Summer is here, which means it’s time to pack your bags and hit the road. Hunting down a great flight deal isn’t rocket science – it just takes a little time and know-how. Smart travelers don’t book the first dream vacation deal they see; they shop around for the best summer travel deals.
But how do you find these seemingly elusive travel deals? Use these tips to score savings this summer.
Take advantage of low flight prices
Paying attention to the fluctuation in airfare prices can pay off when it comes to selecting a destination. For example, in 2016, airfare to 50 of our most popular destinations is the lowest it’s been in five years. Consider traveling to one of these 10 destinations where prices are down (on average more than 25 percent over the same time last year). Applying this type of methodology to your summer travels is one way to score savings.
Book early
While last-minute sales can pleasantly surprise you, some of the best deals are found 30 or more days in advance. Start researching travel deals the minute you start dreaming about your trip.
Consider alternative destinations
If you’re adamant about seeing the beach, choose a lesser-known city or resort. If you just need to get away, explore options in the mountains, by lakes or in cities. You can often choose a destination that has a similar feel to a pricier local and travel for less by opting for an alternative destination. Taking the path less traveled often pays off.
Follow the airline or hotel on social media
Sales and promo codes are often posted on airline and hotel social media channels before they land in your email inbox or on the company’s website. Following airlines and hotels on Twitter and Facebook can clue you into deals you may have missed otherwise.
Go to destinations in the off-peak season
Many travelers falsely assume the Caribbean is sweltering in summer, but it’s not. Summer is an excellent time to visit the Caribbean where the temperatures are only a few degrees higher than they are in January. This misconception traditionally drives hotel room rates lower, sometimes even half-off, during the summer.
Travel during shoulder season
Shoulder season is the sweet spot smack dab between peak season (when everyone travels to a destination) and low season (when the weather is bad). Those who travel to a place during shoulder season are afforded great deals, good weather and fewer crowds. Shoulder season differs by destination, but a little research will go a long way when it comes to savings.
Be flexible
Keeping an open mind towards travel dates and destinations is a sure-fire way to find a bargain. The fewer restrictions you impose on your travel plans, the better. Have a range of departure and return dates so you have alternatives; leaving a day earlier or later may save you hundreds of dollars. The same goes for the length of your trip. Adding or subtracting a day may lead to more savings.
Be choosy about the airport
Fly into regional airports where there are many airline carrier and flight options. Pay attention to which airlines fly to your destination. Airports that are hubs for airlines often have better deals. For destinations that are served by multiple airports, like London, New York and South Florida, check each airport for the best rates. Also, consider both non-stop and connecting flights. You might find a better deal if you are willing to connect along the way. Don’t overlook smaller airports, which usually charge fewer taxes and other fees; these savings can reduce flight costs tremendously. Just make sure the costs associated with getting to and from the airport don’t add up to more than the amount you saved on the airfare.
Go for the cheap seats
The number of discount tickets is limited, and seats go fast – sometimes even hesitating for a few minutes may be detrimental. While shopping around is usually advisable, if you see a flight deal too good to be true, jump on it.
Timing is everything
For added savings, book flight dates and times that are least popular. Traditionally, Tuesday and Wednesdays are less desirable departures. Early morning and late-night flights are often cheaper as are some overnight flights. An additional advantage of booking an overnight flight is that you not only save on the plane ticket, but you also don’t need a hotel for that night.
Beware of added costs
Buying the plane ticket isn’t the end of transportation fees; it’s often just the start. Understand what costs are included with the ticket price as many airlines now charge for things like baggage and seat assignments. Read up on airline fees before buying your ticket as a cheap flight may not be as cheap after you factor in costs for amenities like checked (and even carry-on) luggage, pillows and in-flight meals. Never pay for luggage; join a frequent flyer program or get a credit card with travel perks that may score you free checked bags. Avoid these and other travel fees with these fee-busting tips.
Stay at a home
The proliferation of property rental websites like HomeAway, VRBO and airbnb has made it easier to rent rooms, apartments and entire homes as more economical alternatives to hotel accommodations.
Check for discounts
In addition to flash sales, you might be able to get deeper discounts via affiliate programs like airline or hotel loyalty programs, travel rewards credit cards or senior citizen and student discounts. When in doubt, ask the airline and hotel if they offer any discounts.
Choose a hotel with free food
Many hotels offer free breakfast or a kids-eat-free deal with the room rate. For those that don’t, consider paying a little extra to stay on the concierge floor, which often includes breakfast and snacks throughout the day. Take advantage of hotel manager receptions, which typically include free drinks and refreshments.
Stay longer
Many hotels offer a third or fourth night free. It also often pays to book early. Many hotels offer 14- or 21-day advance purchase rates, which can offer significant savings compared to their posted rates.
Stay at new hotels
Book at new hotels during their “soft openings,” typically a few weeks or months before the grand opening when the hotel is putting on the finishing touches and training staff. Hotels may also offer discounts when undergoing renovations. However, keep in mind some the amenities, like the pool, might not be available during these soft openings or renovations.
For more tips, check out these 25 travel hacks to make the most of summer vacation.
Main Image: istockphoto/djsash001
