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Rising prices for goods and services across the board have many Americans rethinking their previously planned travel adventures.
According to a survey by Forbes Advisors/OnePoll, 91% of Americans say inflation has had a negative impact on their travel plans. As a result, people are being forced to travel less and cancel or postpone existing holiday plans due to mounting inflationary pressures on household budgets.
But before you cancel the possibility of a vacation entirely, here are 10 ways to keep your travel costs down.
5 Money Saving Tips When Planning Your Vacation
When looking at all the elements of a vacation, such as transportation, lodging, food, and activities, there are strategies to cut the cost of each element. Here are travel saving tips and destination responsible spending ideas for the travel planning stage.
1. Use the app and credit card points
Free shopping apps like Fetch Rewards are an easy way to earn gift cards that help keep your travel costs down. Download the app on your Apple or Android device and scan your purchase receipt to earn points. Fetch users can earn points on retail, grocery and gas purchases.
Fetch app users can also easily earn points by referring friends and family. When they sign up for Fetch Rewards with your referral code, you’ll earn thousands of points on both accounts. Additionally, reaching a minimum reward balance allows Fetch users to redeem points for gift cards.
Travelers can redeem points for gift cards from Airbnb, Delta and Southwest Airlines, and Uber, among others. Paying with a free gift card can help reduce these important travel expenses. Transportation to and from the airport and around the resort can add up. Using gift cards to pay for flights and Uber can save travelers hundreds of dollars.
Before making any travel arrangements, please review the travel section of the Rewards tab of the Fetch app for gift card options.
2. Stay flexible with travel dates
Travelers looking for great deals need flexibility in choosing dates and times when searching. For example, early morning or red-eye flights are known to be cheaper and travel on weekdays rather than weekends.
3. Search incognito and PM
People may not realize that websites track their searches. Many people have encountered the situation that the cost keeps rising when they go to the same site to check the fare. It’s not just because fares can change throughout the day. Sites also track these searches and deliberately raise prices to incentivize people to book tickets quickly.
The best way to not fall into this trap is to search on your browser in incognito mode. Travel experts also say it’s best to look for tickets in the afternoon rather than first thing in the morning.
4. Consider all types of accommodation
Travelers have never had more accommodation options. Between standard hotels, Airbnb, local vacation rental sites, timeshares, and hostels, there are a variety of price points to choose from.
5. Consider a package deal
Some sites offer package deals on flights, hotels and car rentals, which can be cheaper than booking everything individually. It’s worth pricing the different packages and comparing them when shopping. When you book, don’t forget to get some of your spending back with money-making in-app purchases.
5 Money Saving Tips When Traveling
Once you arrive at your destination, continue to adopt responsible financial habits to stay on budget. Spending prudently ensures you’re spending your money on what’s most important to you, whether it’s dining at a particular restaurant, visiting a particular attraction, or taking a particular trip.
6. Use local SIM card and WiFi
If you’re traveling abroad, unexpected roaming charges can wreck your travel budget. No international roaming charges, just insert a local SIM card into your phone and pay local charges.
In addition, many tourist attractions, restaurants, coffee shops and even entire cities offer free WiFi. Take advantage of the free option to check your email and text messages, but be careful when shopping with a credit card as it can be unsafe.
7. Don’t overpay for currency exchange
Travelers should avoid exchanging currency at airports and tourist areas where high exchange fees may apply. Instead, download a free currency converter app, or check websites to track exchange rates so you know how much you should pay.
8. Eat in restaurants only once a day
The cost of eating out frequently can add up quickly. Cooking at your accommodation can reduce travel costs, especially as a family. Grocery delivery makes it easy to get everything you need for breakfast, packed lunches and even a simple dinner.
Buying fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, snacks and treats at the local market is not only a way to explore the city and its local delicacies, but also to get cheap meals.
9. Use public transport
Instead of paying for a rental car, Uber or taxi, take local transportation instead. Use public transport, be it subway, bus or cable car, to get around the city. Not only will it reduce your expenses, but you won’t have to worry about parking.
10. Be mindful of your event spending
When visiting the city for the first time, many tourists enjoy visiting attractions such as museums, monuments, and places of interest. But many have an entrance fee, which is the most expensive at the gate. Consider alternatives, such as multi-day passes or Groupon deals that allow visitors to pay a single fee and enter multiple locations.
Balancing paid attractions with free or low-cost activities allows you to explore your destination without breaking your budget.
That trip might be closer than you think
Using these 10 money-saving strategies when planning and enjoying your vacation can help people travel even during times of inflation. As a result, you may find that you’ve cut enough costs to make this year’s trip possible and even afford another trip.
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