As summer approaches, more and more people are planning their holidays, but high fuel prices and other costs are making travel more expensive. A U.S. News & World Report survey showed that 65% of Americans have changed their summer plans precisely because of the rising cost of holidays. At the same time, there are several simple ways to cut travel expenses without giving up your trip altogether.
One of the most effective ways to save is to have flexible travel dates. If you can shift your departure or hotel check-in by a day or two, this often significantly reduces the cost of flights and accommodation. This is especially noticeable for weekday flights, which are usually cheaper than at weekends, as well as by avoiding travel during holiday periods.
Another money-saving tool is using services such as Google Flights or Skyscanner. They allow you to compare ticket prices on different dates and set up price alerts. Airlines often change fares depending on demand, so tracking price movements and waiting a few days before buying can help you get cheaper tickets.
It is also worth paying attention to baggage costs. For international flights, some airlines still include one checked bag free of charge, but on domestic routes in the USA most carriers have increased their baggage fees. You can reduce costs by paying for baggage in advance online rather than at the airport, or by travelling with hand luggage only, carefully planning what you pack.
Another way to save is to compare hotel prices with rental options on platforms such as Airbnb or VRBO. Renting a flat or house can sometimes be cheaper per night and offer more space. In addition, having a kitchen allows you to prepare some of your own meals: for example, making breakfast and lunch where you are staying and going out for dinner. This can noticeably reduce your spending over a week-long holiday.
Another important tool is credit cards with rewards and travel points. Premium programmes allow you to accumulate points that can be redeemed for flights or hotel stays, and sometimes the welcome bonus for taking out a new card covers the cost of a flight or several nights’ accommodation. At the same time, experts stress that for this strategy to be genuinely worthwhile, you need to pay off your card balance in full every month. If you carry a balance and pay interest, the cost of servicing the debt can outweigh the benefit of the points you earn.
This material is based on advice from MoneyLion.com and is for information purposes only; it does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice.