Although spring has just started, summer travel is right around the corner, and the window to plan a vacation is closing rapidly. According to data from NerdWallet, travel prices have increased by 17%. But taking a trip this summer doesn’t have to mean letting your summer vacation drain your retirement account. Here are a few tips on how to keep travel costs to a minimum:
Book in advance
Traveling is only going to get more expensive. If you’re booking a flight, it’s important to start looking now and keeping an eye out for any deals. Around 2 months out from your trip will give you the best prices on flights. While it might seem like a good idea to book a hotel room at the last minute in hopes of securing a sweet last-minute deal, you may find yourself without a place to stay at your destination. Book your hotels in advance as well, and call the hotel to see if they’ll give you the deal once it goes live.
Choose off-peak days
Most people travel on Fridays and the weekends – and there’s a reason for that. Suppose you’re able to travel on the least common travel days, such as the middle of the week. If you’re flying, you’ll likely get a cheaper plane ticket, and you may just miss the sudden gas price increase that weekend travelers have to grumble and groan about their entire trip if you’re driving. Choosing the days you’re traveling can have a huge impact on cost.
Get travel insurance
While you may have found the best prices on flights, hotel rooms, rental cars, etc., your entire trip can be turned upside down by illness or travel interruptions. Make sure you buy travel insurance that can help you get a refund – or another flight if you experience trouble while traveling. Instead of wasting money on a trip you can’t even go on, you could use your refund to book another last-minute trip or take a luxury staycation.
Use and sign up for loyalty points
Major hotels and most airlines have rewards programs that can help pay for your trip or stay! If you’re really looking to cut costs, redeem your miles and use your loyalty points. You can also look at what rewards your credit card offers for travel and use your rewards points from there to pay for airfare, hotels and other qualifying travel expenses. Sometimes if you first sign up for a loyalty reward program, you get welcome offers such as 10% off.
Summer Travel Tips for Seniors(Opens in a new browser tab)
Take advantage of senior discounts
Check and see if you’re eligible for senior discounts. Some resorts and packages offer these discounts for travelers as early as age 55. If you’re signed up for senior memberships such as AARP, you should also utilize the travel discounts available to you, such as 30% off car rentals, cash back, and more.
By: Omar Kaywan, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer at Goose Insurance
