Nothing beats embarking on a vacation to discover new destinations with your family. However, the costs of travel can sometimes be daunting. But don’t worry, fellow wanderers! With these family travel hacks, you can find cheap flights and even enjoy free hotel nights. Ready to level up your family’s travel experiences? Here are some tried-and-true techniques for making the most of your money.
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1. Set Up Price Alerts
Setting up price notifications can be a good way to ensure you receive the greatest value on your flights. These alerts warn you when the price of a specific flight drops, allowing you to book at the best price. Here’s a step-by-step instruction to setting up these alerts, as well as links to three of the most popular services:
Skyscanner
Skyscanner is a well-known travel search engine that lets you set price alerts for specific routes and dates.
- Begin by visiting Skyscanner’s website or downloading their app.
- Enter your preferred departure and arrival cities, as well as your travel dates.
- Once the search results are presented, click the ‘Get Price Alerts’ button, which is often located in the upper left corner of the search results page.
- If you haven’t already, you’ll need to sign in or create a free account.
- You’re all set once you’ve logged in! When the price of your monitored flight changes, Skyscanner will now notify you via email.
Google Flights
Google Flights is a comprehensive flight search tool that lets you track price changes for flights.
- Visit Google Flights and enter your travel information in the search boxes.
- When you’ve finished browsing the flights, click the ‘Track Prices’ button situated above the search results.
- To follow pricing, you must be logged into your Google account.
- After you enable price tracking, Google Flights will notify you through email if the price of your chosen flight changes.
Kayak
Kayak is another excellent resource for setting up flight price alerts.
- Go to the Kayak website or open the app.
- Enter your travel information into the search sections and click the search button.
- Once the results have been displayed, click the ‘Create a Price Alert’ button, which is normally situated on the left side of the screen.
- If you haven’t already signed in, you must do so or establish a new account.
- Once you’ve done this, Kayak will notify you via email if the price of your chosen flight changes.
By using these services, you can remain up to date on price changes and ensure that you book your flights when they are at their lowest.
2. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
Ah, the art of being flexible with travel dates – it’s a bit like yoga for your itinerary! It requires some bending, stretching, and a lot of opening to new possibilities. It may be difficult at first, but once you grasp it, it may lead to some really amazing results (and I’m not just talking about saving money!).
Let me tell you something, the key to bagging that bargain flight or scoring the best hotel deal is simple: flexibility. So let’s dig deeper into the concept and see how we can apply it to our own advantage.
Start with the calendar dates that are best avoided when organizing your trips – Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, you know the ones. It’s not that I’m a holiday grinch, but let’s face it, traveling during these peak times means crowded airports, higher prices, and less space to spread out on the beach or in the park. Plus, who wants to rush through an airport when there’s holiday cheer to be had at home?
Don’t get me wrong: there are some exceptions. If you want to have a festive experience in a certain area, such as a New Year’s Eve countdown in Times Square, go for it! Just be prepared to pay a little more for the pleasure.
Next, we have the weekends. Ah, the sweet promise of those two days at the end of the week when we can forget about work and just relax. But did you know, my weekend-loving friends, that you can often score the best travel deals by utilizing your weekends cleverly? Start your trip on a Saturday (instead of the more popular Friday) and come back on a Monday or Tuesday. Flights are typically cheaper on these less popular travel days. Plus, who wouldn’t love to extend their weekend and skip the Monday blues?
Finally, the golden rule: Instead of selecting your dates first and then getting sticker shock at the prices, reverse the process. Begin by scouting out prices over a broad time range. Many booking sites have a handy little feature that shows you the prices for various dates. Use this to guide your scheduling. Be led by the deals, not by a rigid timetable.
I won’t sugarcoat it: this approach requires flexibility and a bit of adventurous spirit. You’re letting the deals guide your schedule instead of the other way round. But in return, you’re likely to save money, avoid crowds, and experience the joy of spontaneous adventure.
And let’s be real: there’s something quite thrilling about waking up and thinking, “Hmmm, where will the deals take me today?” So, ready to bend a little?
3. Consider Nearby Airports
One of the best ways to snag an amazing deal on a flight is by considering nearby airports and leveraging those bustling, deal-filled hubs.
