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Apr 2, 2021 • 3 min read
Ready to embark on that bucket-list trip, only to find your pockets don’t run as deep as you had hoped? Don’t despair; there are countless ways to save money, from discount air fares to utilizing travel credit card points.
Here’s a guide to making your travel money go further, ensuring you have more to spend when you get there.
Tip 1: Drive!
The easiest way for anyone, especially families, to save money when traveling is to avoid the high cost of plane tickets by driving to your destination instead. Driving allows you to see more of the country, enjoy quality bonding time, and avoid additional expenses such as rental cars or rideshare services. Prior to your departure, ensure your vehicle is road trip ready and your insurance is up to date. Consequently, if you’re aiming to save even more, consider that some insurance companies may offer discounts on car insurance.
Tip 2: Use Skyscanner Alerts
If your destination is too far for a road trip, utilize Skyscanner alerts to get the best prices on airline tickets. Skyscanner allows you to enter your departure and arrival destinations, sending notifications via email when prices drop. Additionally, Skyscanner enables you to explore prices by date and month, thus ensuring you travel when flights are cheapest.
Tip 3: Take Advantage of “Shoulder Season”
The time between a destination’s peak season and its off-season is recognized as “shoulder season.” This period enables you to enjoy some of the location’s best offerings without the crowds and at lower rates. To pinpoint shoulder seasons, research when peak times occur for your desired destination and consider traveling during the months on either side. For popular family destinations like the beaches of Florida or Washington D.C., aim for times when schools are typically not on break. Therefore, shoulder season can provide a more relaxed travel experience and considerable savings.
Tip 4: Buy Travel Insurance
Although it may seem counterproductive to suggest purchasing travel insurance when discussing money-saving tips, it can actually prevent significant unexpected expenses. For example, misplacing your rental car keys could cost you more than $200. Travel insurance can cover various unintended emergencies, granting you peace of mind to relish your journey without worrisome financial concerns.
Tip 5: Use Points
Travel credit cards permit you to earn points for everyday purchases, which can be utilized towards your travel plans. Look for cards that are tailored for travel benefits. Notable options include the Chase Sapphire card and the Southwest Airlines card. Remember, you may also receive extra points by referring friends. Moreover, as with any credit cards, ensure you have a plan to pay off the balance at the end of each month.
Sponsored by GEICO
As a travel entertainment and inspirational media outlet, we sometimes incorporate brand sponsors into our efforts. This activity is clearly labeled across our platforms.
This story was crafted collaboratively between GEICO and iBestTravel. Both parties provided research and curated content to generate this material. We disclose when information isn’t ours.
With sponsored content, both iBestTravel and our brand partners have specific responsibilities:
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Brand partner
Determines the concept, provides briefing, research material, and may provide feedback.
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iBestTravel
We provide expertise, firsthand insights, and verify with third-party sources when needed.
