Don’t think your dream vacation is priced out of reach. With these top travel tips from people who travel for a living, you can save some huge sums of money and a great deal of time. Follow this advice and you could be booking your perfect vay-cay today!
Tip #1: Start Planning Early
The first and most important tip for booking your next vacation like a pro is to start planning early. Waiting until the last minute can lead to missed opportunities and high prices. Instead, give yourself plenty of time to research how to find cheap flights and book the trip of your dreams. Deciding where you want to go and when is one of the hardest parts of vacation planning.
If you’re flexible with your travel dates, use a tool like Google Flights to find the cheapest options. Get set up for the airport with some activities to keep you and your traveling party occupied. Playing online casino and card games is perfect for keeping your mind alert while you wait for a flight. Learn how to get started with Play Live Casino by checking out their FAQs before you leave for the airport. Once you have a rough idea of when and where you want to travel the fun begins.
Tip #2: Research The Best Deals
Booking your next vacation like a pro means getting the best deals possible. Research is key to finding the best prices on flights, accommodations, and activities. Start by checking out travel deal websites like Expedia and Travelocity. These sites often offer package deals on flights and accommodation which can save you a huge amount of money.
Sign yourself up to email lists and follow smart travelers on social media to stay up to date on the best deals. You can often get exclusive deals or be notified of flash sales that can save you hundreds on your vacation budget. Put this money towards your vacation wardrobe and kit yourself out with the latest travel fashions or save it to spend on some decadent cuisine and fine dining at your hotel or resort. Better yet, save the money and use it for next year’s vacation!
Tip #3: Read Reviews And Ask For Recommendations
Do your research before committing to your next vacation and spending your hard earned cash. This means reading reviews and asking for recommendations from friends and family. Reviews can give you an accurate picture of what to expect, while recommendations from people you trust can lead you to hidden gems and unforgettable experiences. Look at hotel star ratings too.
When reading reviews, be sure to look for common themes. If multiple people mention the same issue, it’s likely to be a problem. On the other hand, if multiple people rave about a particular experience, it’s likely to be worth doing. Never underestimate the value of word of mouth either. Your friends, family, or your hairdresser may have a top travel destination to recommend, or a list of places to avoid. Ask around a lot and do plenty of research before you make your booking and you have a much better chance of experiencing an amazing vacation.
Tip #4: Consider Alternative Accommodations
Hotels aren’t the only option when it comes to accommodations. Booking your next vacation like a pro means considering alternative options like Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway. These sites offer unique accommodations at cheaper prices or better value. Many of these dwellings are in residential areas too, so you get a better idea of what life is like for the locals and a richer vacation experience.
Alternative accommodations require additional research and review reading, so be prepared to go the extra mile to find the right place at the right price. Check the service you are using as well as the properties. Each app or website will have its own rules and requirements, and some have sneaky extra charges. Make sure you don’t lose the money you have saved by leaving dirty dishes in the sink or forgetting to put the trash out.
Tip #5: Join Loyalty Programs
One awesome tip for booking your next vacation like a pro is to join loyalty programs. Airlines, hotels, and rental car companies all offer loyalty programs that can save you money and give you access to exclusive perks. Credit cards with Air Miles are an excellent example. You can earn miles with every dollar you spend, and ‘mileage maniacs’ never make a purchase without earning a few miles towards their next vacation destination.
When joining loyalty programs, be sure to read the fine print carefully. Some programs have blackout dates or other restrictions that can limit your ability to use the rewards. Also, be sure to take advantage of any perks offered to members, such as free upgrades or early check-in, or access to an airport lounge. You can stock up on candy and sodas here without spending a dime, and get a free meal or snack if you are lucky to keep you going while you travel.
Savvy vacation shoppers get to travel the world for pennies on the dollar. Join in the fun by using these top tips and secure your spot in the sunshine of the Caribbean, Pacific Islands, or on the Mediterranean coastline.
