Whether you want to take a day trip, weekend, or something much longer, are you concerned money is going to get in the way? According to Bankrate.com, close to 80% of summer vacationers refuse to take a summer trip. Many of them say the rise of inflation and costs are the biggest issue.
That said when you do a good job of planning and searching for deals, more times than not you can avoid spending a lot. That is on any getaway no matter the duration.
So, what can make for more enjoyable travel both for you and your wallet?
Finding Deals is Not an Ordeal
When you want to travel somewhere no matter the duration intended, know that deals are out there. As an example, if you have a love for theme parks, don’t worry that it will cost you an arm and a leg to go to one. You may worry even more if you have young children to pay for too.
By scouting around for deals, you can land some savings in no time at all. Whether Disneyland tickets or tickets to another top venue, just remember to do your homework.
The Internet is one of the best resources you can turn to at the end of the day. Many brands in entertainment and travel have websites, social media, apps, and more. As such, many of them run deals on a regular basis.
Along with brand and third-party websites, you should turn to family and friends. Remind them of what some of your favorite travel and entertainment getaways tend to be. In doing so, they can then tip you off to when they come across savings for such things.
If you have a special status in your life, are you willing to take advantage of it? For example, being a senior citizen or current/former member of the military can mean savings. By finding savings wherever you can, you keep more money in your wallet and still have fun at the same time.
Maximizing Savings with Travel Credit Cards
Travel credit cards are designed to reward users with points or miles that can be redeemed for travel expenses. These cards often come with sign-up bonuses, earning accelerated points on travel-related purchases, and other travel benefits like complimentary airport lounge access or travel insurance.
One of the most lucrative offers of travel credit cards is the sign-up bonus. New cardholders can earn a significant amount of points or miles after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months of account opening. This initial boost can often be enough to redeem for a free flight or hotel stay.
Beyond the sign-up bonus, these cards allow you to earn points or miles on everyday purchases, with enhanced rates for spending in categories like travel, dining, and transportation. Selecting a card that aligns with your spending habits maximizes the points or miles you can earn.
The value of travel credit cards also lies in the flexibility of redemption options. Points or miles can typically be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and sometimes even for experiences or merchandise. Some cards offer higher redemption value when booking travel directly through their own travel platforms.
Where to Go and What to Do
If you have others in your travel party, there may be some concern about an agreement on things to do and places to see. Plan ahead of time on as much of the itinerary as possible to lessen the odds of disagreement.
Finally, go into your travel plans no matter the duration with the right mindset. Yes, this means you do not go away for a day, weekend, or more fun thinking about work, money issues, and more.
No, the goal at the end of the day is to have an enjoyable getaway and focus entirely on that. Get as much of your work responsibilities as possible taken care of before you head out on a getaway. Know that you will have time when you get back from your getaway to dive into the work once again.
When you are a good planner and find discounts, there is also less reason to worry about the costs of your getaway. If travel is on your mind, begin the planning and reassure your wallet things will be fine.