We are in the thick of summer, which means many of us are ready to cash in on our vacation days and go on a much-needed trip!
Traveling in the summer is always a lot of fun, as there’s something in the air telling us it’s time to spread our wings and enjoy a new destination or spend time in our favorite places.
However, it’s no secret that traveling, especially during the summer, which is peak travel season, can get very expensive. Not all of us are in the position to go on a trip with an unlimited budget, so here are some travel hacks and tips that’ll help you save money this summer.
Consider booking things last minute
While it’s usually a good idea to book things like flights and hotels far in advance, if prices are too intense, you can keep your eye on them and see if things get better just before you’d like to leave.
For instance, I’ve had a good amount of luck booking flights only a week or two before the departure date versus months in advance.
Look for local coupons
After you’ve booked your flights and hotels, you’ll likely spend a lot of money at local restaurants or businesses. Before your trip, look up coupons for establishments in the area you’ll be visiting.
For instance, if there’s a spa or restaurant you want to try, see if they have online Groupons you can redeem during your stay.
seligaa – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
Even if there isn’t anything you can get for more than 20% off, any kind of discount is still better than paying full price.
Avoid tourist traps
When you go to a major city, you’ll often find people on the street offering tours of major attractions, and there will be many companies advertising that they have the best tours and services.
However, those people are often working for companies that love to get sales from tourists and overcharge them for tours you could likely book at a much lower price or ones you can even conduct yourself.
Beware of these people and do some research on great local tours that’ll give you more bang for your buck and an overall better experience.
There are also a lot of restaurants that are tourist traps, swearing they sell the best local cuisine, but it ends up being mediocre and overpriced. Ask locals for restaurant recommendations instead.
Look for bundle opportunities
Certain websites allow you to book several things at once, often at a discounted price. For instance, there are websites that let you book a flight, hotel, and rental car all at once, giving you a discounted rate.
Many of these travel sites also give offers on certain trips and tours, so if you’re in a country and want to see some cities and sights beyond the one you’re staying in, do some research online and see if you can add a tour with included transportation to your trip.
Traveling does not have to break the bank every time, but in order to save a little cash, you have to do your research. Be smart and channel your inner financial guru to plan the vacation of a lifetime without going broke.
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