Travel is back in a big way in 2023, with multiple airlines and destinations breaking records for the number of passengers and visitors they’re seeing.
However, this increased demand along with global inflation has made travel more expensive than ever. It can seem like the trip you’ve been dreaming of is financially out of reach. But it doesn’t have to be. Follow these hacks to find ways to save money on your summer getaway.
Fly Flexibly
While you may be able find a flight going directly from your city to London or New York for example, it might not be the cheapest option. You can often save a lot of money if you’re willing to drive or take a train or bus to a smaller city and depart from there. When you’re looking at airfare, don’t just search for flights from your own city; also look for flights from other locations you can reach by road or rail within a day. You might find a fantastic deal.
The same goes for your destination airport. Don’t just look for flights landing at Heathrow if you’re going to London, or JFK if New York City is the destination. Consider flying into Gatwick in London instead, or Teterboro in New Jersey. They may be a little farther from the city center, but it’s worth it for the money you can save.
Look for Deals Instead of Destinations
You may be dreaming of sipping a cocktail on the beach in Fiji. But if you live in the US, ask yourself if the sun and sand in the Bahamas might feel just as good. And if you’re from Europe or Asia, consider how much you might be able to save taking a mountain hiking vacation in Albania instead of traveling all the way to the US to visit Colorado.
You may find that a trip closer to home is up to 75% cheaper, all while offering the same experiences. This can even go for domestic travel. Have you really seen all of the great sights in your own country? Chances are you haven’t. You could have that opportunity this summer while spending a fraction of what you’d spend on a big trip abroad. You could even spend some of that money you’ve saved on a nicer hotel or fancy meals.
Plan a Fall Vacation Instead
With peak travel season in full swing this summer, demand for flights and hotels rooms is as high as ever. That won’t be the case come October or November. You’re much more likely to find a great deal on a flight and accommodations once children are back in school. This is especially true if you choose a destination that is traditionally most popular during the warmest part of the year.
Just don’t wait until too long after mid-November to take your trip. Any later in the year and demand will start to increase again due to the winter holidays.
Drive Instead of Fly, Sometimes
For shorter trips, it’s almost always less expensive to hit the road than take to the sky. But this is typically only true for trips that are less than around 400 miles (644 kilometers). Once you get beyond that, it’s often possible to find airfare that costs less than what you would spend on fuel for your vehicle. Of course, this is all dependent on airfare rates and fuel costs, which can fluctuate. You also have to take the cost of wear and tear on your vehicle into consideration.
Buy Travel Insurance
A travel insurance plan can’t make your summer vacation cost less up front, but it can save you a huge amount of money if something doesn’t go as planned during your trip.
Take travel medical insurance, for example. If you get sick or hurt while on an international trip outside the US, you won’t be able to use your domestic health insurance to pay for treatment costs. It could be solely your financial responsibility to cover it. Some hospitals may not even treat you without payment up front. With a travel medical insurance plan, you can get the best treatment available at the lowest price possible. Most plans can even provide coverage for emergency medical evacuation, which can cost over $100,000 without insurance.
Those taking international trips to the USA should consider visitors medical insurance. The cost for medical care in the US is extremely high, and the domestic health insurance from your home country won’t be sufficient even if it is accepted. Visitors medical insurance allows you to get treated at US hospitals for a price you can manage. Many plans even participate in PPO networks, meaning you can get better prices for treatment, and the provider can often bill the insurance company directly.
If you’re traveling internationally or domestically within the US, a trip cancellation insurance plan can protect you against losing out on your prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses if you’re forced to cancel your trip due to a covered reason. It can also provide coverage in cases of travel delays, trip interruption, and even lost baggage.