Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right strategies, you can save thousands on flights and hotels, allowing you to explore the world without emptying your wallet. In 2024, there are even more tools and hacks to help you find the best deals, so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
Here are some proven travel hacks that will help you save big on flights and hotel bookings.
1. Book Flights Early (or Last Minute)
Booking flights early, typically 6–8 weeks in advance, can often lead to lower prices. Airlines offer discounts for early bookers. However, if you’re flexible, booking last-minute can also work in your favor, especially when airlines are trying to fill empty seats.
Why it works: Airlines offer deals to encourage early bookings or to fill last-minute seats.
Tip: Use fare alert tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to track price drops.
2. Use Flight Comparison Tools
Flight comparison websites and apps are your best friend. Sites like Kayak, Momondo, and Hopper search multiple airlines and travel agencies to find the best deals. They also show flexible dates, which can save you a lot if your travel plans aren’t set in stone.
Why it works: These tools aggregate deals from different platforms for easy comparison.
Tip: Always compare prices across several websites before booking.
3. Fly on Off-Peak Days
Flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays often comes with lower fares. Avoid flying on Fridays and Sundays, as these are the busiest and most expensive days to travel.
Why it works: Airlines lower fares during off-peak days to fill seats.
Tip: Use tools like Google Flights to explore fare calendars and find the cheapest days to fly.
4. Leverage Airline Miles and Rewards Programs
If you’re a frequent traveler, signing up for airline rewards programs can lead to huge savings. Accumulate miles with each flight, and you can use them for free or discounted travel later on. Credit cards with travel rewards can also boost your savings.
Why it works: Loyalty programs reward frequent flyers with free flights and upgrades.
Tip: Use a travel rewards credit card to earn miles on everyday purchases.
5. Book Hotels with Free Cancellations
When booking hotels, always opt for the “free cancellation” option. This allows you to lock in a rate while continuing to search for better deals. If you find something cheaper later, you can cancel and rebook without penalty.
Why it works: Flexibility to cancel and rebook saves you money if rates drop.
Tip: Websites like Booking.com and Expedia offer many free cancellation options.
6. Use Hotel Comparison Websites
Just like with flights, comparison websites are key for hotel bookings. Sites like Hotels.com, Trivago, and Priceline can help you find the lowest prices. They often have exclusive deals that you won’t find on the hotel’s website.
Why it works: These platforms compare prices from multiple hotel booking services.
Tip: Check for discounts on bundled flight-and-hotel deals for even bigger savings.
7. Travel During Shoulder Season
Traveling during shoulder season—just before or after peak tourist times—can save you big. Prices for flights, hotels, and attractions are lower, and you’ll avoid the crowds.
Why it works: Less demand during shoulder season means cheaper prices.
Tip: Research the best times to visit your destination to hit the shoulder season.
8. Join Hotel Loyalty Programs
Many hotel chains have loyalty programs that offer perks like free nights, room upgrades, and discounts. Even if you don’t stay at hotels often, signing up for these programs is free and can save you money on future stays.
Why it works: Earn points for free stays or discounts on future bookings.
Tip: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and World of Hyatt are great programs to consider.
9. Use Incognito Mode for Searching
When searching for flights and hotels, always use incognito mode or clear your browser cookies. Travel websites track your searches and may raise prices if they see you repeatedly looking at the same trip.
Why it works: Avoids price hikes caused by repeated searches.
Tip: Open a new incognito window before searching for deals to ensure the lowest prices.
10. Book with Discount Travel Agencies
Online travel agencies like Hotwire and Priceline offer “opaque” deals where you won’t know the hotel or flight details until after booking. While this involves a bit of a gamble, it can save you a lot of money.
Why it works: These agencies get exclusive deals from hotels and airlines looking to fill rooms and seats.
Tip: Only use this hack if you’re flexible with your travel plans.
Final Thoughts
With these travel hacks, you can save thousands on your next vacation. From finding the cheapest flights to scoring discounted hotel rooms, smart planning goes a long way in maximizing your travel budget. In 2024, the key to affordable travel lies in being flexible, using the right tools, and taking advantage of rewards programs.
