Booking a summer vacation? Check out these tips!
Lodging
- Look at websites that deal with vacation rentals. Often times, hotels or conference centers that deal primarily with business travelers have lower rates on the weekends. If renting a property, always read the entire listing and agreement before committing; don’t miss any details or fine print.
Rental Car
- It is usually cheaper to rent in a less central location with a smaller company. Rent the cheapest car you can find and choose early morning pickup; it’s very likely that yesterday’s cars won’t be returned yet so the company will have to offer you a larger car for the same price.
- Look over your existing insurance policy to see if you already have the right coverage for a rental car; if you do, think about skipping the rental company’s policy.
- Don’t rent a vehicle that is too small
Airline
- Follow major airlines on social media and make sure to join their rewards programs. Discounts can be earned over time and you will be able to keep up with promotions and sales.
- Invest in available package deals; these are a way for both airlines and hotels to book empty seats and rooms using low prices.
- Don’t check air fares for just one day; if possible, be flexible and look around for a deal.
Location
- Consider local destinations and attractions. There are many national and state parks that may only be a few hours away that can provide a wonderful family getaway experience.
- Don’t put a trip on a credit card if you can’t truly afford it. Once interest payments start being made, that trip will end up costing a lot more than you originally planned on.