Summer travel is set to be the priciest in years, but that's no reason to cancel your vacation. Join the thousands of U.S. travelers hitting the road in record numbers without considering what it might do to your bank account. We have that part covered with our list of 23 (!) travel hacks to help you save money on all your summer travels. Whether you're seeing the country by car on a road trip through the U.S., jetting off to far-flung places or even hopping on a cruise, there's a deal, a trick or some other creative way to slash prices. Some might seem obvious to a seasoned traveler (like taking a red-eye flight) but trust that everyone will benefit from this refresher. From heading to hotspots during hurricane season to saving big at five-star hotels to mixing and matching flights and air carriers, here are travel hacks for getting the cheapest summer trip ever.
Whether you travel by plane or train, booking an overnight trip means one or fewer nights in a hotel, hostel, or home rental. Plus, the fares for red-eye flights and overnight train rides tend to be less than travel during peak times. Worried you won't get a good night's sleep? Consider using miles to upgrade to a premium economy seat that offers more room to recline, or splurge for a cozy sleeper car on train trips that could end up costing less than a fancy hotel.
Whether you use search engines like Google Flights and Skyscanner, subscribe to travel newsletters, or use a travel agent, be on alert. As soon as you see an airfare that fits your budget, set an alert and be ready to pounce. Most airlines let you cancel within 24 hours of purchase, so if you jump on a great deal but then can't get time off, you can cancel without penalty (be sure to read the fine print first!). Every so often, airlines make mistakes and publish too-good-to-be-true fares. If you purchase what appears to be a great fare, keep an eye on it. If the fare goes lower before your departure date, contact the airline, which may offer a refund or credit for the fare difference.
Whether flying or taking the train, compare the prices for different routes. While it may take a little longer to get where you want to go, you might save enough to make it worth your time. For air travel, compare routes that are non-stop with those that have one or more stops. You may find that the longer journey becomes a meaningful part of your trip, especially if you add in a stopover.
While you might have a favorite, go-to airport, it might be worth it to consider flying to or from regional airports and smaller airports that are nearby. In places like New York and South Florida where there is a trio of international airports, consider flying out from one and returning via another. Additional perks for flying to and from smaller airports include shortened TSA lines, fewer fees, and more convenient flight schedules.
Finding a summer travel deal to some of the U.S.'s hottest vacation destinations can feel elusive. Adventurous travelers willing to explore alternative destinations can find affordable trips that are equally exciting as the big-name bucket list spots by taking a travel swap like switching out South Beach for Delray Beach in Florida and Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket for Block Island, Rhode Island.
Most travelers book roundtrip airfare to and from the same airports and on the same airline. This is fine, but do take the time to explore if flying different airlines will yield savings. Put your browser in incognito mode and do a quick search for two one-way tickets on the same or competitor airlines. You may find the results are in your favor.
While it can pay to be loyal to a specific airline, consider international carriers too. Some of these airlines offer domestic flights at cheaper rates than domestic carriers. If you're not traveling solo, conduct solo and multi-traveler searches. While you may not be able to get a deep discount for both travelers, you could book one ultra-cheap ticket and a higher-priced ticket and then split the difference with your traveling companion. If you want to sit together be sure to contact the airline after booking to have them link your separate reservations together.
Yes, a $99 roundtrip ticket to anywhere is enticing, but this too-good-to-be-true price can quickly triple once taxes and fees, advance seat selection and carry-on baggage fees are added. Before you purchase an ultra-cheap seat, make sure you understand what is—and isn't—included.
Deciding when to go—and when not to go—to a destination can directly impact the cost of your vacation. Traveling during shoulder season or in the off-peak season, like summer in Puerto Rico or popular ski destinations like Park City, Utah and Stowe, Vermont, mean fewer crowds, cheaper accommodations, and discounted airfare. Likewise, traveling to destinations like the Florida Keys, New Orleans and Charleston, South Carolina during the hurricane season (June 1 to November 30) can yield big discounts—just be sure to invest in some travel insurance should your travels be interrupted.
If you're fortunate to have flexibility in your departure, return, and length of your vacation, then you are more likely to find a bargain. Sometimes shifting your travel by a day or two can mean saving half off airfare or train tickets.
If you happen to be on a flight that is oversold, your flexibility could pay off even more. When there are more passengers for a flight than there are seats, some passengers need to get "bumped" or denied boarding. Before getting involuntarily bumped, the airline must ask if there are any passengers willing to volunteer to give up their seats in exchange for compensation like money or vouchers, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Just be sure to go over any restrictions on the compensation and re-ticketing before accepting the airline's offer.
Sometimes chain and boutique hotels are the best bet but look around for alternatives. From property rentals to hostels to glamping, you may find a better deal if you think beyond the usual accommodations. Homeshares and home swaps through HomeExchange, HomeLink, and Love Home Swap, house sitting via HouseCarers, MindMyHouse, and TrustedHousesitters, and couch surfing with Couchsurfing and Couchers are other options to cut down on costs.
