We’ve all had our fair share of bumps and bruises this travel season. But it’s still possible all the way up on your next trip. (Watch: revenge ride.) The good news is that you don’t have to go broke to go big on your vacation. We selected budget travel professional Matt Guidice from matt flightswho has been featured in major publications like The New York Times, and luxury travel influencer Wande Akin of Walk with Wande, which has more than 86,000 followers on Instagram, for some of the best budget travel tips. So you can save at every step of the vacation process.
Is booking my flight on Tuesday a good tip for a budget trip?
Guidice says no. “It depends more on the day/time of departure and return than on the day you book the flight,” he explains. Akkin agrees. “What really matters is what day of the week you want to fly, as well as how far in advance you book your flight,” she says. “The cheapest days to fly are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, as they are off-peak travel days.” So being flexible with departure and return days from a trip could be easier on your wallet.
So what’s a good budget travel tip when booking flights?
Guidice and Akin had many travel budget Tips to save on airfare. I like it…
Be open to alternative airports. Because fewer people fly to less popular airports, you may find a better deal. Think: Newark and Burbank over JFK and LAX.
Use third party sites like Kayak and Priceline…up to a point. They can help you find good fares, especially for low-cost airlines like Spirit or border. But once you find a good deal, book your ticket directly through the airline instead of third-party companies. That will help you avoid extra fees and resolve issues like flight delays or cancellations faster.
Put your travel card to use when you book that flight. because incorporated travel insurance and points toward future flights can help you save in the long run. Especially if you plan to travel a lot in the future.
Any other tips for traveling on a budget?
One of the most common mistakes travelers make is procrastinating, according to Guidice. Yes, we are all guilty of that from time to time. But booking tickets is not the time to do it. “You have to train yourself to pull the trigger sometimes,” says Matt. “Especially if you’re going to make the trip 100%.” Why? Because making moves in advance is much easier on your wallet.
Guidice’s tip: Book your flight, hotel or airbnb stay at least six months in advance to your next international vacation. And at least three months in advance if you are vacation in the united states. ICYMI: Last minute deals no longer exist. At least with airlines, which have realized they can make more money by raising prices just before a flight.
Akin says it’s worth sticking with one or two airlines you like. “Airlines offer free flights, upgrades and more to passengers who have status,” he explains. “It is important to find one or two airlines with which you can earn status and points. Find the airlines that offer the benefits you want. You will save a lot of money.”
Another suggestion from Guidice is to pack light. As in, light hand luggage. Some airlines will charge you to check a bag. And most will charge you for going over their 50-pound weight limit for checked baggage. He suggested a way to keep your bag(s) light: Leave select toiletries at home if you can buy them at your destination.
Are some destinations better for budget travel than others?
Guidice and Akin’s advice is to think outside the box and consider visiting less popular destinations when traveling on a budget. Think: the ones you haven’t seen on Instagram and TikTok already like Paris and Greece. You’ll still get stunning scenery, as well as fewer crowds and less expensive restaurants and hotels.
When you travel, especially to a place that relies on tourism dollars, go the extra mile to make sure you’re supporting the economy. Tip: Opt for local tour guides and stick to family restaurants, rather than the larger chains. Akin told us that it’s also a good idea to learn the basics of the country’s language. How to say hello, thank you and please. And be nice, ask the restaurant or staff about local tours. Akin says that helped his trip to Bangkok. “As a result of the people I met, I got so many recommendations on where to eat and even secret caves that I had never heard of before,” he says.
What destinations make it difficult to follow these tips?
Major international cities. Or places you see all over TikTok. Like Rome, Paris and London. And popular US destinations like Aspen, Colorado and Key West, Florida. Because there are so many hot tourist attractions, it can be tempting to throw your budget outside the window.
Anything else to keep in mind before booking my flight?
Remember to be flexible. Akin told us that a common mistake travelers make is looking up specific dates and destinations before booking a flight. “That needs to be changed,” he says, “search for cheap flights to any destination and date, then book your flight from there.” Oh, and there’s no need to stick to the hard and fast rules you’ve been taught in the past, like waiting until the last minute to book a cheaper flight.
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Going on vacation doesn’t mean you have to come home with an empty wallet. But the old rules, like booking on a Tuesday, won’t cut costs anymore. The good news: A little research and flexibility can give you a dream vacation.
Source: news.google.com