Note: All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state and local advisories before scheduling trips. This story was updated September 2020.
So, you’ve got a resolution to travel more … but haven’t won the lottery just yet? No worries. We’ve partnered with millennial travel blogger Sher Jordan of Sher She Goes to learn how to spot great travel deals. Here are her top tips to make travel happen, even when you’re on a budget. That’s right, no excuses!
Bruhl Palace, Germany | PC: Sher She Goes
1. Sign up for inbox deals
The best way to make a goal a reality is to budget and plan appropriately. If you know where you want to go, set an alert by subscribing via email – Iike by signing up for Travelocity emails for deals. Whether you’re looking for flights, hotels or car rentals, just create an alert and you’ll start receiving customized notifications directly to your inbox based on your travel needs. Also, I recommend following the major airlines on social media, signing up for miles + hotel rewards programs and subscribing to newsletters to get the inside scoop.
Once you get an idea of what average prices should be, you can pounce when you notice a dip or sale!
2. Be flexible
Some companies offer airline subscription services where they’ll do the monitoring for you. When they see a good deal or error fares, they’ll send out an email blast. For these, flexibility is key as you will need to purchase right when you see the good deal.
For example, certain airlines will offer roundtrip flights to Milan under $400 in the off season and you can often find business fares to Asia for $700–800. I once scored a hotel + air package from NYC to Vegas for just $39!
3. Go incognito
Have you ever noticed that if you go to a retailer site and look at a product, ads for that product will follow you around the web? The same thing happens when you search for flights. Airlines will show you progressively higher fares when they know you’re interested in a particular route.
To combat this, make sure to always search for airfare in private browsing mode. On Google Chrome, I use the shortcut ctrl + shift + n to open a browser cleared of cookies.
4. Travel in the off season
While summer is prime time to getaway, prices are also at their all-time high. Do the opposite and visit popular summer destinations in winter. While the weather will be cooler, you’ll also avoid massive lines at tourist attractions and save as much as half on hotels.
Europe, for example, can be just as beautiful in winter, when Christmas markets open in public squares and snow blankets its cobblestone streets. Instead of lying under a beach umbrellas in the sun, why not cozy up in a quaint pub by the fireplace?
5. Relive your youth
… and stay at a hostel! No really.
A new wave of “luxury hostels” are popping up around the world to apply trendy food, boutique lobbies and spotless, comfortable minimalism to re-brand the hostel experience.
Generator Hostels has locations in most major European cities, while Freehand Hotels has a similar offering in the United States. At $35–$50 a night, that’s major savings.
6. Give budget airlines a try
Budget airlines are increasing their routes and offering cheap fares to entice travelers. The key with booking budget airfare is to read the fine print. In exchange for a lower ticket price, amenities like reserved seating, on-board meals and checked bags can often cost extra. Lighter bags but a heavier wallet? Sounds like a good trade off to me!
7. Look for activities deals
Before you arrive at your destination, take a quick look to see if cities offer a sights package. Large cities (including New York City, Paris and Copenhagen) will offer an all-access pass where you can purchase a multi-day card and get free entrance to the most popular sights. With a little planning, you can maximize a city pass to get the most for your buck.
Additionally, many museums will often have free hours or a free day of the month. While you don’t need to schedule your trip around this, if you happen to be in town for a couple days it makes sense to plan your sightseeing to the fullest advantage.
Latest posts by Sher Jordan (see all)
- The perfect Charleston to Savannah Lowcountry road trip - December 8, 2021
- 5 romantic getaways in New England - August 25, 2021
- 5 relaxing spa getaways where no one can bother you - November 22, 2019
Travelocity compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.
Great content
What is an airline subscription service?
Try Scott’s Cheap Flights. They’re notorious for incredible flight deals. (RT to Europe for a few hundred, Asia for $500-600 etc.)
Wow. Stay in a hotel, during a global pandemic? Excellent budget tip, as you’ll likely save both the return trip and the funeral cost. What we need is tips on how to travel safely when we are allowed to travel again
I’m saving this article for when I do plan…still good content about saving money!
I’m saving this article for when I do plan…still good content about saving money!
Where can I find free hand motels?
I’m interested. I would like to know more about this.
My family always say that I am wasting my time here at web, except I know I am
getting familiarity daily by reading thes nice articles.