Discount offerings regularly change, so it's always important to research your options when planning a trip. Some potential discounts to look into include:
Flights, hotels, tickets to attractions and many other travel expenses tend to be higher during the peak season. That's because there's a lot more competition for these services, and with so much demand, hotels and other businesses can charge more and still book up. If it doesn't matter when you travel during the year, try to find out when peak season is for the area you want to go to. Do note, however, that not all attractions or services may be open during off-seasons; do your research to ensure you can do what you want when you arrive at your destination.
Traveling with a group of friends or loved ones offers numerous benefits, including sharing the fun and adventure with others. It can also enhance your peace of mind, as you're with trusted companions who can provide assistance should something unexpected happen.
On top of those benefits, traveling with others lets you split certain expenses. Three people in a cab pay the same fare as one, for example, and if you have several people, you might book an Airbnb instead of hotel rooms. Each person may still get their own room, and you'll have living and kitchen spaces, potentially for a lot less than you'd pay to book a hotel room.
Before you go do things in a new-to-you city, browse deal sites like Groupon to find out about savings on attractions, tours and dining. Groupon often offers discounts on some of the most popular things to do in a city. If you're going to a major city like Atlanta, Boston, Chicago or Dallas, you can also purchase a CityPASS that gets you into several main attractions at a discount.
While transit and accommodations are some of the largest expenses related to traveling, food can also make a big impact on your wallet. Eating out every meal can add up, even if you're making use of senior discounts or trying not to splurge too much. Plus, all those restaurant meals can add up to some unhealthy or unpleasant side effects if you aren't used to eating that much rich food.
If you have access to a kitchen where you're staying — this is where Airbnb options can be especially handy — consider making some or all of your own meals. You might choose to make breakfast and dinner and enjoy lunch out each day while you travel, for example. Hit a local grocery store, stock up on some essentials and enjoy healthier and cheaper eating while you adventure.
Consider how to make the most of any rewards programs you belong to. Credit card miles and cash-back rewards can help you substantially reduce the cost of a vacation or other travel, especially if you pay attention to maximum rewards categories.
Finally, consider where you can cut down on unnecessary or extra expenses. It costs money to check extra bags when you fly, for example. Certain credit card perks will cover that expense for you, but if you're not part of those rewards programs, you can reduce how much you pack to save a bit of money. Thinking proactively about travel can help you reduce costs in some areas so you can splurge in others.
