It is feasible to reduce travel costs. All that's required is some good judgment on your part. Although, making such choices isn't always a piece of cake. The question then becomes how to travel cheaply. Sven offers astute advice for determining where and when it is worthwhile to spend more on a trip and where it is better to save costs.
1. Book Early
While late January and early February are good times to schedule a vacation because of deep discounts, the best time to save money on flights and hotels is just before the holidays. As the holidays get near, more people will want to take trips. Most people can't plan their trips around these dates as easily as they could during off-peak seasons. After all, there is a certain schedule to adhere to if you want to have Thanksgiving dinner with Grandma or welcome in the New Year at her house.
2. Be Flexible With The Dates Of Your Trip
A lack of travel options is to be expected throughout the Christmas season. But if you're flexible and willing to add a day or two to your vacation, you'll find it far more reasonable. According to Hopper's research, the cheapest day to travel during these busy days is the Monday preceding Thanksgiving, and the cheapest day to return is the Sunday following the holiday. If you're looking to save more than $100 on your Christmas flight, consider leaving on Monday, December 19, or Tuesday, December 20. Saving money by flying on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day is possible, but it means missing out on some of the holiday's most important events.
3. When Booking Trips, Choose The Proper Credit Cards
Booking using the proper credit cards is another simple approach to saving costs while traveling. There are two basic types of credit cards to choose from: those that provide cash back on a certain proportion of your expenditures and those that offer travel rewards in the form of points or miles that can be redeemed for trips.
Credit Cards With Cash Back
Nothing prevents you from receiving a monetary reward for all of your purchases. For example, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card gives you 2% cash back on everything you buy. The cash-back rewards on certain cards are significantly better for purchases made in certain categories. If you know you'll be making a lot of purchases related to travel, one excellent option seems to be the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. Capital One Travel provides 5% cash back on hotels and rental vehicles booked via their website as a simple solution to rising flight and accommodation prices.
Credit Cards With Travel Perks
The most beneficial travel rewards credit cards provide several savings opportunities. Free checked bags on flights and elite hotel status with incentives like meal credits and room upgrades are just two examples of the money-saving bonuses often included with travel credit cards. Your Chase Sapphire Reserve®, as well as the Platinum Card® from American Express, are just two of the many credit cards that provide airport lounge access, where cardholders may relax with complimentary drinks and snacks before boarding their trip. These cards aren't suitable for a tight budget since their yearly fees are above $500.
4. Use Points And Miles To Purchase Flights And Accommodations.
Do you have a stockpile of miles or points? The holidays are an ideal opportunity to cash in on your efforts. You may save a lot of money by taking advantage of credit card incentives, airline miles, and hotel points. Many individuals have stockpiled them but haven't used them since they haven't gone anywhere exciting in recent years. "As time passes, their value won't increase," Rossman says.
5. Travel Light
Carrying just the essentials might help you avoid having to pay more at check-in. Because most airlines charge an average of $35 for each checked bag, it is more cost-effective to pack as much as possible in your carry-on. Make sure there is no fee for a carry-on with the airline you choose. You may mail that huge suitcase full of holiday attire or presents to your hotel instead of lugging it on the plane. One service, for instance, has a low minimum rate of $35 for sending a medium-sized bag from New York to Minneapolis shortly before the holidays.
6. Think About Other Modes Of Transportation.
Sixty-eight percent of vacationers this year will take a vehicle trip, while just 33 percent will take a plane. While flying and driving are still the most common options, the rising cost of airfare (up 28 percent from 2021 thus, according to Consumer Price Index information compiled by that the Bureau of Labor Statistics) and gas (up 26 percent from 2021) may prompt you to look into cheaper, more environmentally friendly options, such as taking the train.
Conclusion
Your holiday getaway doesn't have to break the wallet. Although inflation, as well as expensive holiday flights and accommodations, are altering how we travel during these peak months, it is still feasible to save money by booking early, being flexible with travel dates, and considering making use of points and miles. When you absolutely must book those pricey flights and hotels, thinking about using a credit card that offers cash back might mean a few additional dollars in your pocket to put toward Christmas shopping and presents.
