You’ve packed your sunscreen and now you’re ready to book a trip. How can you save along the way?
This article is going to list ways you can save money, from the booking process to the destination, during the trip and back.
5 Steps To Save Money On Your Next Trip
This article is going to show you how to save money on travel so that you can spend your cash how you please.
1. Get A Travel Rewards Credit Card
The first thing you want to do — perhaps a year in advance — is to see if you can get a travel credit card. These cards unlock savings that you can’t get anywhere else.
A travel credit card with a rewards program can save you big bucks because what you spend can be redeemed for points. Points can be transferred into miles or money toward your trip.
Here are some top travel credit cards:
- American Express® Gold Card
- Chase Sapphire Preferred
- Discover it Miles
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
2. Have Travel Flexibility
Flexibility is paramount for booking a trip. When it comes to saving money on travel, knowing when and the best time to book your trip is half the battle.
Travel experts say that if you book a flight between 21 and 30 days out, you should be able to get a deal.
But no matter what, it pays to be flexible with your travel dates. Use Google Flights to find wiggle room in the days you plan to travel. You’ll be thankful for the money you save.
3. Fly On A Budget Airline
If you really want to just get there, avoid the United and Deltas of the world by flying on a budget airline. You can save up to 60% on your airfare by choosing low-cost airlines that fly in smaller or regional airports.
Don’t know of any budget airlines? Check out WhichBudget.com to research some carriers.
Here’s a list of budget airlines to choose from.
4. Don’t Rent A Car
Need transportation? Don’t rent a car. Before you arrive at your destination, plan ahead so that you can use public transportation to get where you need to go.
You can choose to use Uber or Lyft to get around the city, or you can opt for a taxi.
Here are the best taxicabs in New Orleans.
Oftentimes, that may even mean staying at a hotel closer to the action. Rental cars eat up huge parts of your travel budget. And you may even have to pay for parking at the hotel or other places.
5. Eat Like A Local
One of the surest ways to go broke on vacation, especially overseas, is to eat exclusively at tourist traps. These restaurants will have you paying $8 for a bottle of water!
To really maximize your savings (and enjoy choice food), choose to eat where the locals eat. That way, you’ll pay what they pay, which is refreshingly affordable prices.
Final Word
New Orleans is one of those cities that you can get lost in once you take the time to explore it. As the former capital of Louisiana, New Orleans is one of the most eclectic and eccentric cities in the world.
One of the things that makes the place special is the people, which are eager to show you a good time via parties and authentic New Orleans cuisine.
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