Best Travel Deals for 2024: How to Save on Flights, Hotels

Who doesn’t love a great travel deal? Whether planning a weekend getaway or a globetrotting adventure, saving on travel expenses can make a big difference. But finding the Best Travel Deals 2024 amid fluctuating prices and hidden fees can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Fear not! We’ve scoured the web and pooled our expertise to bring you top-notch savings tips on flights, hotels, and beyond. With a few strategic hacks, you’ll be jet-setting without jet-lagging your wallet.

In this post, you’ll learn:

• How to score affordable flights and maximize loyalty rewards
• The best timing and tools for hotel discounts
• Tips for cutting costs on everything from rental cars to tours and activities
• Hidden tricks to find the lowest prices without spending hours browsing

Flight Deals: Timing, Tools, and Tips

When it comes to flights, timing is everything. But it’s not just about booking early; it’s about booking smart. Let’s dive into the best methods to save on airfare:

1. Use Fare Alerts and Aggregator Sites

• Tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner are invaluable for monitoring prices and comparing airline options. By setting fare alerts, you’ll get notified when prices drop on your preferred routes, giving you a head start on snagging the lowest fares.
• “Fare aggregators can save travelers up to 40% by highlighting budget airlines or lesser-known carriers,” says travel expert Jane Dobson.

Pro Tip: Use fare tracking to score last-minute deals on Skiplagged, which specializes in exposing hidden city tickets that could help you save.

2. Book Midweek and Travel Off-Peak

• Believe it or not, booking on Tuesdays and Wednesdays often yields lower prices, as these days fall outside the typical travel surge.
• Off-peak travel seasons, such as early fall or late winter, can result in substantial savings. If you’re flexible with dates, use tools like Kayak’s “Explore” feature to find the cheapest times to visit different destinations.

3. Leverage Points and Rewards Programs

• Joining frequent flyer programs and leveraging credit card rewards can be a goldmine for frequent travelers. For example, combining Chase Ultimate Rewards with a partner airline can maximize your points’ value, sometimes covering nearly an entire trip.
• Consider using programs that offer flexible redemptions, like American Express Membership Rewards and Capital One Miles, which provide greater flexibility than traditional airline miles.

4. Be Strategic with Layovers

• While nonstop flights save time, they often come at a premium. Adding a layover (or two) can shave hundreds off the ticket price. Just ensure the layover provides enough buffer time to avoid the risk of missing connections. Anything over three hours is usually a safe bet.
• Hidden-city ticketing can also be a savvy tactic. In this tactic, you book a flight to a secondary city with a layover in your actual destination. While this tactic has some caveats, like no checked baggage and possible airline restrictions, it’s a proven money-saver for those in the know.

Hotel Savings Hacks: Find Discounts Like a Pro

Hotels might be one of the most significant expenses of any trip, but they’re also ripe for discount-hunting. Here’s how to land the best deal on your stay without compromising comfort.

1. Book Direct for Added Perks

• Surprisingly, booking directly with the hotel can sometimes yield a better rate than third-party sites. Many hotels offer direct-booking discounts or perks like complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, or flexible cancellations.
• Tip: When booking, mention if it’s a special occasion (like a birthday or anniversary) and ask about free upgrades or perks. Hotels often go the extra mile for guests celebrating special events.

2. Use Hotel Loyalty Programs

• Loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and IHG Rewards offer fantastic benefits for frequent travelers. Even if you’re not a frequent hotel visitor, joining these programs can provide immediate perks such as free Wi-Fi or later checkout times.
• In some cases, booking through loyalty programs can grant access to members-only rates, typically 5-10% lower than standard prices. Plus, earning points can lead to free nights faster than you might think.

3. Book with Refundable Rates and Rebook if Prices Drop

• Use sites like Booking.com or Hotels.com that offer refundable rates. If prices drop after you book, simply cancel and rebook at the lower rate.
• For significant discounts, consider apps like HotelTonight, which offer last-minute deals on unsold rooms. Perfect for spontaneous travelers, these deals can often be up to 60% off.

4. Consider Alternative Accommodations

• Vacation rentals on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are often less costly than traditional hotels, especially for larger groups or extended stays.
• Also, consider alternative stays such as hostels, boutique hotels, or Couchsurfing for the more adventurous. While they vary in comfort and luxury, these options can slash costs and sometimes offer a unique experience.

