Summer is almost here, and it's hard lusting for wandering the world's summer hotspots without the proper budget.
To help you with this, below are Top 5 Tips to help you save for that well-earned and longed-for summer vacay -- what you need to know when it comes to budget-saving tricks and online tools -- from Budget Travel.
TIP 1: SAVE ON AIRFARE AND HOTELS BY RESEARCHING PACKAGE DEALS AND KNOWING WHEN TO BUY
Did you know airlines and hotels are willing to offer incredibly low prices to fill their rooms and seats? However, it's not really a proper way to get more deals if they publicize only the low rates whilst leaving behind the high ones. In turn, they sell some rooms and seats to companies which place them collectively as package deals. So, before you buy your next package, check the hotel or airline's website to see their costs if you book them one by one.
When it comes to buying tickets, it's an art to know the exact moment to buy them to get the best deals. Website farecompare.com says the best time to buy airline tickets is Tuesdays at 3 p.m. Other sites share knowledge purchasing mid-week -- meaning Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays -- are best times to buy because airlines usually release their promo fares on Sundays and Mondays. Also, booking at least eight weeks before your planned vacation time doesn't hurt.
TIP 2: SAVE ON LODGINGS BY LOOKING BEYOND HOTELS
This is a universal fact. Because of the amenities and conveniences of a hotel, it's natural they cost more than a hostel, apartment, house, etc. Find cheaper and better rates by renting a house, condominium, or apartment instead. You can also try home swapping for a change.
Sites you can visit:
TIP 3: (IF YOU REALLY WANT A HOTEL) SAVE ON HOTELS BY GETTING HOOKED UP ON NEW ONLINE TOOLS
Compare prices and get alerts on lower rates through new websites.
These websites include:
- Backbid.com - They let rival hotels sell rooms to travelers with reservations at rival hotels.
- Hipmunk.com- Type your destination here and you get hotel rates harvested from online booking sites like Orbitz and Getaroom. They also offer an "ecstasy" rating from and for other travellers based on price, amenities, location, and Yelp reviews.
TIP 4: SAVE ON RENTAL CARS BY GETTING A FREE UPGRADE AND SAVE ON GAS BY DRIVING SMART
On the one hand you can try saving by tricking a car rental agency. Arrive earliest in the day and book the cheapest rental car you can fathom. This forces the agency to give you a bigger model at no extra charge if they have no other cheap cars to give you. Be adamant in what you want. If they sell you an upgrade, simply say no. However, if they still have other budget-friendly cars around, kindly ask for a free upgrade.
On the other hand, you can try saving by simply driving smart. This is probably one of the easiest ways, if not THE easiest way, to save on fuel. Keep pumping your gas and go for slow and steady when driving. Besides, the road to your destination is just as enjoyable as the destination itself. Turn off the A/C and smell the fresh air -- admire the view because that A/C is seriously costing much more gas than you think. Avoid jack-rabbit starts. Also, never forget the weight of your luggage adds to your car's fuel efficiency. Every 100 pounds in a car reduces fuel efficiency by one to two percent.
TIP 5: SAVE ON CRUISES BY BOOKING THROUGH A TRAVEL AGENCY
Booking through a travel agencies may sound costly, but many sites agree this is a great way to save on cruises. Of course, travel agencies have close connections to a cruise line you don't. This can help them get you upgrades and extras. Also, another way to save on cruises is joining a cruise line's loyalty program. They usually have invites to members-only events and coupons worth up to $500.
So there, the Top 5 budget-saving tips for your summer vacation. There's still time, book a ticket now and enjoy your summer with a little more money than your last vacation.
