6 Ways to Save on Summer Travel This Year

DON’T LET YOUR VACATION BREAK THE BANK

As the leader in safe, reliable, safe transportation, Boston Corporate Coach™ is sharing 6 ways to save on summer travel. We know you’re already daydreaming about your out-of-office email messages. But before living out your vacation fantasy, there is one daunting task ahead: settling on how much you can afford to pay during one of the most popular travel seasons. If you start planning now, you’ll have time to find deals and discounts for your getaway. Here are six tips to consider:

1. Determine how much you can afford to spend

First thing’s first. Establish your spending limit. Even the ultra rich have budgets. Keep the number realistic, so that you’ll have a firm idea of what your getaway will really cost before you board that plane.

“That is including your airfare, transportation to and from the airport, accommodations, activities,” says Erika Richter, director of communications for American Society of Travel Advisors.

2. Search for credit card points you haven’t used

If you’re on the hunt for a discount on a flight or hotel, log in to your credit card account. Next, search for the points and rewards you may have already earned but not used. If you have unused points, apply them toward your travel costs. Don’t log out of your account just yet. Next, check to see if your credit card company offers card-linked deals. Some issuers offer discounts on, say, Airbnb and other travel-related costs, within their online portals.

3. Get a credit card with a sign-up bonus and use it responsibly

If you don’t have a rewards credit card yet, consider applying for one with a sign-up bonus to offset your vacation’s cost. Ted Rossman, a credit card analyst at Bankrate, recommends applying for a card that makes redeeming points easy, such as Capital One Venture. Yes, you will have to spend $3,000 in your first three months on the card after opening it to qualify for the bonus. But Rossman says the card is good for travelers on a time crunch because redeeming the miles is quicker than many alternatives.

4. Find the best deal on a flight

First, some good news. One of the costliest expenses of your trip, your flight, is lower than in years past. Prices for flights are down 7% compared with the same time period two years ago.

To get the best deal, you’ll still need to do your research. The cost of the same route can vary up to 5% to 10% within a 24-hour period. One of the factors? Timing. You can also use a site like Hopper to get notifications when its algorithm thinks you ought to buy a ticket to get the best price.

5. Book your hotel earlier than you think

Hotel prices are like flight prices: They vary based on when you book them. To get the best deal, you want to book a room sooner than you think, at least two to three months out. Also, scout for new hotels in the area you’re visiting to find the best deals.

6. Hire a travel adviser to book last-minute getaways

It sounds counterintuitive, but hiring a travel adviser can save you money in ways you might not expect. Some travel advisers are free, or only charge $25 for their services. The price tag, of course, depends on the complexity of your trip. If a travel adviser is buying in bulk, he or she can also negotiate on rates and help you score perks, like free breakfast or spa credit. If you’re on the hunt for a last-minute deal, the adviser could connect you to flash sales, too.

Let Boston Corporate Coach™ Get You To and From the Airport

Wherever you go, allow the industry leader, Boston Corporate Coach™ to do the driving. Not only will we get you to the airport with plenty of time to catch your flight, but our chauffeurs will also assist with the loading and unloading of your luggage. We take every measure to provide customers with comfortable, safe, reliable chauffeured services with a fleet of vehicles that can accommodate any travel need and any number of travelers. Call +1-800-664-4480 to make your reservations or visit https://bostoncorporatecoach.com/reservations/.