The Secret to Saving Big on Your Next Trip
Making a few key moves when planning your trip can save you money and make your travels more enjoyable.
Start Planning Early to Budget Effectively
Planning your trip several months in advance can help you create a budget that allows you to prioritize certain experiences over others. You can also use this time to search for more cost-effective options, such as group tour packages that include travel costs, meals, and lodging in their total price. For example, if you’re a theater fan eager to cram a show a day into your week-long trip to New York City, you’ll need to budget accordingly. You might spend a little more money on a hotel near the theater district to save on cab fares, while forgoing meals out. Planning early also gives you the freedom to search for more cost-effective options, such as group tour packages that include travel costs, meals, and lodging in their total price.
Don’t Be Afraid to Drive
You don’t need to fly to have a great time on your trip. Road trips can be a classic American pleasure, and when you compare the expense of flying with the costs associated with driving, you might just find that putting pedal to the metal will accelerate your savings. Before you book those flight tickets, use an online trip calculator like Travelmath to determine whether you’ll actually save more money by driving. Many common driving apps like Google Maps and Waze will help you navigate to gas stations while you’re on the road. A road trip also allows you to add extra adventures to your trip, like stopping by key landmarks or treasures you can only find off the beaten path.
Use Your NFCU More Rewards Card to Save Big
When you consider hotel expenses, gas prices, and food costs, traveling can be pricey. Fortunately, using the Navy Federal Credit Union More Rewards American Express card can help you save money. With the card, you can earn points that make traveling far less expensive. You can earn up to three points for every $1 of eligible purchases at restaurants and food delivery, plus three times the points on supermarkets and three times the points for gas and transit as well. The card can also get you up to 25% off with major car rental companies, as well as coverage if a car rented in the U.S. or Canada should be damaged or lost.
Book Your Hotel Strategically
Finding the right hotel can make or break the quality of your trip. Whether you’re looking for a rustic cabin resort or luxurious accommodations, you want to keep your bill as low as it can go. Booking your hotel on a Sunday can help you get a cheaper rate, as weekend vacationers have already checked out, and business travelers aren’t likely on the road during weekends. Kayak also advises you to avoid Friday check-ins, as they’re generally the most expensive days.
Plan Out Your Meals
Traveling can give you the chance to sink your teeth into experiences you’d never have at home, including select culinary delights. However, it’s tempting to spend big on a meal out every night. To save money, plan out your meals in advance. You can stock up on snacks and other treats to keep you full throughout the day. This isn’t to say that you can’t splurge on local fine dining – you should just plan around it. By making a few key moves when planning your trip, you can save money and make your travels more enjoyable. *The Navy Federal More Rewards American Express card is issued and administered by Navy Federal Credit Union. American Express is a federally registered service mark of American Express and is used by the issuer pursuant to a license.
| Benefits of the Navy Federal More Rewards American Express card |
|---|
| Earn up to three points for every $1 of eligible purchases at restaurants and food delivery |
| Earn three times the points on supermarkets |
| Earn three times the points on gas and transit |
| Get up to 25% off with major car rental companies |
| Get coverage if a car rented in the U.S. or Canada should be damaged or lost |
We hope this article has provided you with the information you need to plan your next trip wisely and save money. “Do you want to live richly or just be rich?” This is a question that many of us struggle with. For some, the answer is clear: they want to experience the world and live life to the fullest. For others, the answer may be more practical: they want to save money and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Regardless of your answer, there are steps you can take to save money and make your travels more enjoyable.
Make a Budget and Plan Ahead
Before you start planning your trip, make a budget and prioritize your spending. This will help you make smart financial decisions and stay on track. “Planning is key to saving money,” says [Name], a financial expert. “If you take the time to plan ahead, you can avoid costly mistakes and make the most of your trip.”
Use Your Smartphone to Save Money
In addition to making a budget and planning ahead, there are many ways to save money on your trip using your smartphone. For example, you can use apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas prices along your route. “Smartphones are a powerful tool for saving money,” says [Name], a travel expert. “With the right apps, you can find the best deals and make the most of your trip.”
Take Advantage of Travel Deals
Finally, be sure to take advantage of travel deals and discounts. These can include things like package deals, discounts on hotel rooms, and free perks like breakfast or parking. “Travel deals are a great way to save money on your trip,” says [Name], a travel expert. “By taking advantage of these deals, you can stretch your budget and make the most of your trip.”
By making these simple steps, you can save money and make your travels more enjoyable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, planning your trip wisely can save you money and make your travels more enjoyable. By making a budget, using your smartphone to save money, and taking advantage of travel deals, you can stretch your budget and make the most of your trip. We hope this article has provided you with the information you need to plan your next trip wisely and save money. Happy travels!