If you do stay at five-star hotels to rack up loyalty points, look for hotels that offer free breakfast, kids-stay-free deals, and stay-longer packages that offer a fourth or fifth night free. Don't overlook new hotels and properties under renovation too. While all the amenities may not be open and construction might still be going on, these soft opening periods before the hotel's grand opening and renovation times often offer huge discounts.
Every step of your journey likely offers freebies, from drinks, snacks, sanitizer and headsets on airplanes; to shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, and razors at hotels; to free water on organized tours. While you might not need these goodies at the moment, stash them in your luggage to use later or share with a travel companion. Plus, not having to pack these portable products at the beginning of your trip means that you not only save money, but you have less to carry on departure day.
There are many ways to save on travel, including travel, entrance fees, and clothing based on affinity affiliations. If you're a student or recent grad, pack your student ID or an International Student Identity Card. If you're 30 years old or younger, you can get an International Youth Travel Card. If you're a full-time teacher, you can get an International Teacher Identity Card. First responders, veterans, and retirees can also get discounts and freebies. For example, Margaritaville at Sea offers free cruises for first responders and veterans.
It may seem tedious or overwhelming, but signing up for reward programs can pay dividends. First, figure out what type of rewards matter most to you. For example, if you're keen to fly first class, find a reward program or credit card that offers generous miles and travel perks. Take a look at your current credit cards to see what benefits are offered and then compare them to other cards. You might find that it's time to make a switch. It also pays to join airline, hotel, and car rental loyalty programs as these often award frequent travelers with free tickets and stays plus upgrades.
Following your favorite airlines, hotels, and cruise lines on social media can help you learn about flash sales and limited-time offers before everyone else. Plus, it's an easy way to stay up-to-date without having to constantly search each company's website looking for deals.
Paying for entry at museums, monuments and the like can quickly add up. Many of a destination's most popular points of interest offer free entry at least once per week or month. When planning your itinerary, make a list of places you want to see and then go to each website and look for admission details. It's likely the website lists which days are free or have discounted entry along with discounts for children, seniors, students, and active military/veterans.
It seems like an obvious hack, but it is possible to eat like a local and save big. Once you check in to your accommodations, take a trip to the grocery store to stock up on water, drinks, and snacks. Save even more by buying breakfast foods and packing a picnic lunch of favorite local eats.
Most skip past the tiny print and legalese that accompany travel purchases, but understanding what you are paying for—and what you aren't—can help travelers avoid surprise expenses. The U.S. Department of Transportation's Fly Rights explains what rights consumers have when flying, including the amount of compensation for delayed or canceled flights.
Be wary of hidden fees. If your luggage is lost or delayed, don't assume the airline will deliver it to you for free. Ask before you agree to have it delivered. When it comes to hotel stays, ask for a late checkout to avoid missing the checkout time and incurring an extra fee. If inclement weather in your departure city or destination is on the way, airlines often waive the rebooking fee—just ask or wait for an alert from the airline.
If you're a foodie who fancies eating at all the top places, book a table for lunch. Even at Michelin-starred restaurants, the lunch menu is often the same or very similar but greatly discounted. Plus, lunchtime reservations are easier to come by, particularly at off-peak times.
From checked baggage to advance seat selection to concourse meals, travel costs can easily creep up. If you're organized, you can save hundreds of dollars by saying "no" to convenience charges. To avoid checked luggage costs, pack light and travel with just a carry-on bag. Traveling with just one bag is easier than you think. Pack clothes that you were planning to get rid of and donate them at your destination before you head back and use toiletries provided by your accommodation to avoid lugging around bulky toiletries bags.
Many credit cards have merchant offers that you can add to your card. Log in to your credit card app or check your email for merchant offers like discounts on hotel stays or statement credits for booking hotels, dining at restaurants, and renting cars.
Being prepared for the unexpected—from illness to injury to lost luggage—is important for avoiding unexpected expenses. Most purchases now include an option to opt-in to buy travel insurance, but before you click and add this to your cart, make sure you don't already have travel insurance.
Some credit cards offer travel insurance and others include auto insurance if you use their card to book your travel. It's important to understand what coverage you have as the insurance offered by the credit card company may have limitations like travel cancellation insurance but not insurance for evacuation or repatriation and auto collision and theft protection insurance but not personal injury insurance.
Don't waste your money on things you can get for free. If you need to check luggage, look for ways to get checked bags for free, including signing up for an airline credit card or a frequent flier program. Some airlines like jetBlue and United charge for booking tickets over the phone while Spirit charges $25 for printing a boarding pass at the airport. Avoid these fees by booking online and either printing your boarding pass at home or downloading the airline's free app to display your boarding pass.
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