Traveling can be one of life’s most enriching experiences, but it can also be expensive if you don’t know how to find the Best Deals for Flights and Hotels. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous weekend getaway or a long-awaited international adventure, saving on flights and hotels can free up more of your budget for activities, dining, and souvenirs. Here’s how to save big on travel, focusing on getting the best deals for flights and hotels.
1. Plan Ahead, but Be Flexible
While booking last-minute deals can sometimes offer big savings, planning ahead often allows you to take advantage of lower prices. The key is balancing advance booking with flexibility.
Flights:
- Best Time to Book: For domestic flights, aim to book at least 3 to 6 weeks in advance. For international travel, try to book 2 to 6 months before your departure. The earlier you book, the more options you’ll have, and the better your chances of securing a lower fare.
- Flexible Dates: Flight prices can vary significantly based on the time of day, the day of the week, and the time of year. Use flexible date search options on flight comparison sites like Google Flights, Kayak, or Skyscanner to see if adjusting your departure or return date can save you money.
- Set Alerts: Use price alert tools like Hopper or Airfarewatchdog to monitor flight prices. You’ll get notified when there’s a drop in prices for your preferred routes, allowing you to book when fares are at their lowest.
Hotels:
- Off-Peak Seasons: Hotel prices fluctuate based on seasonality. If you’re looking for the best rates, plan to travel during off-peak seasons, such as spring or fall, when demand is lower. For example, traveling to beach destinations in the off-season can often save you 30% or more compared to peak season.
- Flexible Check-in/Check-out Dates: If possible, try to check in during weekdays rather than weekends. Hotels often raise their rates on Fridays and Saturdays, especially in popular tourist cities. Adjusting your stay by a day or two can result in significant savings.
2. Use Flight Comparison Sites and Apps
There are plenty of flight comparison websites and apps designed to help travelers find the best prices. These platforms search across multiple airlines, booking sites, and travel agencies to help you find the lowest possible fare.
- Google Flights: Google Flights offers a flexible search feature, allowing you to explore cheaper options across a wide range of dates. It’s an excellent tool for travelers who want to compare prices without having to visit multiple websites.
- Skyscanner: Known for its powerful search capabilities, Skyscanner lets you explore cheap flights based on destination and dates. You can also use the “Everywhere” option to see the cheapest flights from your location to any destination.
- Kayak: Kayak is another great resource for comparing flight deals and offers price forecasts, helping you know whether to book now or wait for prices to drop.
- Momondo: Momondo searches across both traditional airlines and budget carriers, offering a broader range of flight options at competitive prices.
Many of these tools also include features to alert you when there’s a price drop for the specific route you’re interested in.
3. Consider Budget Airlines and Alternative Airports
Low-cost carriers often offer dramatically cheaper fares than major airlines, but they come with certain trade-offs, such as fewer amenities and non-refundable tickets. If you’re flexible and willing to sacrifice comfort for cost savings, budget airlines are a great way to save.
Budget Airlines:
- Southwest Airlines (U.S.) offers free checked bags, which can offset the lower base fare with other airlines that charge for luggage.
- Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines (U.S.) provide ultra-low-cost options, though be prepared for extra fees like seat selection, baggage, and onboard refreshments.
- Ryanair and EasyJet (Europe) provide low-cost flights across the continent, with fares starting as low as €10 or £15 in many cases.
Alternative Airports:
Flying in and out of major international airports like New York’s JFK, Los Angeles’ LAX, or London’s Heathrow might seem convenient, but they are often more expensive. Consider flying into smaller airports that are within driving distance of your destination. For example, Oakland International Airport is often cheaper to fly into than San Francisco International Airport, even if the two cities are just a short drive apart.
4. Take Advantage of Hotel Comparison Sites and Deals
When booking a hotel, it’s important to compare prices across multiple platforms to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Many hotel comparison websites also provide perks like free cancellation or exclusive offers, which can help save you even more money.
- Booking.com: Booking.com offers a wide variety of accommodations, from budget hotels to luxury resorts. It frequently runs promotions like “Secret Deals” or “Last Minute Deals” that offer discounts of up to 50%.
- Trivago: Trivago aggregates hotel prices from several different sources, so you can compare deals and find the lowest rate for your preferred property.
- Expedia: Expedia offers discounts on hotels and vacation packages, including “Member Only Deals” that can only be accessed if you sign up for their free rewards program.
- Hotwire: Hotwire is known for its “Hot Rates” that offer discounted rooms at hotels, but the catch is you won’t know the exact hotel until after booking. However, this can be a great way to secure a 4-star hotel at a fraction of the price.
5. Leverage Rewards Programs for Free Stays and Upgrades
Hotel loyalty programs can help you rack up points with every stay, which can eventually lead to free nights, upgrades, or other benefits.
Popular Hotel Loyalty Programs:
- Marriott Bonvoy: With a range of brands like Sheraton, Courtyard, and Ritz-Carlton, Marriott’s program allows you to earn points with each stay. Points can be redeemed for free nights, upgrades, and even flights.
- Hilton Honors: Hilton’s loyalty program lets you earn points for every stay at hotels like Hilton, Conrad, and Waldorf Astoria, which can be redeemed for free nights or even used for discounts on other travel expenses.
- IHG Rewards Club: InterContinental Hotels Group’s loyalty program (including Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and Kimpton Hotels) rewards you with points that can be used for free stays, gift cards, or airline miles.
Tip: Even if you’re booking a one-time trip, signing up for a loyalty program and earning points can still benefit you long-term. Just make sure you’re using a rewards program that aligns with your travel habits.
6. Consider Vacation Rentals and Alternative Accommodations
In addition to traditional hotels, consider using vacation rentals, hostels, or even homestays as more affordable options for lodging.
- Airbnb: Airbnb can be a great way to find unique accommodations at a fraction of the cost of a hotel, especially for long-term stays. You can often negotiate rates for longer stays or look for discounts through Airbnb’s “Superhosts.”
- Vrbo: Similar to Airbnb, Vrbo specializes in vacation rentals, offering everything from cabins to beach houses. It can often be cheaper than booking a hotel room, especially for large groups.
- Hostelworld: If you’re comfortable with basic accommodations, hostels can provide significant savings, especially for solo travelers or backpackers. Many hostels also offer private rooms that are still cheaper than hotels.
7. Bundle Travel Deals for Bigger Savings
If you’re booking both flights and hotels for the same trip, bundling your travel through websites like Expedia or Priceline can offer discounts on the combined package. Often, the savings on bundling can be greater than booking each component separately.
8. Use Credit Card Travel Rewards and Cash Back Offers
Many travel-focused credit cards offer excellent perks such as bonus points, free nights, or travel credits. Consider signing up for a card that offers travel rewards, as these can help you save on future trips. Additionally, cashback websites like Rakuten or TopCashback can help you earn back a percentage of your booking price when you shop through their links.
Conclusion: Save Big on Travel by Smart Shopping
Travel can be expensive, but with a little planning and the right tools, you can unlock significant savings on flights and hotels. By leveraging price comparison websites, using rewards programs, booking at the right time, and considering alternative accommodations, you can stretch your travel budget further. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend trip or a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, these strategies will help you find the best deals and save big on your next journey. Happy travels!