I’m planning a summer vacation for my family and have been researching some great ways to spend less cash yet still get the same amazing experiences.
Credit Cards with Rewards
Do you have a credit card that offers rewards points for purchases? If not, I highly recommend researching the different credit cards out there that do so. With each purchase you make on said credit card, you will receive reward points that can be exchanged for either miles or gift certificates toward travel. There are credit cards specific to airlines (such as one for JetBlue, one for Delta, etc.) as well as general credit cards such as American Express or Chase Freedom.
We put basically everything we can on our credit cards (of course keeping in mind our budget) so we can reap the rewards of the miles/points.
Compare the exchange “rate” of dollars spent to miles/credits to determine which one is most advantageous for you.
Hotel Rewards Programs
Each time I visit a new hotel, I ask if there is a rewards program. I sign up for every one because each stay (and in some cases every purchase you make on property) can count towards free room nights in the future. I can’t tell you how great it feels to redeem my credits for free rooms! I do try to stay at hotels in one chain/group so I can accumulate points faster (mostly Starwood properties).
Websites
My go-to website for hotel stays is Hotels.com. I still compare them to other sites when doing initial research, but they always seem to have the lower room price. Collect 10 hotel nights and get one night free!
I also check out Costco.com – especially for cruise deals. If you are a Costco member, definitely take advantage of their travel deals. We’ve booked a few cruises through them, have gotten great deals AND get a Costco Cash Card (amount depends on the final price of the cruise).
Off the Beaten Path Accommodations
When looking for a hotel, consider lodging outside of the major city you are visiting for a less expensive stay. You’ll be away from the hustle and bustle and may stumble across fun places you wouldn’t have necessarily explored as well as cool restaurants and shops. (I’m all about the shopping too!)
Flexibility With Flights
It’s important to know that mid-day flights tend to be more expensive compared to an early morning flight time. It may sound daunting, but traveling super early in the AM will save you money AND get you to your destination earlier. Also, the airports will not be as crowded and you will less likely have to deal with flight delays.
Julie Plagens says
I live saving money. Thanks for these great tips.
Dana says
Julie, I am with you!
Jess says
Theses are great tips. I really need to get a rewards credit card. I also had no idea flights were cheaper if you book it early in the am. Thanks!
Dana says
Thank you, Jess! Yes the earlier the departure time, the less expensive the flight AND the lesser of a possibility that it is delayed!
andrea says
Hotel rewards are THE BEST! My husband travels for business and we have had so many great vacay’s on his hilton points. I need to check your other suggestions. Great post
Dana says
Gotta love those hotel rewards, Andrea!
Deanna says
These are great tips!! I love reward credit cards it does help you save sooo much!! Thank you!
Dana says
Thank you, Deanna! Reward credit cards are the way to go! I put everything I can on our credit cards so that I can reap the benefits of the points/miles. 🙂
Dorothy at Shockinglydelish says
This is a really wonderful resource! I am getting ready to plan our summer vacation, and I can’t wait to use these tips!
Dana says
Thank you, Dorothy! I hope you have a GREAT summer vacation!
Kiwi says
My secret on having afforable vacation is booking with flexible flights. When I see a flight deal and I see a date I would book it for that time frame…cheap flights is how I travel more often.
Dana says
Is there a particular site you like to check for flights, Kiwi?
Dee Jackson says
I always go for the offbeat. It saves me so much money.
Dana says
Flexibility is key!
LavandaMichelle says
I am pretty sure the only thing I love more than saving money is my family! So, as you can tell I really appreciated this post. Thanks for sharing.
Dana says
Lavanda, I am so glad you liked my post! 🙂
Blair villanueva says
Another trick that I do during my travel is to check events to the city you are going like gallery or restaurant opening. Most of the time this kind of events offers free dining and booze, plus a chance to meet possible contacts.
Dana says
Blair, that is AWESOME advice!! Where do you typically look for the local events?
Jelena says
Excellent tips and tricks for traveling. I always do a good job and get ready before I go somewhere.
Dana says
Thanks, Jelena! Don’t you feel so accomplished after you find a great deal that makes your vacation even more enjoyable?
Rosey says
I do love to find a good rewards program. Saving on travel always makes me happy.
Vidya Sudarsan says
Great tips! I’m not doing the hotel rewards and that’s something I want to start this year. Love hotles.com website. They always have good deals.
Dana says
Hotels.com is great for deals!!
Bobbi says
This is some really great advice on how to save some money. I am always a bit flexible when it comes to flights.
Dana says
See, I wish I was more flexible when it came to flights. You can definitely save $ there.
Lisa says
I love this post because I love saving money. Its always a good feeling feeling when you save.
Dana says
I couldn’t agree with you more, Lisa!
Nicole Caudle says
These are wonderful tips. I don’t travel much, but when I do I try to get as many deals as possible!
Dana says
Thank you, Nicole! Deals make the vacation that much better 😉