By zp7op | Contributor
For many people, traveling means discovering new cultures, landscapes, foods, and ideas. Nevertheless, cost remains a significant factor when planning a vacation.
A survey by Slickdeals, an online community aimed at smarter shopping and saving, revealed that 81% of participants rank total expenses as their primary concern, closely followed by the need for family-friendly activities and discounts on transport and accommodation.
Despite concerns about inflation (56%), rising airfare (51%), and increased gas prices (49%), 84% of families intend to spend the same amount or more on travel this year compared to last. Among the respondents, 42% expect to spend between $1,501 and $3,000, and 15% plan to allocate $5,000 or more for their trips.
While travel can be an investment, it doesn’t have to be exorbitant. Here are some suggestions from Pete King, a deal expert at Slickdeals, to help you save money while planning your next adventure.
Establish a budget considering hidden expenses. When setting financial limits, many individuals only account for primary expenses like travel, lodging, and activities. It’s crucial to include additional costs such as pet care, meals, checked baggage fees, and parking at airports and hotels to avoid any unexpected charges at the end of your trip.
Seek out deals. Being flexible with your travel destinations and dates can help you snag the best deals. If you’re exhausted from browsing multiple booking sites for discounts, check out the latest offerings on the Slickdeals Travel Page, where users share great travel bargains, saving you time and effort as you search for savings. You can also set up deal alerts to get notifications for your chosen destinations.
Carry an empty water bottle. Although TSA rules prohibit most liquids at security checkpoints, having an empty water bottle in your carry-on can prevent high costs inside the airport. After passing security, refill it at the nearest water fountain. The bonus? You can take a full bottle on the plane to stay hydrated during your flight instead of depending on the small complimentary drinks offered.
Pack lighter than you think. Overpacking is a common mistake that can be costly. A single checked bag may incur fees as high as $50, and some airlines charge extra for carry-on luggage. For a weekend getaway, try to stick with a carry-on or backpack, and remember that no one at your destination will notice if you wear the same jeans two days in a row.
Choose the right rewards credit card. If you possess a rewards credit card, you might receive cash back on certain purchases, including groceries, travel, and dining. Many cards offer points or miles redeemable for future travel. General travel cards reward you for nearly every purchase, while co-branded cards linked to a specific airline or hotel yield more rewards for loyal spending and provide perks like free checked luggage or complimentary nights on your card anniversary.
Discover travel deals and more at Slickdeals.com/travel.
Photos courtesy of Getty Images
