Rising fuel costs are putting a damper on many vacation plans this summer. The cost of driving and flying has skyrocketed. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get away.
The experts at TravelPulse say smart travelers are not cancelling their trips; they’re just changing the way they travel. Citing a report by Hotels.com, the article notes that “travelers are becoming ‘deal strategists,’ meaning they’re using points, perks, timing tricks, and bundled packages to stretch their travel budgets further than ever.”
Here are five ways Americans are saving money on summer travel:
- Using points – The article notes that rewards usage has surged 820% as travelers actively offset trip costs by using reward points for hotels and airlines.
- Seeking value-added perks – Travelers are not just looking for the best price; they want the best value. Free breakfasts and other incentives are the way people are trying to save money this season.
- A package deal – Bundling is back. To avoid unexpected costs, travelers are looking for bundled packages that lock in the price before they go.
- Procrastinating may pay off – The Hotels.com report found that “last-minute hotel bookers saved an average of 23 percent compared to travelers who booked four-plus months ahead.”
- Being flexible – The days you travel can make a big difference. The study found that “Sunday hotel check-ins are 15 percent cheaper than Friday stays in the U.S.”
Are you still planning on traveling this summer? Message The Seniors Trust on Facebook or X (formerly known as Twitter) and let us know what, if anything, you are doing to help keep costs down on your vacation.
