Everyone loves a vacation, right? Traveling for fun – whether domestically or internationally – is truly a blessing, especially if you can save money on your travel. So, if you have a trip that you have been dreaming of taking, but you haven’t quite figured out how to afford it, below are five ways for saving money on your domestic or international travel:
1. Invest in a Travel Credit Card
One of the best way to save money when traveling is to invest in a good travel credit card at least 12-6 months in advance of your trip. A good travel credit card should provide you with (i) a great points or cash back rewards that you can use to purchase air travel or hotel rooms, (ii) either a portal for purchasing flights and hotels or the ability to transfer points 1:1 to the desired airline (see below), (iii) a points bonus if you spend a certain amount of money on the card within a few months, (iv) no foreign transaction fees, and (v) low or no annual fee on the card.
So, why invest in a travel card? One of the best ways to save money on flights is to use the points or cash back you earn from the travel credit card to pay for your flight and/or hotel. For example, I have never paid for an international flight! I have a credit card that gives me extra points on every day items and a second one (with the same credit card company) that gives me extra points on travel and provides other travel perks. I use the every day card and pay it off, in full each month. Then, when looking to book an international flight, I will either purchase my flight directly in the credit card company’s travel portal or transfer my credit card points to the airline’s rewards program.
Now, many travel credit cards will give you a substantial bonus when you spend a certain amount of money within 2-3 months. So, remember to spend that amount so you can get that bonus. However, do NOT carry a balance on the card! You want to pay the card off in full each month!
Additionally, many travel credit cards also have travel insurance, which can be great for ensuring you remain protected should something happen on your trip.
Finding the right travel card can be tricky and learning how to use the points to get the best value can be even trickier, but one website that makes it easy is called “The Points Guy.” It is a great resource for helping you identify the right card to help you save money on your travel.
2. Choose the Right Airline
Identifying the right airline for your travels can also save you money, especially if you are traveling internationally. Usually, when traveling internationally, you can find cheaper tickets if you book with the local countries premiere airline. For example, if traveling to the U.K., book on British Airways, or if traveling to France, book on AirFrance. These airlines often provide better services (i.e. 3 carry-on bags and no fee for checked or carry-on luggage), as well as, more space in economy or premium economy than most U.S. domestic airlines.
Once you identify the right airline, you want to enroll in their rewards program. Often times, especially when traveling internationally, being a member of an airlines rewards program will entitle you to discounted upgrades, reduced fares, access to airport lounges, and/or the ability to use an expedited customs lines.
3. Book Air & Hotel in Advance
Once you have your credit card and have identified the airline, you will want to book your airline travel in advance. Airline fares are often cheaper when booked at least 3 months in advance.
Hotel fares are similarly cheaper when booked in advance, however, there are quite a few ways to save money on hotel rooms. First and foremost, if you are traveling internationally, consider sticking with a hotel chain that you have stayed at before. It is good to know what to expect and service is generally standardized across all major hotel chains.
Next, you should join the hotel’s rewards program and email list. Check their current promotions and, if you have a AAA card or other discount program, you may be able to obtain a discount on your hotel room.
Additionally, it may seem counter-intuitive, but you usually obtain the best hotel rates by booking your room on the hotel’s website directly. Many hotels, especially large chains, offer discounts if you book a prepaid room or offer special packages (i.e. a rate that also includes breakfast). And, depending upon the length of your stay, some hotel chains will offer you one night free if you book 4 nights or more. These offers are not available if you book through a travel site!
Finally, hotel prices can fluctuate. So, if you choose not to book a prepaid rate, booking in advance and then checking the price a couple times a month will ensure you are getting the best rate. If the rate has decreased for the room you booked, rarely does that require a new reservation. Instead, just click your current reservation, search the same dates, and choose the reduced fare.
4. Be Wary of Discount Travel Sites
There are many travel sites out there that claim to offer you the best rates on flights or hotels; promising to save you money on your travel. Yet, you should be careful of people that offer a deal too good to be true. Many people have thought they booked a hotel or flight through these sites only to arrive at the airport or hotel to find there is no reservation in their name!
Additionally, when you book through these sites you are less likely to receive free hotel upgrades or late checkouts/early check-ins (usually standard offerings for most hotel rewards programs) and you are more likely to be bumped if there is an issue with the flight or receive a room with a not-so-great view in the case of hotels.
One item to note, when you book your flight through your credit card’s portal, you usually receive the same benefits as you do when you book directly from the airline’s website, as long as you ensure your rewards number is added to the reservation. As such, do not be wary about booking your flight through your credit card’s travel portal – you should receive the same perks!
5. Purchase a Travel Guide & Check Local Tourism Website
Once your flight and hotel are booked, the next thing to do is start planning your itinerary. This is where the real fun happens. Purchase a travel guide and check the local tourism website to identify what you want to see and how to see it on a budget! Each of these sources (especially if you have a good travel guide) have great insight into restaurants, local culture, and discounted passes that can help you save money while seeing the sights!
For example, on my first trip to Paris, I discovered the Paris Museum Pass. It offered free or reduced entry to each museum that participates, entry via the expedited lines, as well as, discounts at restaurants, retail stores, and gift shops.
Also, if you want to go to a huge sightseeing spot – such as the Eiffel Tower – book your tickets well in advance. Often times, these tickets sell out weeks or months in advance. Plan ahead and purchase ahead, when necessary. And, use your travel credit card to make these purchases! You can use the points or cash back to pay for the charges your incurring!
Happy Travels!!