Posts Tagged ‘budget travel’
Tips for Saving on Meals When Traveling
Finding dirt cheap airline tickets can help you cut down on the costs of travel, but you should also plan on cutting down on another big expense: dining out. Eating meals at restaurants or at the hotel can put a dent in your travel budget and you may have few options for cutting back on the cost of each meal. Still, there are some ways to get around the high cost of food when traveling. Whether you’re planning an overnight or an extended stay, here are some essential tips for saving on the meals when traveling:
Consider Cooking for Yourself
If you’re staying somewhere that has a kitchen or pantry area, consider preparing most of the food yourself. You can go out to eat for lunch or dinner, but plan on eating all other meals that you made from the comfort of your hotel, vacation home, or motel room. Cooking when you’re on vacation can be fun, and you can usually find everything you need within a short drive of the property you’re staying in. Call ahead and find out if grocery shopping services are available to make things easier.
Skip Breakfast at the Hotel
Breakfast is usually among the most over-priced menus at the hotel restaurant and even more expensive if you order room service. Pack some convenience foods for breakfast so you don’t have to spend extra money just for that first meal. Look for budget-friendly restaurants in the area if you do want to eat breakfast, and consider making this your biggest meal of the day.
Avoid Room Service
Room service is another expensive way to dine out when traveling. Even when you’ve managed to save a significant amount of money on travel by securing some dirt cheap airline tickets, don’t cancel out the savings by settling for room service. Room service menu items are usually priced higher than your average meal at a restaurant and may not even include gratuities.
Plan on Stocking Up on Leftovers
Make sure your room or suite has a fridge so you can stockpile leftovers from restaurant meals as you go. This will help to extend the “life” of each meal and you can still enjoy plenty of delicious food throughout the trip. Make sure to ask the restaurant to store the leftovers in an airtight container or well-sealed box whenever possible so the food won’t go bad within a day or so.
Tags: budget travel, cheap airfare, Cheap travel
Best Ways to Cut Airfare Travel Costs
If you’re traveling on a tight budget, you need to know how to find dirt cheap airline tickets and make the most of your travel budget. Cutting costs on travel isn’t always easy, but there are several ways to scale back those travel expenses and get more out of your budget. It might take some planning and online research, but you do have some resources available to help you find the best deals to any destination you choose.
Here are some of the best ways to cut airfare travel costs this season:
- Shop around for the best airline tickets. You can find several sites that offer dirt cheap airline tickets and discounted airfares throughout the week. Keep an eye on last-minute fares and sign up for travel alerts so you can secure the lowest price at just the right time. Some sites also offer bonuses and vouchers for discounts on hotels which can add up to more savings.
- Consider making multiple stops. Taking connecting flights may be inconvenient but it will help to save you money on that plane ticket. Many airlines offer low fares when you are connecting at one or more destinations along the way. If you can plan for a longer trip and don’t mind layovers, this can be a great way to cut the costs of airfare this season.
- Fly in and out of the same airport. It’s usually always cheaper to fly in and out of the same airport when you are booking your flight. Flying the same airline can also help you rack up frequent flier miles. Plan on flying in and out of the same airport so you can make the most of your travel budget this season.
- Only take a carry-on bag. Most airlines now charge fairly high fees for baggage, so consider packing light and just taking carry-on luggage. You are permitted to take one carry-on suitcase and one personal item such as a tote bag or purse on a given flight. Make the most of the space you have available so you don’t end up paying high baggage fees.
- Don’t overpack. Overpacking means you could end up taking what the airline considers to be an oversized bag. Oversized bags are usually much more expensive to travel with, and it might also be tedious to carry that bag around at the airport. Plan on packing light and try to travel with just a carry-on bag when you can.
Tags: budget travel, cheap tickets, Cheap travel
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights During the Holidays
If you plan on getting through the holiday season on a tight budget, you’ll need to find some dirt cheap airline tickets to your destination. Finding cheap flights during the holidays isn’t always easy – especially if you’re booking at the last minute – but there are some ways to secure the lowest prices of the season and save big on holiday travel. Whether you’re traveling across the country or just hopping over a few states, there are still some great deals on flights and travel packages available during the holidays.
