Travel Tips: How to Vacation on A Budget

While we all love living in Maryland, you deserve a vacation every now and then for some much-needed rest, relaxation and fun. In the U.S. alone, domestic travel is expected to grow 3 percent annually and reach 19 billion lodging nights by 2030. But if you’re not careful, your travel budget can quickly get out of hand. At Securityplus Federal Credit Union we are here to help with some easy tips and tricks so you can save money and travel better.

How to save money when you travel

As you may know, the cost of plane tickets changes every day, sometimes several times a day. Airfare websites may raise and lower prices depending on demand. In the past, booking on a Tuesday when airlines would load their weekly fares would get you a better deal, however airlines don’t operate this way anymore. These days, the best day to book your flight is the day you find the best deal; however, you can save money by flying on certain days of the week.

So, what days should you really be travelling – if you get to choose your schedule? The cheapest days to fly are Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Friday, Saturday and Sunday flights could be up to 13% more expensive, according to travel industry estimates. For domestic flights within the U.S., try to book at least 28 days before departure and 60 days ahead for international trips.

Don’t assume that connecting flights are automatically cheaper, either. In most cases, you can save a few bucks by dealing with a layover, but it’s not always the case. Make sure to keep your search filters for airfare booking sites open to both connecting and non-stop flights.

Smart Strategies for Booking Affordable Flights

Compare, compare, compare. Airfare is a competitive industry so you must be willing to do some digging online to find the perfect price. Aside from booking on certain days to find the best price, different websites offer varying deals for airline tickets. Take the time to compare pricing on a website such as Google Flights.

And if you’re feeling confident in your planning skills, skip the travel agency and book directly with airlines and hotels. You may save money by avoiding service fees and even signing up for loyalty rewards programs.

If both airfare and lodging are your need, try to bundle! Certain websites allow customers to book a flight, hotel, and often a rental car all with one click at a discounted price. Shop around and see if bundling or booking separately has the lowest cost.

The good news is that our Platinum Rewards Visa and Signature Rewards Visa Credit Cards can help you turn your everyday purchases into rewards points that you can save up and redeem for cash back, airline tickets, and hotel discounts¹.

Last minute travel planning? Here’s How You Can Keep It Affordable

There’s nothing like planning a getaway on a whim. However, if you’re headed overseas, your wallet may not be as excited as you are. To save some money, explore red-eye flights with stops. While it isn’t the ideal way to travel, you may end up saving hundreds of dollars this way.

Also avoid airlines with close-in booking fees. Brands such as Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, and Delta do not charge booking fees for last-minute trips. Plus, travelling mid-week can be cheaper, especially when booking at least 48 hours in advance.

It wouldn’t hurt to compare ticket prices of flights at smaller airports, either. Typically, larger airports offer lower prices. However, smaller airports may offer lower prices for last-minute bookings with connecting flights so it’s always smart to check.

Flexibility is key: if you don’t have to fly to get to where you want to go or if your destination could pretty much be anywhere, you may have a better chance of booking a cheaper vacation. The best time to find last-minute travel deals is in the off-season. Save the impulsive travel-bug decisions for getaways accessible by car or train. Your wallet will thank you.

Research your trip activities

Now that your flights and hotel are booked, it’s time to plan your activities.

Excursions and tours can be expensive and sometimes not necessary depending on your destination. Take the time to explore the web for free attractions to fill your time and don’t be afraid to talk to the locals for recommended non-tourist spots to avoid high prices. Ask bartenders, servers, and even taxi drivers who are used to chatting with tourists so you can pick their brain and maybe spark a few ideas.

Opt in for some outdoor activities, too. Public parks and self-guided walking tours are the perfect way to save some cash. Plus, some cities even offer free or discounted admission to museums on certain days of the week.

Still thinking about booking a tour? Be sure to thoroughly research and compare your options. Some websites such as Expedia offer discounted tours for larger groups. Booking a tour through a travel website can ensure that you may not only make the most of your money but feel confident that your itinerary is scheduled exactly how you want it to be. Notably, some hotels offer excursions that can be booked at the reception desk and could be easily discounted when jumping on last-minute tour buses that aren’t full.

Whether you’re an early-bird planner or living in the moment, there’s always a chance to save a few pennies along the way. Whether you want to discuss the best savings account to begin your vacation savings planning, or you want to share your vacation photos with one of Securityplus Federal Credit Union’s friendly branch employees, we’re here to help every step of the way.