Here’s the thing, not all airports are created equal. Some are mega hubs, brimming with flights from every airline you can think of. Others are smaller, quieter, maybe even a bit more charming, but they don’t offer as many flights or as many deals. It’s a bit like going to a bustling farmers market versus a quaint corner shop. One has more variety, but the other has its unique charm.
So, when you’re planning your next adventure, check all of the airports near you. Maybe there’s a bigger airport an hour’s drive away that offers a flight for hundreds of dollars less. Maybe there’s a tiny airport you’ve never considered that has a new budget airline route to your dream destination.
And don’t forget about layovers! Some airports are major hubs for certain airlines, meaning more flights go through them, often at cheaper rates. If you’re in Florida like me, Miami, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale are some of our go-to hubs. But every area has its own hub hotspots. Think Atlanta for Delta, Dallas for American, or Denver for United.
Yes, it might mean a bit more travel time on the ground, but your wallet will thank you. And there’s always a silver lining – maybe you can visit a new place during a long stopover or enjoy a road trip to the airport while listening to a great playlist.
Remember that travel is about getting there as much as it is about the destination.
So why not start the adventure before you even take off? Here’s to finding great flights and even greater adventures. Happy airport hunting!
4. Use a Budget Airline
Let’s talk about the unsung heroes of our travel plans. They don’t come with all the bells and whistles, but boy, do they deliver on price! With some clever navigating and a sense of adventure, you can avoid those pesky extra charges and truly embrace the freedom of budget travel.
Budget airlines are like that favorite thrift store where you have to do a little rummaging, but you can always find a bargain. And just like your thrift store treasures, budget airlines come with a few quirks – fewer amenities, no-frills service, and add-on charges for extras. But hey, who needs all that extra fluff when you’ve got the open road (or sky) calling your name?
If you want to avoid those extra charges, your first rule of thumb should be “travel light.” Many budget airlines have strict baggage policies, and extras can rack up quickly. So, pack smart and light, and always double-check the airline’s baggage policy. If you’re anything like me, living out of a carry-on for a week or two will seem freeing.
Bring your own snacks and entertainment as well. Why pay for a meal or onboard Wi-Fi on a short flight when you can pack your own sandwiches, download a movie, or read that book you’ve been wanting to read? Pop in your headphones or earbuds and enjoy the journey.
Loyalty Programs
Budget airlines may not offer as many awards as its larger rivals, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any! Airlines such as Frontier, Spirit, Southwest, and EasyJet all have rewards programs that can enhance your low-cost travel experience.
You can status match occasionally with both Frontier and Spirit. Frontier’s Elite 100K Status offers priority boarding, free checked bags, and “the works” package at booking for your entire party of up to 8 travelers. It’s a great way to save on family travel.
Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program, for instance, is wonderfully straightforward – the more you fly, the more you earn. And their A-List and A-List Preferred tiers offer priority boarding, free in-flight Wi-Fi, and more Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent.
EasyJet’s Flight Club offers flexibility with changes to bookings, price promise, and even a dedicated support team for members. Plus, they have a nice loyalty status match, meaning if you have a top-tier status with another airline, they may match it in their own program.
And speaking of status match, did you know that some airlines offer to match your status not just from another airline’s rewards program but also from some hotels as well? That’s right! You could enjoy the benefits of a high-tier status without starting from scratch. Just provide proof of your status and voila!
Traveling on a budget is not going to prevent you from enjoying some advantages. So here’s to low-cost airlines, open skies, and the freedom to travel. Let’s go find those bargains and enjoy it all.
5. Sign Up for Airline Rewards Programs
Let’s dive deeper into airline rewards programs. These programs are your golden ticket to accumulating points, receiving unique privileges, and even flying for free. You’ll wonder why you didn’t sign up sooner once you start earning points.
Most airlines have their own loyalty programs in which you can earn points for each flight you take. The concept is straightforward: the more you fly, the more points you get. However, as you dig further, you’ll discover that those programs provide so much more.
