Money-Saving Tips for Your Next Holiday Vacation

Posted by Holly Andrzejewski on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 2:56:03 PM By Holly Andrzejewski / November 1, 2022 Comment

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. But they can also be expensive! If you're looking to save money on your holiday travel, pack your things we've got you covered with this military life!

You frequently live distant from relatives if you live a military lifestyle. Additionally, if you live far from your family, you might occasionally want to make the trip to see them for the holidays. But the trouble with travel is that it can get pricey. And around the holidays, prices are frequently even higher. Thankfully, there are things that you can do to keep costs down.

In this blog post, we will discuss 5 ways that you can save on your next vacation. From booking early to using credit cards wisely, we have tips that will help you keep more money in your pocket. So read on and get ready to take your holiday travel to the next level!

BOOK EARLY

One of the best ways to save money on holiday travel is to book your trip early. This will allow you to take advantage of early bird discounts and avoid the last-minute rush. Additionally, booking early gives you more time to research deals and find the best prices for flights, hotels, and rental cars.

Be Flexible With Dates

Being flexible with your travel dates might lead to significant savings, if you can accomplish it.

If you plan to fly, examine if there are any days where the cost is less. Many airlines provide some sort of low fare calendar that details the best pricing days. Around the November and December holidays, particularly around Thanksgiving, there are generally quite noticeable pricing discrepancies.

Additionally, experiment with various dates when hiring a car. Occasionally, shifting the pickup or return date even by one day might have a significant impact on the overall cost.

You might even think about traveling on alternate dates to maximize your savings if the price difference is significant or if one family member needs to return to work or school.

USE CREDIT CARDS WISELY

If you're going to use credit cards to finance your holiday travel, be sure to use them wisely. Many cards offer rewards points that can be redeemed for travel expenses like airfare and hotels. Additionally, some cards offer 0% APR introductory periods, which can help you save on interest charges if you pay off your balance in full and on time. Just be sure to read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions before you use your card.

Save Money Early

Although it's a bit too late to use this advice for the current holiday season, start setting aside money in January for your November and December trips. Create a second savings account and set up an automated transfer of funds from each paycheck into that account. When the vacation actually occurs, even $50 a month saved over the course of the year might help make the trip seem less expensive.

When you aren't concerned about the cost, traveling is a lot more enjoyable. Planning ahead and doing some comparison shopping will help you stay inside your budget.

JOIN A TRAVEL LOYALTY PROGRAM

Many airlines, hotels, and rental car companies offer loyalty programs that can save you money on future travel expenses. For example, many programs offer discounts or free upgrades to members who frequently travel with them. If you're a frequent traveler, consider joining a loyalty program to save money on your next trip.

Join All the Clubs

Make sure you sign up for the hotel, rental car, airline, and gas station reward programs. Without becoming a member of the brand's loyalty program, you can no longer get anything for the best price. Additionally, these clubs could provide advantages like free breakfasts at hotels or simpler rental car pickups.

Join reward applications that give cash back on purchases of food, gas, and other items.

TRAVEL DURING OFF-PEAK TIMES

Another great way to save money on holiday travel is to avoid traveling during peak times. For example, flying during the week is usually cheaper than flying on weekends. Additionally, traveling during off-peak months like January or February can also help you save money. If you're flexible with your travel dates, consider traveling during less popular times to save money.

Skip the Air (When It Makes Sense)

Flying is frequently the most expensive choice, depending on your itinerary. It goes without saying that you cannot take a bus to Hawaii, and traveling by train from Tennessee to California during the Thanksgiving holiday is not feasible. However, consider all of your possibilities before making a choice. The train may be a more cheap alternative to flying than the heavy traffic routes, which frequently feature upscale bus services. (Alternatively, it might be highly pricey; it depends.)

Driving can offer a twofold bargain by lowering the cost of transportation and eliminating the requirement for a rental vehicle once you arrive at your location. If your drive would be too long to complete in one day, make sure to account for accommodation fees.

USE DISCOUNT TRAVEL SITES

There are a number of discount travel sites that can help you save money on your next trip. These sites offer discounts on everything from airfare to hotels and rental cars. When you're planning your next vacation, be sure to check out some of these sites to see if you can save money.

Ask for a Discount

Always request any discounts that might be offered while making reservations. Mention your status as a member of the armed forces, a veteran, or any other organization that frequently receives discounts. If you're flying, take the effort to call and ask if there is a military rate that isn't advertised because it can be less expensive than what you can find online.

While not a discount, you can also use credit card points or frequent flier miles to pay for your holiday vacation.