Everyone likes to save money and travel currently is pricey if you do not do your homework. (I use American Airlines and Costco Travel often- I don't work for them and I want my readers to check out deals on your own).
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| Act quickly for deals on air travel! |
1. If you are planning on flying this summer it is best to buy tickets ASAP!
I looked at airfare for Cancun, Mexico in August and I was shocked to see prices starting at $600. Flying is not cheap but driving there is not an option. The best days to book airfare are on Tuesdays through Thursdays. Many airlines release "deals" early on Tuesdays so jump on it. Be open with when you can fly. Peak days are usually the weekends so flying out early on a Tuesday is a better day and better deal. (Don't forget to use seat guru to check out which seat is the best option for you on the plane, you may be in for a surprise).
2. Sign up to receive emails from airlines.
I know people do not like having junk fill your email account but you can set up a separate account simply for miscellaneous- travel, hotels, restaurants, clothing, etc... When you receive emails you get the inside scoop on sales. If there are a few airlines that you really like or travel often with then sign up for their frequent flyer program (it is FREE). I have three accounts and I use them often. Yes, I travel often and they come in handy. Your next trip could be nearly free (you need to pay for taxes and security fees). You can keep your frequent flyer account by either flying, making purchases through their e-shops, hotels, or dining. I have American Airlines dining and every time I eat at participating restaurants I get 5 miles per dollar spent. This keeps my account active and I get bonus miles without flying. Score!!! I also use American Airlines travel to book hotel stays and I get bonus airlines for booking and staying, double score!!! In addition I used American Airlines travel to book a Mediterranean cruise and had a beautiful penthouse suite with on board credit. (I need to write a blog about this cruise).
3. Sign up to receive emails from hotels.
This week I signed up to receive emails from the Loews Hotel Coronado and I was alerted that they were having a 40% off sale. I could NOT pass this up! Any opportunity we get to be at the beach and spend quality time with my hubby and kiddo I am so happy. The sale began and I fell asleep before I had a chance to see if I could get a deal. So, Thursday at 4 am I happened to be awake so I booked us a 4 day 3 night getaway to Coronado Island for this August. If I did not sign up to receive emails from my favorite hotels then I would miss out on this steal.
4. Let your memberships work for you.
We have a Costco membership and 5 years ago I made one of the best travel decisions and I continue to use it. Costco Travel is wonderful! The agents are helpful and booking a vacation is easy. Our first experience using Costco Travel was booking a trip to one of our favorite places- Cancun! Since then we have used Costco Travel every year and we are never disappointed. The purchase price includes all of your taxes, airport transfers (from airport to hotel then hotel to airport), sometimes there are resort credits that can be used for just about anything at the hotel. All in all there are lots of savings here. Take advantage of your memberships there may be some hidden finds!
5. Buy travelers insurance!
I never travel without travelers insurance, EVER! Even if you are going somewhere for 4 days I say purchase it. I went to San Francisco in December for 4 days and I was thankful that I purchased it. I say it is better to be safe than sorry. We always purchase from Travel Guard and we have never had any problems. We have had instances that we had file a claim but like I said "it is better to be safe."
6. Try park and fly.
Having your car parked in the blazing hot sun for a week in the month of August while you are enjoying your vacation? I have never had that happen to me. Nearly six years ago we came across a terrific park and fly at the Hilton LAX. We had our vehicle in a covered parking structure and valeted nonetheless! We stayed the night and the next morning we hopped onto the hotel shuttle and our worries were over. For around $100 you can stay the night and have your vehicle parked for 7 days. (Prices are subject to change but if you find a deal make sure to snag it because they are rare). Parking is usually $10 a day at a cheap outside parking near the airport, so why not stay the night, relax and leave the worries behind!!
7. Check out your destination!
I ALWAYS do my homework before I book any trip. This means that I search and search for a few days to see if there are better deals out there and to see when is the best time to travel to that destination. Summer can be the peak season to just about any location (maybe not the desert). If you are open to go just about any time of the year I say go in the Fall or Spring. Winter season in tropical or warm destinations are peak too. We went to Cancun in January and all of the snow birds (Europeans and Canadians) flocked the pristine white beaches. When you search your destination check out what is near the hotel, airport, shopping, excursions, spas, etc... If you want to be secluded from the world then it is good to know in advance. If you want to be in the center of the action then finding that out is critical. Take the time to call the hotel directly and ask any questions. They are always helpful and the concierge will go above and beyond to make sure that your travels are everything that you want them to be.
8. See what other travelers think.
I have begun to scoop out what other travelers think about hotels, dining, excursions, spas, rental car companies, etc.. So I can make a wise decision. If I am spending a few thousand dollars on a vacation I want to make sure it is everything I want it to be. There are many websites that publish a travelers review, including a rating scale, and informing you if that specific hotel in their opinion is best for families, romance, singles, etc...
These are my top 8 tips and they can be used not just for summer travel but for any time. See you at your next vacation!!
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