By zp7op | Contributor
Many travel experts across the country are anticipating a rise in travel this summer. After enduring months of travel restrictions, Americans are eager to embark on new adventures. While popular destinations are expected to be open and inviting, the increase in travelers along with rising costs may lead to pricier trips.
If you’re planning a summer getaway, consider implementing some wise spending strategies with these insights from the financial professionals at Credit One Bank:
Be flexible on travel dates and destinations. Unless your trip is connected to a certain event or celebration, try searching for flights and accommodations with flexible travel dates to uncover the best rates. Additionally, if you want to travel but have no specific destination in mind, explore options that are offering special promotions or discounts during specific periods.
Consider trip interruption and cancellation policies. Preparing for unforeseen circumstances can shield you if your journey must end prematurely or be canceled entirely. Without travel insurance, you risk losing money on non-refundable expenses such as airfare, tickets to events, or tours. However, some travel providers or credit card companies may cover reimbursements for certain prepaid costs. Investigate the available options before you travel to minimize complications from unexpected events during your trip.
Get rewarded no matter how you travel. Utilizing credit card rewards to lessen travel expenses is a smart approach, although not everyone prefers or needs rewards like miles or points tied to a single travel partner. With travel reward cards that operate on a point system, such as the Credit One Bank Wander Card, the more destinations you explore, the greater your rewards can be redeemed for future experiences, statement credits, gift cards, and more. This allows travelers to earn up to five times the reward points by engaging in the activities they love, regardless of the hotel chains, car rental services, or airlines they choose.
Come up with a realistic budget. When planning your trip, it’s easy to concentrate on large expenses such as airfare and hotel accommodation. However, when you tally up the smaller costs, you might find yourself spending much more than anticipated. For a more precise budget, make sure to include expenses like dining at restaurants, fuel costs, and entry fees for attractions and events. Don’t overlook additional fees that can accumulate, such as tips for housekeeping, charges for checked bags, Wi-Fi access, parking needs, and souvenirs.
Research and book free and discounted attractions. Many attractions provide discounts for advance ticket purchases online, discounts based on age, or free entry during specific times or dates, so be sure to investigate the attractions you wish to visit in advance. If you possess a travel rewards credit card, begin your research by checking your redemption options. If your card provides flexible choices through a specific partner site or specialized travel platform, you might be able to redeem points or extend your spending to earn more rewards for experiences, entertainment, and other costs during your travels.