Accommodation Type	Average Savings	Best For	Examples
Traditional Hotels	Up to 20% off	Short stays	Marriott, Hilton
Vacation Rentals	Up to 30% off	Families, Groups	Airbnb, Vrbo
Boutique Hotels	Up to 15% off	Solo, Couples	Local listings
Hostels	Up to 50% off	Backpackers, Youth	Hostelworld
Couchsurfing	Free	Adventurers	Couchsurfing.com

Rental Cars, Rideshares, and More: Transport Hacks

Getting around your destination doesn’t have to drain your budget. Here are some key ways to cut transportation costs on the ground and in the air.

1. Avoid Airport Rentals

• Airport car rentals often come with premium rates due to additional fees. Instead, look for off-site rental locations that are significantly cheaper. A quick Uber or shuttle ride to a nearby location can save you 15-20% on rental costs.
• Alternatively, check Turo for local vehicle rentals, a peer-to-peer platform similar to Airbnb but for cars.

2. Use Rideshare Price-Comparison Apps

• Downloading apps like Curb and FairFare can help you compare prices between rideshare services like Uber and Lyft and local taxi options. This is especially useful in larger cities, where rates can vary wildly depending on demand.
• Another savvy option is Uber Pool or Lyft Line, where you share your ride with other passengers heading in the same direction, significantly reducing costs.

3. Book in Advance for Rail and Public Transit Passes

• If you’re traveling to a city with a robust public transportation system (think London, Paris, or Tokyo), purchasing rail or metro passes in advance can save you both money and hassle. Many cities offer multi-day passes for tourists at a lower rate than individual ticket prices.

Eating Out Without Cashing Out: Food Savings on the Go

Dining can add up quickly, especially in touristy areas. But by planning smartly, you can sample the local cuisine without blowing your budget.

1. Look for Local Markets and Street Food

• Eating at local markets is a budget-friendly choice and a cultural experience. Cities like Bangkok, Mexico City, and Istanbul have vibrant food scenes where you can enjoy authentic meals at a fraction of restaurant prices.
• Street food is another affordable and delicious option. You often eat what locals eat, so it’s a win-win for your wallet and taste buds!

2. Choose Lunch Over Dinner at Restaurants

• Many restaurants offer lunch specials or prix fixe menus that provide the same quality as dinner for less. Opting for a larger meal in the middle of the day can keep you fueled and save you money, leaving dinner for lighter or snack-style meals.
• Pro Tip: Some cafes and restaurants in popular cities offer happy-hour menus, during which food items are discounted. Research ahead or ask locals to find the best times for deals.

3. Grocery Shop for Simple Meals

• A quick trip to the grocery store for essentials like fruit, bread, and snacks can save you from expensive hotel breakfasts or airport meals. Plus, if you’re staying in a place with a kitchenette, you can prepare simple meals.
• “Shopping at local supermarkets for meals can cut dining costs by up to 50%,” travel blogger Alex Martinez suggests. “Even a few DIY meals add up to big savings.”

4. Use Food Delivery Apps for Discounts

• Food delivery apps like Uber Eats, Grubhub, or Swiggy (in India) often have deals, particularly for new users. Check for promo codes before ordering.
• Some apps even provide discounts during specific times, so if you’re craving something specific, ordering it during a “quiet time” might score you a discount.

Activities and Entertainment: Maximizing Fun on a Budget

Exploring new destinations doesn’t mean you have to splurge on every attraction. Here’s how to get the most out of your experience without overspending:

1. Take Advantage of Free Attractions and Tours

• Many cities offer free attractions like parks, beaches, museums, and historical sites. For instance, in London, famous museums like the British Museum and Tate Modern are free to the public.
• Walking tours are another great option. Cities worldwide have “free” walking tours where you pay a small tip to the guide at the end. Not only do you get a comprehensive overview of the city, but you also save compared to pricey private tours.

2. Purchase City Passes for Major Savings

• Consider a city pass if you plan to hit several significant attractions. Many big cities like New York, Paris, and Rome offer passes that bundle entry to top sites at a discount. The Paris Museum Pass or CityPASS in the U.S. can save up to 40% if you visit multiple attractions.
• Check online for the latest deals, and weigh the pass cost against the number of sites you realistically plan to visit.

