Travel Hacks for Cheap Trips
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Many people have dreams of traveling the world — and those dreams are mainly limited by small budgets. Fortunately, with a little bit of creativity, you can make your money go further and experience everything you dream of. Check out these easy travel hacks to score affordable trips.
Browse Travel Sites Incognito
Once you've decided on a destination, you're probably ready to browse travel websites to see how much airfare, hotels, and rental cars cost. This is an easy way to plan a trip that fits with your budget, or decide how much money to save. But you should be aware that travel websites know your game. They keep track of prices that they have quoted you in the past, and might bump up the fares next time you visit their sites. To keep up with the lowest prices, browse in incognito mode or in a private window so the sites don't leave cookies and recognize you.
Book Early…Unless It's a Cruise
The prime time for booking a flight is between three weeks and three months in advance. Waiting until the last minute means you'll likely pay a premium for airfare, hotels, and travel essentials. For international flights, find the cheapest prices when you book two or more months in advance. If you want to go on a cruise, on the other hand, it pays to wait until the last minute. Cruises often include food and entertainment, too.
Volunteer to Get Bumped
Being flexible with your travel times can pay off at the airport. Airlines are notorious for overbooking in hopes that some people won't show up. If too many people arrive for the flight, airlines start asking for volunteers to take later flights. If you can be flexible, you might get travel vouchers, gift cards, and other benefits. While this hack comes down to chance, you could end up getting a free trip for simply volunteering to take a different flight.
Avoid Spending in Touristy Areas
There are tons of attractions, restaurants, and shops in touristy areas of cities. These are great places to check out the sights, but not great places to save money. Prices are higher for food, drinks, and souvenirs. Follow the five-block rule, and venture away from the major tourist attractions. You'll often find better food choices at cheaper prices. This also gives you an opportunity to experience the city like a local.
Become a House Sitter
Hotels, hostels, and vacation rental homes are all options for accommodations when you reach your destination. You can score deals and pay lower rates, but why not get paid instead? People all over the world are looking for house sitters when they vacation. No matter if you're traveling to Spain or Nebraska, there are houses available to sit. A budget-friendly bonus is that houses have full kitchens, so you can prepare your own food and save on dining costs, too.
Have you found a great deal on a trip but need more room in your budget? CreditBox can help! Apply for a small loan up to $4,000 today. Once you have a loan with us, you can use our Refer-A-Friend program to earn $100. Your friend will also earn $50 towards their new loan!
Browse Travel Sites Incognito
Once you've decided on a destination, you're probably ready to browse travel websites to see how much airfare, hotels, and rental cars cost. This is an easy way to plan a trip that fits with your budget, or decide how much money to save. But you should be aware that travel websites know your game. They keep track of prices that they have quoted you in the past, and might bump up the fares next time you visit their sites. To keep up with the lowest prices, browse in incognito mode or in a private window so the sites don't leave cookies and recognize you.
Book Early…Unless It's a Cruise
The prime time for booking a flight is between three weeks and three months in advance. Waiting until the last minute means you'll likely pay a premium for airfare, hotels, and travel essentials. For international flights, find the cheapest prices when you book two or more months in advance. If you want to go on a cruise, on the other hand, it pays to wait until the last minute. Cruises often include food and entertainment, too.
Volunteer to Get Bumped
Being flexible with your travel times can pay off at the airport. Airlines are notorious for overbooking in hopes that some people won't show up. If too many people arrive for the flight, airlines start asking for volunteers to take later flights. If you can be flexible, you might get travel vouchers, gift cards, and other benefits. While this hack comes down to chance, you could end up getting a free trip for simply volunteering to take a different flight.
Avoid Spending in Touristy Areas
There are tons of attractions, restaurants, and shops in touristy areas of cities. These are great places to check out the sights, but not great places to save money. Prices are higher for food, drinks, and souvenirs. Follow the five-block rule, and venture away from the major tourist attractions. You'll often find better food choices at cheaper prices. This also gives you an opportunity to experience the city like a local.
Become a House Sitter
Hotels, hostels, and vacation rental homes are all options for accommodations when you reach your destination. You can score deals and pay lower rates, but why not get paid instead? People all over the world are looking for house sitters when they vacation. No matter if you're traveling to Spain or Nebraska, there are houses available to sit. A budget-friendly bonus is that houses have full kitchens, so you can prepare your own food and save on dining costs, too.
Have you found a great deal on a trip but need more room in your budget? CreditBox can help! Apply for a small loan up to $4,000 today. Once you have a loan with us, you can use our Refer-A-Friend program to earn $100. Your friend will also earn $50 towards their new loan!
