If you’re ready to hit the road or the open blue skies, check out these travel tips to streamline your travel search:
1) Off-Season Perks
Travel trends like clockwork. You can guarantee people are rushing to the airport when school’s out. If you want to avoid the crowds and score cheaper flights and accommodations, skip summer and winter break-out sessions. There’s likely a 20-50% price drop in flights alone (smartertravel.com).
2) Bite the Big Apple!
If the Colosseum is on your bucket list, consider flying out of big cities like Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, or Seattle when flying overseas. Fly to a larger airport first, then coast the seas from there.
3) Ditch Hotel Brands!
The well-known brands in travel business can be found anywhere in the world. Often these rates will go for much higher than local digs since their pricing index is geared towards tourists, not locals.
Besides, if you’re traveling half-way across the globe to explore a different culture, you’re more likely to get a genuine experience if you’re open to all sorts of quirky options.
Up for an adventure? Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Rent-a-Home: Jump online for a room on websites like AirBnB or Couchsurfing to find bargains from people renting out their homes. Most people have had positive experiences, and the verification process and public reviews can assure you, you won’t end up at Bates Motel.
- Local Hotels: We’re creatures of habit and tend to go with what we know! Try out a local hotel before you opt for the bigger brands. Many times, it’s just as nice and worth the price!
- Hostels: Before you assume hostels are only for backpackers and young people, give these dormitory-style accommodations a chance! Meet people from around the world and tune in on travel secrets to avoid common tourist traps.
4) Book in Advance
The closer you are to your launch date, the more you pay. Start your search 4-6 months in advance and use a price comparison website to find the lowest rates. You’d be surprised what you can find. Even IT fares that include your hotel can go for much cheaper than the flight alone.
5) Attractions on the Dime!
You’re in a new city with endless wonders and local treasures. Take the road less traveled! Check out the free nature parks, museums or temples before you pass them on. If you do want to see popular attractions, find out if they have city passes available to save on an attraction.
You don’t need to squirrel away thousands of dollars to explore the world. As long as you do your research and remain open to an adventure, you can make it happen.
By: Genesis Moreno