3. Utilize “Last-Minute” Deal Sites for Experiences

• Platforms like Groupon and LivingSocial offer last-minute deals on local experiences, from restaurant deals to discounted tours. These sites can be treasure troves for finding affordable activities, especially in major cities.
• Even attractions like theme parks, theater shows, and special events can occasionally be found on these platforms at reduced prices.

4. Check Out Off-Peak Days for Activities

• Some attractions offer reduced entry fees on weekdays or during off-peak hours. Theme parks, aquariums, and museums often have “discount days” to help you save.

Hidden Fees: Avoiding Costly Surprises

Even the most budget-savvy travelers can fall victim to unexpected fees. Here’s how to dodge hidden costs and keep your budget intact:

1. Watch Out for Resort and Destination Fees

• Many hotels, especially in the U.S., add resort fees to your bill, sometimes as high as $30-$50 per night. Always read the fine print before booking. If you spot a hotel with high fees, it might be worth booking somewhere else, even if the nightly rate is slightly higher but doesn’t include hidden charges.

2. Avoid ATM and Foreign Transaction Fees

• International ATM and transaction fees can add up. Look for travel-friendly credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture that waive these fees. If you must withdraw cash, take out more significant amounts to avoid repeated fees.
• Many credit unions also offer international ATM fee reimbursements, so check with your bank before your trip.

3. Stay Mindful of Baggage Fees

• Airlines are notorious for baggage fees. If you’re traveling light, look for more generous carry-on policies, or consider budget airlines that allow free carry-ons, like Southwest in the U.S.
• Booking your baggage online ahead of time is usually cheaper than paying at the airport.

4. Data Roaming Fees

• International data roaming can be surprisingly costly. If you need to stay connected, look into travel-friendly mobile plans or consider a local SIM card if your phone is unlocked. Apps like WhatsApp and Google Voice are great for making calls over Wi-Fi, which can save on phone charges.

Advanced Travel Hacks: Going Beyond the Basics

Suppose you’re ready to go beyond the basics. In that case, these next-level hacks will help you uncover more ways to maximize savings on every trip aspect, from accommodations to experiences.

1. Use VPNs to Access Regional Discounts

• Flight and hotel prices often vary by country. By using a VPN (Virtual Private Network), you can view prices from different regions, potentially scoring a lower fare. For example, flights booked from certain countries may be cheaper than booking from the U.S. or Europe.
• How to Use This Hack: Switch to a VPN server in a country with a weaker currency than yours and compare the rates on booking sites. Just remember to clear your browser cookies to avoid personalized price inflation.

2. Consider Stopover Programs for Multi-Destination Adventures

• Many airlines, like Icelandair, Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways, offer free or low-cost stopovers in their hub cities, allowing you to experience another destination without extra flight costs.
• Example: If you’re booking a flight to Europe with Turkish Airlines, look for stopover options in Istanbul so you can spend a few days there at no additional cost. It’s like a mini-vacation within your main trip!

3. Book Activities Through Cashback and Deal Platforms

• Booking tours and experiences directly through cashback sites like Rakuten or TopCashback can give you a percentage back on every purchase. Additionally, some credit cards provide rewards for travel purchases through their portals, so check those for deals, too.
• Travel Deal Platforms: Apps like Klook and GetYourGuide offer activity discounts for everything from city tours to local attractions. Watch for deals or bundle discounts to save even more.

Flight & Travel Insurance: Don’t Skimp, but Don’t Overpay

1. Check Credit Card Perks First

• Many travel credit cards have built-in travel insurance covering trip cancellations, lost baggage, and emergency medical expenses. Chase Sapphire Reserve, for instance, offers comprehensive travel insurance as a cardholder perk.
• Tip: Review your card’s coverage limits and understand what’s included. If it’s comprehensive, you might not need additional coverage.

2. Consider “Cancel For Any Reason” Policies for Flexibility

• A “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) policy might be worth it for high-cost trips or bookings made well in advance. While a bit more expensive, this type of insurance lets you cancel your trip for any reason, giving you full or partial reimbursement.
• Where to Look: Compare policies on sites like InsureMyTrip or SquareMouth to find flexible options at competitive rates.

