Secrets of Dirt Cheap Airline Tickets and Cheap Travel

If you’re like many travelers on a tight budget, you may be on a constant search for dirt cheap airline tickets and cheap travel packages. There are now dozens of travel sites that publish cheap airfare, hotel packages and travel deals, but only some are actually a good offer. In most cases, you need to time your booking and do some research to compare published fares and rates. Here are some of the top secrets savvy travelers know for getting dirt cheap airline tickets and travel packages:

Finding Dirt Cheap Airline Tickets

If you’re planning a trip overseas, or a trip that’s longer than two weeks, you can find dirt cheap airline tickets by booking two or more separate flights to cities along the route. In many cases, booking separate flights, instead of a nonstop or direct flight can save you a significant amount of money. Another way to find dirt cheap airline tickets is to either book several months in advance, or to book at the last minute.

Securing Cheap Accommodations

Instead of staying at a hotel or resort, consider renting an apartment, condo or staying at a locally-owned bed and breakfast. Renting an apartment for a week or month, or staying at a bed and breakfast is usually much cheaper than staying in a hotel or resort, especially during the peak season. Do some research about locally owned vacation rentals and book in advance to save on your overall travel package.

Other Ways to Save on Travel

In addition to finding dirt cheap airline tickets, securing cheap hotel accommodations and booking a cheap travel package, there are several ways you to save money on your entire vacation. If you’re staying at an extended stay hotel, condo or vacation home, you can cook your own meals and save money on the cost of food. Dining out expenses can really add up when you’re on vacation, so consider shopping at a local grocery store and making your own meals to save some money.

Another way to save on your travel package is to make a group reservation with friends or relatives. Traveling together can save you a significant amount of money on the cost of accommodations and even some forms of transportation.

There are several secrets budget-conscious travelers know when it comes to finding dirt cheap airline tickets and securing a cheap travel package. Use some of these tips to secure cheap airline tickets, reduced rates on accommodations and to save money throughout your trip.

Tags: budget travel, cheap airline tickets, Cheap travel, Dirt cheap airline tickets

Easy Ways to Find Dirt Cheap Airline Tickets and Reduce Travel Expenses

Getting the best price on airline tickets isn’t always easy, but there are some tried-and-true tricks savvy travelers already use to find dirt cheap airline tickets for destinations around the globe. Here are some of the easiest ways to find dirt cheap airline tickets, and lower the cost of your next trip:

1. Book your inbound and outbound flights separately. Many third-party sites will encourage you to book a package for your flight and hotel, but don’t let those prices fool you. In some cases, especially for international travel, you can get a better deal if you book your inbound and outbound flights separately. Play with the numbers and see for yourself! You’ll be surprised how easy it is to find dirt cheap airline tickets this way.

2. Choose a room with its own kitchen. Food costs can add up fast while traveling and you can reduce travel expenses simply by doing your own grocery shopping and stocking up on healthy snacks. Find your way to the nearest grocery store that the locals use – not one that’s populated with tourists – for the best prices on everyday foods, and load up your refrigerator. You can order in or go out to eat for a special meal during your trip, but stick with ‘home-made’ meals for the rest of the day.

3. Book your flight as early as possible. Booking flights at least a month in advance can save you a significant amount of money, and give you your best choice of seats. Make your reservations at least 21 to 30 days in advance to snag the latest deals. Also consider booking a flight during the week instead of a weekend, since weekend inbound and outbound flights can be slightly more expensive regardless of when you book them.

4. Be flexible about your flight times. Sometimes the “red eye” flight or super early flight is almost half the price of a flight that leaves at a more ‘comfortable’ time, such as the mid morning or late afternoon. If you’re willing to get up a little earlier than usual, you can save a lot of money.

5. Take advantage of frequent flier miles. If you’re already a part of a frequent flier mile program, don’t be afraid to redeem your points. You can lower the cost of your flight and save on your overall trip costs.

Tags: budget travel, cheap airline tickets, cheap tickets, Cheap travel

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