Welcome to Great Women's Vacations! Booking Your Trip Vacation Ideas Tips on Airports, Packing, and More Share Your Experiences Site Info This site receives a small commission from affiliate links and third party advertising. Click below for our full Advertising Policy
Save Money on Travel with Coupons, Websites, and More!
Let's face it - travel is expensive! But there are ways to save money on travel and keep your expenses in check.
- There are many ways to
save on airfare
but if you're not going far, it may be more cost-effective to drive to your destination.
- Your hotel may have coupons and discounts for restaurants and attractions in the area. Check with the local visitor's bureau, too - most have coupons you can print from their websites before you leave home.
- And don't forget to check any organizations you belong to for discounts to save money on travel - AAA, the military, and AARP are some of the most common.
- What level of luxury and comfort are you expecting from your
accommodations?Look for value, without compromising quality. For a beach vacation, you might want to splurge on a more luxurious resort, but look for a condo where you prepare your own meals or an all-inclusive plan that can
save money on meals
. For a city vacation with mostly sightseeing activities, a basic hotel with breakfast included might be a better choice.
- An Entertainment book can help you save money on travel - car rentals, hotels, meals, and attractions are discounted in the Entertainment book.
Your hometown book has hotel and car rental coupons, and you can pick up a book for your U.S. or Canadian destinations, too. Most books are $25 - $40, and if you buy the book later in the use year, you can get it for less (for example, if the book's use if from November to November, but you're traveling in April, you can probably get the book for your destination at half price). One restaurant meal or admission to an attraction will pay for the book!
- Buy travel insurance. This costs money up front, of course, but can save a bundle in the long run. If you are just booking airfare and a hotel (not in a package), you probably do not need insurance; airlines and hotels have cancellation policies which may cost you $100, but you can always re-book your trip. However, if you are booking a cruise, a tour, or a package, the cancellation policies are more costly. If you need to cancel at the last minute due to a family emergency, insurance is a necessity. Many travel insurance policies now allow last-minute cancellation for ANY reason, for an additional fee. Since many trips are booked almost a year in advance, it's a good idea to protect yourself against unexpected changes in your plans.