Getting ready for that annual summer vacation? With a little extra planning and knowing a few travel secrets, you could save yourself hundreds of dollars this summer.
Research deals in advance
Whether it’s for flights, car rentals or museum tickets– start your search early. Car rental rates tend to go up with demand, so if you wait too long to book, you could end up paying well above market value for your weekend ride. For the fun stuff, spend time researching discount websites such as Groupon, Living Social and Restaurants.com. Not only will you save money, but you’ll learn about local food and activity ideas at your destination.
Know the secrets to flying cheap
The number one rule to getting great deals on flights is to look early and look often. Sometimes the trick to finding the best price is finding the sweet spot of how early and late to buy, and what day and time to look up flights. Generally speaking for domestic flights, purchasing between 3 weeks and 4 months in advance is optimal timing for obtaining the best price, and prices tend to be higher when purchased on a weekend. Set up a pricing alert if the website allows. If you are able to be flexible with your travel dates, Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be less inexpensive than Fridays and Sundays.
Pack snacks
This sounds easy, but is often the step that gets overlooked during the hectic hours before leaving for your summer vacay. The cost of meals and snacks can quickly sneak up on the travel budget. Plan time to stop by the store before you head to the airport; avoid having to purchase premium-priced snacks at the airport or on the plane. At your destination, if you have a kitchen or kitchenette in your room, purchase some easy ingredients so you can cook at “home” a night or two.
Find out what’s really in your wallet
Know what perks your credit card offers– whether it’s reward points or travel discounts such as exclusive access or other perks. If you are looking for a new credit card or for an upgrade, find a card that fits and benefits your lifestyle. OnPoints Signature Visa® with Rewards helps you rack up points faster than any other OnPoint card. For every dollar you spend, earn: 3 points on travel, 2 points on dining, and 1.25 points on everything else. Use your points to enjoy premium reward options, exclusive VIP access, discounts and more.
Your early start to travel planning and extra time spent researching and knowing what’s out there, can make a huge difference to your travel budget. Now that you’ve done the work– it’s time to grab your favorite person, book and beach chair, and relax. Bon voyage!
Author: Sarah Sims, Marketing Specialist | Marketing Services