Use these tips to find some cheap flights over the holiday season:
1.Book your flight and hotel together. If you’re not staying with friends or family this holiday season, make sure you book your flight and hotel together. This can help you save a significant amount of money on your flight and make the whole travel-planning process that much easier.
2. Fly in to a different airport. If you’re traveling to a major city, consider flying in to a regional airport or outside of an international airport to save some money on your flight. Not only will you save money on your holiday travels, but you can also benefit from fewer crowds and rush hour on the major roadways around the airport.
3. Be flexible with your travel dates. If you have some flexibility with your schedule, plan on searching for flights that all over a week’s period instead of on a particular day. Flight prices can be different on various days of the week and you could end up saving money just for choosing different dates.
4. Don’t fly on weekends. Avoid some of the holiday rush – and higher prices on flights – by traveling outside of the weekend. If you are celebrating the holidays with friends and family over a weekend, consider flying in on a Thursday and flying out late Monday or early Tuesday. These flights are usually much cheaper than inbound and outbound flights on a Saturday or Sunday.
5. Use a bidding site. If you’re willing to put in some time to bid for your flight or travel package, consider using third-party auction sites to get a better deal. You can save a significant amount of money playing the bidding game but you do need to be patient and be careful about how much you bid for a particular flight or itinerary. Bidding sites can help you save money on holiday travel and get some great deals on dirt cheap airline tickets.
Tags: budget travel, cheap flights, cheap tickets
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
Cheap Winter Travel Tips
The long days of winter are here to stay for a few more weeks – or months, depending on where you live – but that doesn’t mean you can’t get away and enjoy a vacation! If you’re looking for some cheap winter travel deals and packages, you can find some dirt cheap airline tickets and budget-friendly hotel rates at countless destinations across the country.
The key to getting the lowest rates on winter travel packages is to shop around and set your sights on an off-peak destination. Ski resorts, spas in the northeast and bigger cities in the Midwest are just a few places where you can find some amazing discounts on winter travel packages and last-minute weekend getaways.
Many people do choose to stay home during the winter season, but that means you can find some great rates on cruises and even dirt cheap airline tickets to your destination of choice. Head off on a cruise this winter and enjoy some fun in the sun without paying a premium price. Many cruises to the Bahamas, Hawaii and even Alaska are offered at some of the cheapest rates of the year during the winter months, and you can find dirt cheap airline tickets to the port from several major cities and airports.
If you’re interested in a last-minute weekend getaway, you’ll probably find some great deals on B&Bs and smaller, locally-owned inns and boutiques. Many locally-owned hotels and B&Bs offer discounted rates for romantic getaways over Valentine’s weekend, and extended stay travel packages right before spring break season hits. Set your sights on B&Bs and boutique hotels on the East Coast or head to the southwest to enjoy a romantic getaway in desert country.
All-inclusive getaways to a ski resort are also a prime pick for budget-conscious travelers this winter. Many ski resorts offer short-term and extended stay packages at deep discounts during the winter months, and offer plenty of options for both ski aficionados and non-skiers alike. Spend your day skiing the slopes, enjoying a hot drink in the lodge, or relaxing at the spa on site. All-inclusive ski resort packages typically include the cost of lift tickets, transportation around the town or city, and meals for everyone in the traveling party.
When you’re looking for some cheap winter travel deals, set your sights on a cruise, stay at a B&B or head off on a ski resort this season. You’ll find plenty of deals on airfare and hotels at some of the country’s top destinations that are in the off-peak season this winter.