Essential Apps for On-the-Go Savings

Your smartphone can be a powerful travel savings tool. These apps will help you find deals, track prices, and manage your budget while traveling:

• Hopper: Monitors flight and hotel prices, predicting future price drops and giving you the best time to book.
• XE Currency Converter: This tool helps you convert prices quickly, ensuring you understand what you’re paying in your home currency.
• PackPoint is not a savings app per se, but by helping you pack efficiently, it can help you avoid unnecessary purchases or extra baggage fees.
• Rome2rio: A navigation app that compares costs across transportation options, from flights to trains and buses, giving you the best route for your budget.

Final Pro Tips for Big Savings in 2024

Let’s wrap things up with some final strategies that can be game-changers for saving money while traveling:

1. Sign Up for Newsletters and Flash Sales

• Many airlines and hotel chains exclusively announce flash sales and discounts to newsletter subscribers. Create a separate travel email to stay informed without crowding your primary inbox.
• Exclusive Tip: Look out for mistake fares, where airlines accidentally post flights at steep discounts. Websites like Secret Flying or Scott’s Cheap Flights are perfect for spotting these rare gems.

2. Utilize Flexible Payment Plans for Big Trips

• Platforms like Uplift and Affirm partner with airlines and travel sites, letting you book now and pay in installments. This can be particularly useful for more extensive trips, allowing you to secure early discounts without paying the total amount upfront.
• Understand the interest rate and total cost to avoid overpaying in the long run.

3. Travel Light and Avoid Extra Baggage Costs

• With many airlines now charging for checked and even some carry-on bags, packing light can lead to significant savings. Use space-saving techniques, like packing cubes and rolling clothes, to fit everything in a single bag.
• Pro Tip: Check airline policies carefully. Some budget airlines, like Ryanair and Spirit, have strict baggage limits, so being strategic with what you bring can prevent pricey fees.

Top Travel Savings Hacks for 2024

Travel Expense	Savings Hack	Description
Flights	Use Fare Alerts	Set alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner to monitor price drops and find cheaper flights.
	Book Midweek & Off-Peak	Book flights on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, and travel during off-peak seasons to save.
	Leverage Points & Rewards	Join frequent flyer programs or use credit card rewards to cover flights at reduced or no cost.
Hotels	Book Directly with Hotels	Booking directly can sometimes yield lower rates and perks like free breakfast or room upgrades.
	Use Loyalty Programs	Join hotel loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors for discounts and free perks.
	Try Last-Minute Apps	Apps like HotelTonight offer last-minute discounts on unsold rooms for spontaneous travel savings.
Car Rentals	Avoid Airport Rentals	Renting off-airport locations often avoids extra fees, saving up to 20% on rental costs.
	Use Price Comparison Tools	Use comparison sites like Kayak or AutoSlash to find the lowest rental rates across providers.
Food & Dining	Shop at Local Markets & Grocery Stores	Buy simple groceries for breakfast or snacks, avoiding expensive restaurant meals.
	Look for Lunch Specials	Many restaurants offer lower lunch prices or happy-hour deals that are cheaper than dinner menus.
Activities & Attractions	Use City Passes or Free Attractions	City passes bundle entry fees at a discount; explore free attractions to enjoy the destination affordably.
	Check Deal Sites for Activities	Sites like Groupon and LivingSocial offer discounts on tours, attractions, and dining.
Hidden Fees	Avoid Foreign Transaction & ATM Fees	Use a no-foreign-fee credit card or withdraw larger amounts to reduce international fees.
	Review Resort Fees Before Booking	Some hotels charge hidden resort fees; confirm before booking to avoid unexpected costs.

Conclusion

Traveling doesn’t have to mean draining your savings. These innovative strategies and tools allow you to explore the world without breaking the bank. By planning, staying flexible, and tapping into resources like loyalty programs, cashback apps, and local insights, you’ll experience more while spending less. Remember, each journey is about making memories, not just managing money. So pack your bags, embark on new adventures, and enjoy the thrill of traveling wisely. Here’s to making 2024 your most affordable and unforgettable year of travel yet! Safe travels!

For more saving tips, follow us – Free Saving Tips

FAQ