In Smart Spending, By MyFinance Staff, on January 29, 2023

How to Save Money on Travel

Travelling refers to the act of moving or going from one place to another, either for leisure, business, or other purposes. It can be done by various means of transportation such as car, train, plane, boat, etc. It can also involve staying in different types of accommodations, such as hotels, resorts, or vacation rentals. Travelling can be a great way to explore new places, experience different cultures, and make lasting memories.

Travelling in America offers a wide variety of experiences, as the United States is a vast and diverse country with many different regions and attractions. Some popular destinations in America include:

New York City: Known for its iconic skyline, Broadway shows, and world-renowned museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art.

Las Vegas: Known for its casinos, entertainment, and nightlife.

The Grand Canyon: A natural wonder located in Arizona, offering breathtaking views and outdoor activities such as hiking and rafting.

Walt Disney World Resort: A popular family destination located in Florida, featuring theme parks, water parks, and resorts.

The Great Lakes: A group of five large freshwater lakes located in the northeastern U.S. that offer opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming.

California: Known for its beaches, movie industry, wine country and theme parks.

The National Parks: The country has many national parks such as Yosemite National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and the Grand Teton National Park, which offer opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

These are just a few examples of the many destinations and experiences that America has to offer.

Travel during and after the COVID-19 pandemic may be impacted by various restrictions and guidelines, such as mandatory quarantine or testing requirements, as well as changes to flight and hotel availability. It is recommended to check the latest guidance from local authorities and travel providers, as well as any entry requirements for your destination, before planning any trips. Additionally, it is important to follow any safety measures such as wearing a mask and practicing social distancing, to help prevent the spread of the virus.

How to Save Money on Travel

Here are some ways to save money on travel:

Plan ahead: Booking your trip in advance can save you money on flights and accommodations.

Be flexible with your travel dates: Often, the cost of flights and hotels can vary depending on the day of the week or time of year you travel.

Compare prices: Use online travel booking websites to compare prices for flights, hotels, and rental cars.

Look for deals: Sign up for email alerts from airlines, hotels and car rental companies to be notified of any sales or discounts.

Consider alternate destinations: Look for destinations that are less touristy or popular, they tend to be less expensive.

Travel during the off-peak season: Avoid traveling during peak tourist season, as prices for flights and accommodations tend to be higher.

Use rewards points or credit card miles: If you have accumulated rewards points or credit card miles, consider using them to pay for your trip.

Go for budget-friendly accommodation: Consider staying in hostels, vacation rentals, or camping instead of hotels.

Pack light: Avoid checking luggage and save money on baggage fees.

Cook your own meals: Instead of eating out for every meal, consider cooking some of your own meals to save money.

There are many websites that can be used for booking travel, some popular ones include:

Expedia: This website offers a wide range of travel options, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages.

Kayak: This website allows you to compare prices for flights, hotels, and rental cars from multiple travel providers in one place.

Booking.com: This website offers a large selection of hotels and vacation rentals worldwide, along with useful user reviews to aid in the decision-making process.

Orbitz: This website offers a wide range of travel options, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages.

Travelocity: This website offers a wide range of travel options, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages.

Priceline: This website offers a wide range of travel options, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages.

Hotwire: This website offers deep discounts on travel by allowing customers to book flights, hotels, and rental cars at a discounted rate, but with the catch that the specific details of the itinerary are not revealed until after the booking is confirmed.

AirBnB: This website is a platform for people to list, find, and book accommodation around the world, including short-term rentals, homestays, and more.

These are just a few examples, but there are many other travel booking websites available. It’s always a good idea to compare prices and read reviews before making a booking.

Top Destinations for Fun Winter Travel in America

Some destinations in the United States that are considered relatively inexpensive for winter travel and offer opportunities for fun include:

Lake Tahoe, California: offers skiing and snowboarding on the slopes of several resorts, as well as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter activities.

Park City, Utah: offers skiing and snowboarding on some of the most renowned ski resorts in the country and also has a vibrant downtown area with great shopping and dining.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming: offers winter activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, as well as the chance to see wildlife like bison, elk, and wolves in their natural habitat.

Grand Canyon, Arizona: offers visitors the chance to experience the natural wonder of the Grand Canyon in a quieter, less crowded season and also offers ranger-led snowshoe hikes.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah: offers winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as the chance to see the park’s unique hoodoos (tall, thin spires of rock) blanketed in snow.

Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the time of year and other factors, so it’s a good idea to check current prices and compare them to your budget. Additionally, it’s also good idea to take into account safety and health concerns due to Covid-19.