise, you may find yourself very stressed come the day before your expensive plane flight. Making your booking options really flexible helps you keep price as the #1 criterion.
6) Celebrate flexibility
Don’t go when you want to go, go when the price is low. You may have to travel in the off season to do this. Most locations have a lot of advantages in the off-season though, not the least of which is less crowds and cheaper air fare.
7) Book your hotel with your plane ticket or rental car
Travel agents and booking agents are happy to offer incentives for you to package your purchase. These companies have usually negotiated these deals with the hotel. They have done the legwork for you, and you can take advantage of this if you are willing to book all at once.
Buy local
Avoiding large hotel chains can save you money and add charm to your trip. You may find better service and accommodations at a local inn than you will at a large hotel. Read reviews online to determine which location is most in line with what you need. Remember: hostels are a great option for budget travelers.