Tags: budget travel, budget winter travel, Cheap travel, Dirt cheap airline tickets, winter travel, winter travel tips
Tips for Finding Dirt Cheap Airline Tickets Over the Holiday Season
The holiday season is among the busiest times of the year for travel, which often means that airfare reaches record levels. Fortunately, there are several ways to find dirt cheap airline tickets even during the peak travel season. Taking the time to compare flight prices and travel packages from at least two or three different third-party travel sites can help you narrow down the latest selections and make it easier for you to find the best prices on airfare, hotels and car rentals.
Use some of the following tips to find dirt cheap airline tickets when traveling this holiday season:
Visit the Budget Airlines’ Websites
In addition to comparing fares on third-party travel sites, it’s a good idea to visit websites of budget airlines. These airlines typically post dirt cheap airline ticket prices on their sites daily, and some offer specials and packages over the holiday season. Most of these airlines travel to the major cities, so if you’re heading to an international airport this holiday season, you may be able to find the best deals from a budget airline.
Sign Up for Travel Deal Newsletters
Keeping up with the latest trends in travel and learning about drops in airfare is another great way to find dirt cheap airline tickets over the holiday season. Many third-party travel sites and independent sites offer deal alert newsletters that feature some of the best deals of the week, or provide you with information about the latest airfare and travel packages. Sign up for these free newsletters so that you can narrow down the field of options.
Work with a Local Travel Agent
If you really don’t have the time to search for tickets and hotel packages on your own, don’t be afraid to enlist the help of a local travel agent. Many travel agents have access to more resources than the average Internet searcher and can find you some great deals for the holiday season. Just tell them what your destination is and what type of budget you’re working with, and they will be able to narrow down the field of choices on your behalf to help you find dirt cheap airline tickets and special offers available from choice hotels.
No matter where your travel plans take you this holiday season, there are several ways you can find dirt cheap airline tickets and great deals on travel packages. Use some of these tips to find the best deals on airfare, hotels and travel packages and enjoy your holiday celebrations on any budget!
Tags: airline tickets, budget travel, cheap airfare, cheap airline tickets, cheap tickets
Tips for Booking Dirt Cheap Travel Online
Getting the best price on airline tickets isn’t always easy, but there are a few ways to find dirt cheap travel deals online. If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you already have an advantage for finding cheap airfare and even reduced rates on hotel and motel stays. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, extended stay vacation or an overnight stay to your destination of choice, here are some essential tips for booking dirt cheap travel online:
1. Fly during the week whenever possible. Weekend flights are usually priced higher than flights during the week, simply because most people like to fly in or out on the weekend. Unless you absolutely must book a weekend getaway, consider flying in and out on a Tuesday through Thursday. Many airlines offer great deals on mid-week flights, and you might even be able to book some dirt cheap travel packages online.
2. Fly in to a smaller airport. If you’re heading to a big city, fly into an airport near the largest one to get some low priced fares. Many airlines offer dirt cheap travel packages and low fares on flights that go to a smaller airport nearby, and the cost of taking a train, cab or bus to your hotel or final destination will be about the same.
3. Check the roundtrip fare when flying one way. Many one-way tickets end up being more expensive than a roundtrip fare, so do some research and consider booking a round trip fare – even if you’re only going to be flying one way. You’ll be amazed how many dirt cheap airline tickets and packages you can find when you book a round trip instead of a one-way trip!
4. Extend your stay. Booking a round trip flight that comes back within a few days after departure can sometimes be more expensive than booking a round trip flight that comes back within a week. If you are ready to go on an extended trip, you might be able to save some money on your airfare. Consider your options and be flexible so that you can make the most of your travel funds.
5. Book a package instead of booking hotels and car rental separately. Many third-party travel sites extend a discount when you book your hotel, flight and car rental together. Consider booking a package deal instead of all of your travel accommodations, car rentals and airfare separately to save some money!
Tags: budget travel, cheap airfare, cheap tickets, Cheap travel, travel tips
Proven Ways to Get Cheap Airline Tickets and Deals
Even though everyone has a different opinion on what is considered to be a good deal on travel these days, there are some things you can do to cut down the costs of airline tickets and travel expenses. Finding a great bargain isn’t always easy, but there are several ways to find low fares on airline tickets and book discounted hotel accommodations at your favorite locale.