Each airline has its own tier structure, with each tier providing a unique set of privileges. You advance to the next tier as you accumulate more points. And the higher the tier, the more points you receive for every dollar spent, resulting in even faster point accumulation.
In addition to collecting more points, higher tiers provide an abundance of other advantages. Priority boarding, lounge access, free checked bags, premium seating, and other benefits are possible. Some airlines even provide complimentary companion tickets to their highest-tier members.
While each program is distinct, they all have one purpose in common: to reward loyalty. Even if you’re not a frequent flyer, it’s smart to sign up. It’s free to join, and those points build up faster than you may imagine.
6. Join a Hotel Loyalty Program
Like airlines, many hotels also offer loyalty programs, and the perks can be equally as enticing. Let’s take a look at three of the biggest players in the game: Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt.
The Hilton Honors program is free to join and lets you earn points for every dollar you spend at Hilton properties. You can use these points for free nights, room upgrades, or even experiences like concerts or unique travel excursions. The more you stay, the higher you climb in the tier system, unlocking even more perks. At the highest level (Diamond), you get complimentary room upgrades, free breakfast, and even a 48-hour room guarantee.
Next up is Marriott Bonvoy. This program has a whopping six membership levels, each offering its own unique set of benefits. The basic level gives you free Wi-Fi and member rates, while the highest level (Ambassador Elite) includes a personal ambassador to help with your travel, guaranteed room availability, and free upgrades. Plus, Marriott Bonvoy points can also be transferred to a vast range of airline partners.
Then there’s the World of Hyatt program. One of the biggest perks of this program is that you start earning benefits as soon as you sign up, including free Wi-Fi and exclusive member rates. As you climb the tiers, you get more benefits like late checkout, free room upgrades, and bonus points. At the highest tier (Globalist), you’ll receive free parking, 30% bonus points, and even a free night stay every year.
So, whether you prefer Hilton’s range of experiences, Marriott’s extensive network, or Hyatt’s generous point bonuses, there’s a hotel loyalty program to suit every kind of traveler.
7. Consider a Hotel or Airline Credit Card
Credit cards are more than just a simple payment system in the world of travel; they’re the key to unlocking an endless number of travel advantages and savings. Hotel and airline-branded credit cards take this idea a step further, allowing you to earn points or miles even faster. This is how they work:
As a sign-up incentive, these cards often offer a substantial amount of points or miles after you satisfy a certain spending threshold in the first few months. And believe me when I say that these advantages can be game changers. They’re often plenty to be redeemed for a free round-trip ticket or a couple of nights at a luxury hotel.
But the earning potential doesn’t stop there. Every time you swipe your card, you’ll be earning points or miles. The real magic happens when you use your card for purchases with the hotel or airline. That’s when you’ll typically earn a higher rate, allowing your points or miles balance to grow faster.
For example, if you had a Marriott Bonvoy credit card, you could earn 6 points for every dollar spent at Marriott hotels, 2 points for every dollar spent on other travel purchases, and 1 point for everything else. That means that every time you use your card to pay for a Marriott stay, you’re reloading your points account.
Many of these cards also come with other travel-related perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, or complimentary hotel room upgrades. Some even grant you automatic elite status in their respective loyalty program, which comes with its own set of benefits like bonus earning rates, late check-out, and more.
By strategically using a hotel or airline credit card, you’re essentially turning your everyday purchases into future travel savings. It’s like a year-round sale where the more you spend, the more money you save on travel.
However, keep in mind that these incentives only make sense if you can pay off your debt in full each month. Otherwise, the interest you pay might outweigh the benefits you receive. However, if used correctly, credit cards may be a great tool in making your vacation fantasies a reality.
So, the next time you plan a trip, think about if a hotel or airline credit card is best for you.
It could be the ticket to unlocking savings and perks that make your adventures even more memorable.
8. Use a Booking Site with a Reward Program – A Key Family Travel Hack
Booking your travels through booking websites can already make your life easier, but did you know that many of these websites also have their own rewards programs? They can provide even more value, helping you earn free nights, discounted rates, and other travel perks. Let’s dive into a few examples:
1. Hotels.com: Their loyalty program is as simple as it gets. One free night is awarded for every ten nights booked and stayed through Hotels.com. The worth of your free night is the average of the ten nights you’ve reserved. As a result, the more you spend, the more you earn. They also provide secret prices to members, which are discounted rates that are not available to the general public.
