Ask a Travel Expert: How Do I Find the Best Deals on Flights and Hotels?
Finding great deals on flights and hotels can make a big difference to your travel budget, allowing you to do more and experience more. At Trawelmart, we’re passionate about helping travelers find amazing adventures at affordable prices. With a few insider tips and the right tools, you can maximize your savings and enjoy a fantastic trip without overspending. Here’s our guide to finding the best travel deals.
1. Book in Advance but Stay Flexible
Timing is everything when it comes to travel deals:
Book Flights in Advance: Generally, flights are cheaper when booked 2-3 months in advance for domestic travel and 4-6 months for international travel. For peak seasons, book even earlier.
Stay Flexible with Dates: If your schedule allows, search for flights on different days. Mid-week flights (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) are often cheaper than weekend flights.
Consider Alternate Seasons: Traveling during the off-season or shoulder seasons (just before or after peak times) can bring significant savings on both flights and hotels.
2. Use Price Comparison Websites
Comparing prices across websites helps you find the best deals in one place:
Flight Comparison Sites: Use sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak to compare prices across airlines. These tools also allow you to set alerts for price drops on specific routes.
Hotel Aggregators: Websites like Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Trivago compile rates from different platforms, making it easy to compare options and find the best deal. Some hotel aggregators even offer discounts for mobile app bookings.
3. Sign Up for Fare Alerts and Deal Newsletters
Letting the deals come to you is one of the easiest ways to stay updated:
Fare Alerts: Websites like Google Flights, Kayak, and Hopper allow you to set up alerts for specific routes. You’ll be notified when prices drop, helping you grab the best fare at the right time.
Deal Newsletters: Subscribe to newsletters from sites like Scott’s Cheap Flights, Airfarewatchdog, or Trawelmart’s own deals newsletter to get exclusive deals and flash sales straight to your inbox.
4. Be Smart with Your Flight Bookings
There are a few strategies to help reduce the cost of flights:
Book Directly with the Airline: Once you find a good price on a third-party site, check the airline’s website. Airlines sometimes offer lower prices directly, and booking with them can also make it easier to manage cancellations or changes.
Use Points and Miles: If you have a travel rewards card or frequent flyer miles, this is a great time to redeem them. Even partial points can offset the cost of flights, and some credit cards offer companion tickets or additional discounts.
Look for “Hidden City” Fares: Websites like Skiplagged offer “hidden city” fares, where you book a flight with a layover in your intended city. This isn’t suitable for every trip, but it can sometimes offer substantial savings.
5. Check for Package Deals
Booking flights and hotels together can yield extra savings:
Flight + Hotel Packages: Many travel websites like Expedia and Trawelmart offer package deals that combine flights, hotels, and sometimes car rentals. These packages are often cheaper than booking separately.
All-Inclusive Resorts: If you’re traveling to a popular destination, look for all-inclusive resort deals that include meals, activities, and entertainment. It’s a great way to control your budget while enjoying a stress-free stay.
6. Get the Best Deals on Hotels
Finding affordable accommodations doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality:
Book Directly with Hotels: Some hotels offer lower prices or extra perks when you book directly, such as free breakfast or room upgrades.
Look for Last-Minute Deals: Apps like HotelTonight specialize in last-minute hotel deals, offering discounts on unfilled rooms. If you’re flexible and don’t mind booking closer to your travel date, this can lead to substantial savings.
Consider Alternative Accommodations: Platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and even local homestays can offer affordable, unique lodging options. Vacation rentals are often more budget-friendly for families or groups, offering extra space and kitchen facilities.
7. Use Credit Cards with Travel Rewards
A good travel rewards credit card can unlock a world of discounts and perks:
Earn Points on Everyday Purchases: Many travel cards offer points on daily purchases, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or upgrades.
Benefit from No Foreign Transaction Fees: Look for cards that offer travel perks like no foreign transaction fees, trip cancellation insurance, and airport lounge access.
Sign-Up Bonuses: Some credit cards offer substantial sign-up bonuses, often enough for a free flight or hotel night, which can help offset travel costs.
8. Consider Alternative Airports and Routes
Being flexible with airports can lead to significant savings:
Nearby Airports: Check flights to and from nearby airports, especially in larger cities. Sometimes a short drive can save you a lot on airfare.
One-Way Tickets with Different Airlines: Instead of booking a round-trip ticket, try booking one-way tickets with different airlines for each leg. This can sometimes be more affordable, especially with budget carriers.
9. Look for Discounts and Promo Codes
Promo codes and discounts can help you save on travel bookings:
Promo Codes: Before booking, search for discount codes on sites like RetailMeNot or Honey. Many travel websites offer seasonal discounts or special promotions.
Student, Senior, and Group Discounts: Some airlines and hotels offer discounts for students, seniors, and groups. Always check the eligibility for these discounts, as they can make a difference.
10. Book Refundable Options When Possible
Plans can change, so booking refundable options can help avoid unexpected costs:
Choose Flexible Rates: Many hotels offer a flexible booking rate that allows free cancellation up to a certain date. While these rates are slightly higher, they offer peace of mind and prevent costly cancellations.
Use “Free Cancellation” Filters: Websites like Booking.com and Expedia allow you to filter for properties with free cancellation, so you have flexibility if a better deal arises or if plans change.
Finding great deals on flights and hotels doesn’t have to be a complicated process. By booking strategically, setting alerts, and exploring discounts, you can enjoy the adventure of travel without the worry of overspending. At Trawelmart, we’re here to help you plan every step of your journey, with exclusive packages, insider tips, and a commitment to making travel accessible for everyone. So, where will you go next? With these savings tips, the world is truly within reach!