Whether you’re planning an excursion across the country or a week-long getaway to an exotic locale, here are some proven ways to get cheap airline tickets and great deals on travel:
1. Take advantage of advance purchase rates. Many hotels offer deep discounts with advance purchase rates. These rates are discounted because they are non-refundable and may have some other limitations. If you’re sure you are going to take the trip, consider booking an advance purchase room to save some money on accommodations.
2. Monitor airfare prices over the course of a week. Flight prices fluctuate on a daily basis and typically have the same “trending” pattern over the course of a month. Monitor prices over the a week or so to determine the average cost of a flight to your destination during the season. Knowing what to expect can help you make the most informed decision, and will make it easier for you to spot a great deal.
3. Be flexible with travel dates, especially during holiday season. If you can reserve some vacation time over a week and be flexible with the days you’re going to travel, you could some a significant amount of money on travel expenses.
4. Don’t forget about the bigger airlines. Even though many discount airlines seem to be offering some great deals, especially over peak travel season, you can still find some cheap airline tickets from some of today’s larger airlines and legacy carriers. Monitor prices for some of the larger airlines so that you can find the best deals on airline tickets.
5. Seek out last minute deals. Many airlines and third-party sites publish last minute deals and offer newsletters with the latest discounts. Submit your e-mail address to get the latest deals and keep track of the lowest price on airfares each day. This can help you compare dozens of offers and make the most informed decision when it’s time to book. Just make sure to read all the terms and conditions associated with the deal and you might be able secure yourself a great deal!
Tags: budget travel, cheap airfare, cheap tickets, Cheap travel, travel tips
Five Tips to Travel on the Cheap
Many people want to save money on travel but only some travel enthusiasts know what it takes to find dirt cheap airline tickets to their destination of choice, get the best deals on hotels, and track down restaurants offering budget-friendly menus. Traveling on the cheap does require some planning but your hard work will pay off when you find some amazing deals and end up paying hundreds less than your fellow traveler.
Whether you’re traveling across the country or heading off on an international excursion, here are just five tips for traveling on the cheap:
1. Spend some time researching rates and packages. If you have a few weeks or months until your preferred departure date, take the time to compare flights and travel packages on third-party sites. You can find a lot of information about different destinations and narrow down the field of choices for hotels and transportation within a few clicks. Monitoring these sites regularly may also help you secure the lowest available rates on flights and packages.
2. Be flexible with your dates. If your schedule can accommodate for some flexibility, be open to traveling on several different days over the week or month so that you can compare rates. It’s not uncommon to find deep discounts on hotel rates and flights within a few days of each other, especially during the change of the season. Do some research to find out when peak season is for your travel destination, and consider traveling on several different days to find the best deal.
3. Keep an eye out for hotel discounts. Many hotels now offer free nights, hotel or resort credits, or a free night’s stay on a future trip when making your reservation. Keep an eye out for these types of deals to save on your travel costs. In many cases, free nights will help you get a much lower-than-average hotel rate.
4. Always factor in resort and hotel fees. Many people make the mistake of purchasing travel packages online that seem like a great deal, only to find out later that they are responsible for paying high fees and taxes for each night’s stay. Make sure you read all of the fine print associated with the travel package you are booking, especially when it’s through a third-party site. Many third-part travel sites won’t reveal what the nightly fees and taxes are until the last stages of the checkout process.
5. Plan on cooking your own food. If you’re taking an extended stay vacation, plan on doing some grocery shopping upon arrival and cooking your own food. You can save a significant amount of money simply by not eating out every day of your vacation! Plan ahead so that you can stock up on some of your favorite foods, and eat out for just a few meals during your trip to save big on dining.
Traveling on the cheap isn’t always easy, especially if you’re heading to a metropolitan city or overseas. However, there are several things you can do to cut down on the costs of travel. Use these five tips to save money on your travel package!
