How to Save Big on Your Next Great Getaway

Whether your next great getaway includes a trip to the Golden Gate Bridge, Valley of Fire State Park, Statue of Liberty, or the Eiffel Tower, there are many ways to save on travel expenses—especially if you plan ahead and book your airfare at least several weeks in advance. According to the U.S. News and World Report, you’ll score the best deals on airfare if you book your flight at least seven weeks early and purchase your airline tickets on Tuesday afternoons. Additionally, some of the cheapest days to fly include Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. For more ways to save on your next great getaway, read on! 

Travel When Prices are Lowest

While Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays are said to be some of the cheapest days for flying, you’ll save even more money if you travel during your destination’s off-season. If you’re traveling to Lake Tahoe or Vail, for instance, you’ll save big if you visit during the summer months. Moreover, the cheapest months for visiting Tucson or Santa Fe include February and March—while international destinations like Europe and Tuscany are most affordable in the winter. If your travel dates are flexible, take the time to compare flights and look for the best deals before booking your stay. 

Opt for a Vacation Rental

According to Business Travel News (BTN), you can expect to spend about $180 per night on the cost of an American hotel—but specific fees depend largely on the destination. In high-demand cities like San Francisco, Boston, Manhattan, and Washington, D.C., the average cost of a hotel is much higher—ranging between $325 and $392 per night. However, you can typically save on lodging expenses by opting for a vacation rental instead of a hotel—especially if you’re traveling to the Valley of the Sun.

For example, in Phoenix, if you’re hoping to stay near well-renowned attractions like Papago Golf Course, Camelback Mountain or Roosevelt Row, TurnKey notes it’s easy to find the best deals on lodging without skimping out on desirable amenities like free Wi-Fi and fully-equipped kitchens. With access to a full kitchen, you’ll also save on dining expenses—as you’ll be able to prepare some or all of your meals from the comfort of your vacation home. 

Since many vacation rentals are also large enough to accommodate four or more travelers, you’ll save even more if you travel in a group and split the cost of lodging. When traveling with a group, however, you may need to plan many of your activities in advance—especially if reservations will be required. 

Look for Tourism Cards and Passes

Depending on where you’ll be traveling, you may be able to purchase tourism cards and passes that grant you free or discounted access to a variety of attractions—including restaurants, public transport, and local shops. Plus, many travel passes can be used to visit high-demand destinations such as London, Rome, Paris, Berlin, Dublin, New York City, Chicago, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Miami, and San Diego. If you’re not planning on doing a whole lot of sightseeing once you reach your destination, however, a tourism card would probably cost more than it’s worth. 

If you’re weighing the pros and cons of purchasing a tourism card for your next trip, think about the different types of things you’d like to see and do once you reach your destination. With a New York City tourist card, for instance, you could receive free admission to attractions like the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building—and you may be able to bypass long lines and wait times. However, not all cards cover public transportation—so you’ll need to keep this in mind as you search for the right pass for you.

A Final Word

Travel may be expensive, but you can save hundreds of dollars or more when you travel during the off-season, stay in a vacation rental instead of a hotel, and purchase a tourism pass for the city you wish to visit. However, planning ahead is key to saving on travel expenses—and these tips will help you to do just that!

“We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.”