Traveling doesn’t have to empty your wallet. Seriously, there are tons of ways to save on flights and accommodations that don’t involve sleeping at the airport or taking 4 a.m. flights (unless you’re into that kind of adventure). We’re here to help you travel smarter, find amazing deals, and get more bang for your buck.
So, let’s break it down with some tips that are super easy to follow and will help you save money on flights and places to stay. Think of this like chatting with a friend who’s been there and done that – because we’re in this together!
1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
This might be the number one rule when it comes to scoring cheap flights and affordable stays. If you’re open to changing your dates by just a day or two, you can often find some killer deals.
Search for Flights Using Flexible Date Tools
Many flight search engines, like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak, have a “flexible dates” option. This lets you see prices over a week or even a whole month, so you can pick the cheapest day to fly. Sometimes moving your trip by just a few days can save you hundreds of dollars.
Consider Traveling Off-Peak
If you can, avoid traveling during peak seasons like summer or major holidays. Instead, aim for shoulder seasons (right before or after the high season). Not only will flights be cheaper, but accommodations will be more affordable too. Plus, there will be fewer crowds. Win-win!
2. Use Budget Airlines (and Be Smart About It)
Budget airlines can be a lifesaver when you’re looking to save money. But they come with their own rules and tricks.
Look Beyond the Big-Name Carriers
Low-cost airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and AirAsia offer crazy cheap fares. The catch? You need to watch out for hidden fees, like paying for checked luggage, seat selection, or even a printed boarding pass. Stick to carry-on luggage whenever possible to avoid extra charges.
Set Fare Alerts and Monitor Prices
Budget airlines often have flash sales where ticket prices drop dramatically for a short period. Sign up for fare alerts on sites like Airfarewatchdog or Hopper to get notified when prices drop.
3. Book Your Flights Early (But Not Too Early)
There’s a sweet spot when it comes to booking your flights. Too late, and prices skyrocket. Too early, and you could miss out on deals.
The Best Time to Book Flights
Generally, the best time to book domestic flights is around 1-3 months in advance, while international flights are often cheapest when booked 3-6 months out. Use tools like CheapAir’s Annual Airfare Study to find the best time to book for your specific destination.
Use the 24-Hour Cancellation Rule
Many airlines allow you to cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking for a full refund. If you see a good deal but aren’t 100% sure, go ahead and book it. You can always cancel it if you find something better within the next day.
4. Take Advantage of Stopovers and Layovers
Direct flights are convenient, but they’re often more expensive. Consider flights with layovers or stopovers – they can save you money and even add an extra destination to your trip.
Extend Your Layover for a Free Extra Destination
Some airlines offer free or low-cost stopover programs where you can spend a day or two in the layover city. For example, Icelandair lets you stay in Iceland for up to seven days at no extra airfare cost on your way to Europe. It’s like getting a bonus mini-vacation!
Use Multi-City or Open-Jaw Ticket Options
Booking a multi-city ticket (where you fly into one city and out of another) can sometimes be cheaper than a round-trip ticket. It’s a smart way to see more while saving money on flights.
5. Stay at Affordable Accommodations (Without Compromising Comfort)
Who says budget travel means staying in sketchy places? You can still find great accommodations that are affordable, clean, and even charming. Here’s how.
Look Beyond Hotels: Hostels, Guesthouses, and Vacation Rentals
Hostels aren’t just for young backpackers anymore – many have private rooms that rival hotels for a fraction of the cost. Guesthouses and vacation rentals (think Airbnb or Vrbo) can also offer more bang for your buck, especially if you’re traveling with a group or staying for longer periods.
House Sitting and Couchsurfing
If you’re up for something a little different, consider house sitting. Sites like TrustedHousesitters connect travelers with people who need someone to look after their home (and sometimes pets) while they’re away. Couchsurfing is another great option if you’re comfortable staying with locals and want to save on accommodation costs entirely.
6. Use Booking Sites That Reward You
It’s not just about finding the cheapest price – you can also score rewards for future trips if you choose the right booking sites.
Sign Up for Loyalty Programs
Many travel booking sites, like Hotels.com or Booking.com, offer loyalty programs where you can earn free stays or discounts after a certain number of bookings. It’s an easy way to rack up rewards, even if you’re not loyal to a specific hotel chain.
Use Cash-Back Sites
Websites like Rakuten (formerly Ebates) give you cash back when you book hotels, flights, and rental cars through their platform. It’s like getting paid to travel! Check if your favorite booking site is on their list before you make a reservation.
7. Travel Overnight and Save on Accommodation
This trick works best if you’re okay with a little discomfort. But hey, it could save you the cost of a night’s stay!
Take Overnight Trains or Buses
Overnight travel can double as both transportation and a place to sleep. Europe’s night trains or South America’s long-haul buses are great for this. You’ll wake up in a new city and won’t have to pay for a hotel.
Sleep at the Airport (Yes, It’s a Thing)
If you have an early flight and don’t mind roughing it a bit, sleeping at the airport could save you money on a hotel for the night. Use the website Sleeping in Airports to find tips and reviews for different airports around the world.
8. Find Last-Minute Deals (Yes, They Do Exist!)
Sometimes booking last-minute isn’t the worst idea, especially if you’re up for a bit of spontaneity.
Check Out Last-Minute Booking Apps
Apps like HotelTonight offer last-minute hotel deals that can be significantly cheaper than booking in advance. It’s perfect for spontaneous trips or when plans change unexpectedly.
Bid for Hotels or Use Price Drop Refunds
Websites like Priceline let you bid on hotel rooms, often scoring you a better rate than if you booked directly. Alternatively, if you find your hotel room cheaper after you book it, you can use services like Pruvo, which will help you get a refund on the price difference.
9. Bundle Flights and Accommodations
You can often save money by booking your flight and accommodation together as a package. It’s not always cheaper, but it’s definitely worth checking out.
Look for Vacation Packages
Websites like Expedia, Travelocity, or travel agencies sometimes offer vacation packages that include both flights and accommodations at a discounted rate. Compare the prices of booking separately versus the package deal to see what saves more.
Use All-Inclusive Options Cautiously
If you’re staying at a resort or planning a cruise, sometimes an all-inclusive deal (covering food, drinks, and activities) can save you money. But do the math to ensure the package truly offers savings compared to paying for things individually.
10. Leverage Travel Credit Cards and Points
Credit cards are a powerful tool when it comes to saving money on flights and accommodations, as long as you use them wisely.
Choose a Travel Credit Card That Fits Your Needs
Travel cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture offer rewards points that can be redeemed for flights or hotel stays. Look for a card that offers bonus points on travel purchases and has no foreign transaction fees.
Sign Up for Airline and Hotel Credit Card Offers
Airlines and hotels often have their own credit card offers with sign-up bonuses, like 50,000 points or more. If you time it right, these points can cover an entire round-trip flight or several nights at a hotel.
Conclusion: Travel More, Spend Less
Saving money on flights and accommodations isn’t rocket science—it’s all about being smart, staying flexible, and knowing where to find the best deals. With these tips in your back pocket, you can see the world without spending a fortune. So pack your bags, keep an open mind, and get ready for your next adventure. The world is waiting for you!