Want to save money on travel?
If you’re like us, you prioritize travel as a spending item. While it may seem like wasteful spending to some, the younger generation (millennials and generation Z) prefers experiences to material goods. Experiences could be local, like hiking, visiting amusement parks, or going to museums, but travel is usually a key part of that experience.
Where do you want to go? We like to look at tripadvisor.com for its top attractions and its forums—sometimes we find some key travel tips buried in those forums or reviews.
Here are some ways to stretch the travel dollar:
Travel at off-peak times.
The internet has shortened the “off-peak” times at many locations. Living in central Florida, we have seen how the Disney World off-season was once many months (particularly January, February, May, September) has been shrunk to just a few weeks (such as late August, early September, and around final exams in early Mary). Why? The internet spread the word. Christmas is still super busy, but the massive July crowds have dispersed into more tolerable seasons. So before you assume that your destination “should” have discounts because a 1999 AAA TourBook said so, check airbnb rates and car rental prices. The proliferation of remote workers has also greatly affected the industry. It may be that if you can take your next ski trip Monday-Thursday, even during “season”, you might have the best rates and lowest crowds. We like to cruise the trip advisor boards for tips, too.
Credit card signup bonuses
Entire blogs are devoted to credit card sign-up bonuses for travel including hotels, airlines, and general travel cards. First, we don’t recommend any of these if you struggle with spending too much or with credit card debt. After you have gotten out of all consumer debt, you will have a high enough credit score to take advantage of these deals. Our opinion: why not? If you have a favorite airline or if you live in an area where one airline dominates your local airport (like Delta at Atlanta or American in Dallas), pick theirs for the free bags, if you travel enough to take advantage of the deals and pay the annual fees.
Car rentals
Car rentals can be searched using kayak or similar travel sites for baseline deals. We like to stick with the major car rental agencies such as Avis, Budget, Dollar, Thrifty, or Hertz. Smaller competitors like Fox Rental usually have slightly less-desirable cars or rental locations but offer better deals. If you read their reviews, many customers are satisfied, but others complain about pushy salespeople and being misled about insurance. (However, almost every car rental agency has many bad reviews). We could devote an entire blog to insurance, but for now let’s assume that you have full liability and comprehensive coverage on your personal car, in which you will almost assuredly be covered (at your normal deductible) for your rental car. Does your employer (big Corporate America-type employer) have a company code at the major car rental agencies? Check your benefits page; it may be valid for leisure use also. Also, try Costco travel if you are a member there. You can also track prices at autoslash.com. Use a non-prepaid rate and keep shopping until departure week.