2. Expedia: With Expedia Rewards, you can earn points on flights, hotels, vacation rentals, car rentals, activities, and packages. You earn 2 points per dollar on hotels, packages with a hotel, activities, and select car rentals. Flights earn you 1 point per $5 spent. You can then redeem these points for discounts on future bookings. Expedia Rewards also has different tiers (blue, silver, and gold) that come with additional benefits like bonus points, room upgrades, and flexible check-in and check-out times.
3. Booking.com: Booking.com’s Genius loyalty program rewards you for booking through their site. After completing two stays within two years, you unlock Genius Level 1, which gets you a 10% discount at select properties. Five stays within two years elevate you to Genius Level 2, where you’ll get 15% off and free room upgrades at select properties.
4. Orbitz: Orbitz Rewards gives you Orbucks, which are simple to earn and redeem. You get 1% back in Orbucks when you book flights, and up to 5% back when booking hotels on the Orbitz app. Orbucks can be used on hotel bookings and, unlike many rewards programs, there are no blackout dates.
Each booking site’s reward program has its own benefits, so consider which one suits your travel style and preferences the best. These rewards programs are a great way to get more value out of your travel bookings and can even make the difference between an ordinary trip and an extraordinary one. Happy booking!
ABOUT THIRD PARTY BOOKINGS
While booking sites like Hotels.com, Expedia, Booking.com, and Orbitz offer fantastic rewards programs, it’s important to note that reservations made through these platforms usually do not contribute to your hotel’s loyalty program. This is because these third-party booking sites are considered separate from the hotel chains themselves.
When you book through a third-party site, you’re effectively doing business with that company and not directly with the hotel. Consequently, the hotel chain may not recognize your stay in terms of rewarding points or counting towards elite status. The explanation for this is simple. Hotel chains have their own loyalty programs to encourage direct booking, and when a third-party is involved, a portion of the room rate goes to that company, reducing the hotel’s profit.
This doesn’t mean you should avoid booking sites; they offer their own set of benefits, including potential cost savings, comparison tools, and their own rewards systems. If you’re devoted to a specific hotel chain and want to take advantage of their specific loyalty program incentives, you should consider booking directly with the hotel.
Always evaluate the benefits of both options and what is most important for your travel needs and preferences. Do you value a booking site’s greater selection of alternatives and potential price savings, or are you more concerned with climbing the ranks of a certain hotel loyalty program? Your response will help you decide on the best approach to book your stay.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TRAVEL AGENTS
One widespread misconception about hiring a travel agent is that it is the same as using a third-party site. However, this is not always the case. A travel agent’s process for making reservations might vary, and it does not always require third-party platforms. Importantly, booking through a travel agency can still allow you to utilize your loyalty programs while providing you with valuable support.
Unlike third-party websites, travel agents have access to different booking systems. Many travel agents have direct access to the reservation systems used by hotels and airlines, which means they can book your stay or flight directly, even while they handle the process on your behalf. In such cases, your bookings will be recognized as direct bookings, thus contributing to your points in your loyalty programs.
It’s usually a good idea to discuss your preferences and ask questions while working with a travel agent. Inform your travel professional if you are a member of any particular loyalty program. Most will try to plan your journey so that you can earn points or contribute to your elite status.
Travel agents also offer a level of personal service that you won’t get from booking sites. They can offer tailored recommendations, assist with travel disruptions, help coordinate complex itineraries, and offer insider tips.
So, don’t hesitate to use a travel agent for your bookings. They’re in the business of making your travels smoother and more enjoyable, and that includes helping you take full advantage of your favorite loyalty programs. Make sure to have that conversation with them, and together, you can design the best travel strategy for your needs.
Remember, a key aspect of successful family travel is planning and strategizing. With these tips for budget travel, you can cut down on the expenses of flights and accommodations, leaving more budget for fun adventures during your trip.
Happy Wandering – You deserve a free hotel stay!
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I love a good deal, thanks for sharing the tips!