One crucial aspect that may greatly affect your trip and budget is transportation; It all depends on what you are doing on your travels. For example, if you are going to London for the week, you are most likely going to fly in London Heathrow Airport, take the train from the airport to where you are staying, and then take the train to most of your destinations, which is a cost-effective solution. On the other hand, if you are going to see fall foliage on the East Coast, you might take your car, make it a road trip, and then all you need to worry about is the cost of fuel and lodging.
Whether you’re exploring a new city, lounging on a tropical beach, or embarking on a cross-country adventure, finding the right mode of transportation can make or break your vacation experience and your budget.
Research Transportation Options
- Air Travel: This is often the fastest way to reach distant locations. Use flight comparison websites such as Orbitz, Expedia, and Travelocity to find potentially the best deals.
- Road Trips: If you prefer more flexibility and the ability to explore along the way, renting a car or using your own vehicle might be a great choice. If you will be traveling by car, then make sure to include an estimate for how much fuel or electricity is going to cost you.
- Public Transport: Trains and buses are excellent options and provide a local perspective on your destination.
- The best train resource I have been able to find (regardless of country), is a website called www.seat61.com. He has put together a comprehensive website you can use to look up timing of trains to multiple countries, cost, and recently he has added ferries, as well. When we were travelling around Europe a few years ago, his insights and information was invaluable and as a result, we made it through 5 weeks in Europe without the need for a car.
- Cruises: Ideal for those seeking a more relaxed, all-inclusive experience, cruises can be a unique way to explore coastal destinations you would not normally be able to access or see.
- Ferries: For island destinations, ferries are often the most reliable and accessible mode of transportation.
Booking in Advance
Once you’ve narrowed down your transportation options, it’s essential to book your tickets in advance. This not only secures your travel plans but also often comes with cost savings. Flight and train prices can fluctuate significantly, so booking early can be a savvy financial move. If you are concerned about the cost and that things might change before your trip, make sure to buy tickets that can be changed or refunded without a fee or buy trip insurance.
Consider Local Transportation
Don’t forget to consider transportation within your destination. Depending on where you’re going, local options like trams, buses, subways, and rental bicycles can make it easy to get around your vacation spot. Research and plan for local transportation in advance (is there an App you will need to download ahead of time) to avoid any confusion upon arrival.
Finding the right mix of transportation for your trip is a vital part of planning. It can significantly impact your travel experience, so it’s crucial to consider your destination, budget, time constraints, and personal preferences. Do your research, book in advance, and download any applicable Apps to your phone to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Airfare
Planning a vacation is fun, and finding the best airfare can be a daunting. With numerous airlines, booking platforms, and ever-changing prices, it’s essential to be strategic to ensure you get the most value for your money. My goal is to guide you through how I find the best airfare (which may not be the cheapest) for your dream vacation.
Start Early
Airlines often release their fares around 11 months in advance. Ticket prices tend to be lower if you book well ahead of your travel date, and you buy the few cheap seats they release. As you approach your travel dates prices tend to increase, so booking early can save you a significant amount of money.
Use flight comparison websites such as Orbitz, Expedia, and Travelocity to find potentially the best deals. My personal preference is Orbitz.
Ticket prices used to fluctuate depending on the day of the week; however, I have not seen that occurring, recently. On my last vacation I booked, I found ticket prices were cheaper earlier in the day versus when I looked in the evening.
Be Flexible with Your Dates
If you have some flexibility on the days and dates you are traveling, use the flexible date search options on booking websites or apps. I find that if I can arrive or leave in the middle of the week (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday), those days give me the best options. Maybe staying one more day or leaving a day early will result in a significant price difference. If you end up staying an extra day to save money on airfare, don’t forget to include the additional cost for lodging and meals. It may end up costing you more to save on the airfare and pay for additional night in a hotel or airbnb.
Use Fare Comparison Websites
There are many websites and mobile apps designed to help you compare airfare across different airlines. Some of the most popular ones are Orbitz, Expedia, and Travelocity. These websites allow you to compare prices across multiple airlines and you can set fare alerts to notify you when prices drop. You can set up alerts for specific routes, dates, and even preferred airlines. When there’s a price drop or a special offer, you’ll be among the first to know, increasing your chances of securing a better deal.
While fare comparison websites are helpful, it’s also a good idea to check airline websites directly. Airlines occasionally release exclusive deals that may not appear on other booking platforms. When I was looking to book a trip to Italy, I found the airline’s specific site had more round trip flight options than when I was searching on Orbitz.
Also, the fare comparison websites do not include all airlines. For example, if you are flying within the US, Southwest Airlines is a low-cost airline that is not included on the travel websites. The only way to know Southwest Airline fares is to go to their website, directly.
Consider Nearby Airports
Sometimes, flying out of or flying into a nearby airport rather than your local airport or your destination’s primary airport can save you money. Where I am located, there are 3 major international airports within an hour of each other. So, when I am going through the fare comparison websites, I always put in all 3 airports to see what flight options and fares are available and which one is best. I then compare prices for these airports and weigh the cost-saving benefits against any potential inconvenience – longer drive, higher parking fees, etc.
Use Loyalty Programs and Miles
No matter how much you are travelling, make the most of airline loyalty programs and frequent flyer miles. Airlines often offer exclusive deals and discounts to their loyal customers. Additionally, credit card rewards programs can help you accumulate points that can be redeemed for discounted or free flights.
I have opened up many credit cards that are associated with a specific airline to receive priority boarding, free checked bags, access to the club while in the airport, etc. If I find I am continuing to fly with the airline for other trips, I will keep the credit card. Otherwise, make sure to cancel the card before the annual renewal fee occurs.
One-way vs. Round-Trip Tickets
Most of the time, booking a round-trip ticket is cheaper than two one-way tickets. Be sure to compare the cost of one-way and round-trip options when searching for airfare. When I was recently flying to the Philippines, I found it was cheaper to book each segment and I had more flight time options to choose from. For my trip to Italy, round trip was the more efficient way to go. You just never know until you look into it.
Avoid Peak Travel Times
Traveling during peak season, holidays, and weekends can significantly increase the cost of your airfare, even if you are searching for flights well in advance. If possible, consider planning your vacation during the off-peak seasons when airlines often offer lower prices to attract more customers.
Be Prepared to Book
When you find a fare that aligns with your budget and travel plans, don’t hesitate to book it. Airfare prices are volatile and can change rapidly – I have seen prices jump up $100-$200 in a single day for the same ticket! By being prepared to book when you find a great deal, you can lock in your savings. Airlines are required to give you up to 24 hours to cancel after you book, in the event you change your mind. The other option is to book a flight that is fully refundable or comes with a minimal change fee.
One word of caution: keep an eye out for additional fees. Sometimes Orbitz or the airline shows the cheapest airfare; however, it might be non-refundable, non-cancellation, no changes, extra $$ for seat assignment, luggage, etc. Make sure the fare you are choosing covers what you need.
Finding the best airfare may take some time and effort, but the savings and the overall travel experience are well worth it. By starting your search early, staying flexible, utilizing fare comparison websites, and following the tips above, you can maximize your chances of securing an affordable airfare.