How to Plan Your Next Big Trip

When it comes to planning, few things are more expensive than a vacation. But, vacations don’t have to break the bank. It is possible to plan an affordable trip, while still buying quality. You can save money and get the vacation you’re looking for.

1. Plan for off-seasons

The first step to planning a vacation is to decide the time you would like to go. If you’re looking to save money, and specific dates are not important to you, try planning your trip around the non-peak times. For instance, Disneyland during summer break or any other school breaks is going to be a high-traffic time. However, Disneyland in September will be very light. Again, if time isn’t a factor for you, use this strategy for saving money.

2. Watch for deals

Once you’ve planned your timeframe for the trip, you can start to watch for deals on hotels and airfare. Some great resources exist for this – SkySkanner and Hopper are both some great apps to use for this. You program in the dates you are looking to travel and your destination. The app will track flights and hotels and tell you the optimal time to travel.

Another excellent way to save money on travel is the use of AirBNB. For those of you who are not aware, AirBNB is a site where individuals can list their space for rent. It is outside of the hotel industry, and does not require any excess fees or corporate price structure. It can be an excellent money saver, and something to consider when booking travel.

3. Plan ahead

With travel, it is always best to plan ahead. By planning ahead, you have the ability to save more money. You can buy your tickets at their lowest, find hotels at their lowest prices, and have time to save up money for your upcoming trip. Without planning, you may be stuck with whatever option is available. You will pay higher prices for airfare, and be stuck with the hotel list price. There may not be enough time to search for the best deals. Planning ahead allows you to save money in all areas of travel expenses.

4. Travel with friends.

If you are willing, traveling with friends or family is another great way to save money on a trip. You can book airfare together, book hotels together so you can save money in that area. There are often “group” discounts, whether it be for plane tickets, activities, and more, buying in bulk can save a lot of money.

Planning travel doesn’t have to be a hassle. You can plan it early, save money on all the travel expenses, and still have time to rest and enjoy your trip. What is your favorite way to save money on a trip? Let us know in the comments below.