Often airfare can be the most expensive purchase of a whole trip and often the least fun. Getting to a destination shouldn’t have to cost you massive amounts of money. Saving money on your flight will leave you with more funds to do the fun things you want to do and also make going on vacation more affordable.
Tools
- Leave on a Wednesday – most people book their vacation so that they leave on a Friday or Saturday making these the most popular days to fly. Booking your flight on a Wednesday will normally be a lower cost (unless it’s a holiday) because there is less demand.
- Monitor Social Media – Many airlines will post hot deals on social media, promoting cheap flights. However, these deals often don’t last long so it’s important to jump on them when you see them. Following airlines Facebook and twitter will help you be able to monitor these deals more easily.
- Pick the Layover – Although layovers and plane changes can be annoying, they are likely to save you $50-$100.
- Compare – use sites like expedia.com, Skyscanner, google flights, and more to compare different airlines and see which flights are cheaper. Keep in mind if these airlines have extra baggage costs, etc. because these all can factor into the price
- Get an airline credit card – Fly often? Get an airline credit card that gives you points towards flights every time you use it. You can rack up a lot of miles and get flights for free by buying things you would normally purchase anyway using that card.
- Be Flexible – When planning a vacation be flexible with the days you’re flying out and flying back. Adding a couple days to your travels can save you big bucks. Plus who doesn’t love an extended vacation?
- Don’t Book Roundtrip – Sometimes flights can be cheaper if you book two one-way tickets than if you book a roundtrip flight. Flying to a place with a different airline than you fly home from can definitely save you money.
There are plenty of sites and tips out there that can help you save money on airlines costs. The important thing to do is to research and not book the first slight that you see. This way you can have more funds when you get to your actual destination.
When planning and getting ready for a trip packing is usually procrastinated and then done in a rush. Packing well is essential to a successful trip, for example forgetting sneakers to hike or a bathing suit at the beach can lead to a major vacation inconvenience. Creating a list and making sure you have all the essentials is a great way to make sure you are never in a situation without something. There’s a fine balance between packing everything you need and overpacking as well.
Important Documents
Make sure to pack all important documents including passport, ID, credit cards, cash, tickets, hotel confirmation, and travel itinerary. Nothing can ruin a trip faster than getting to an airport and discovering you forgot your boarding pass or your passport. Not to mention, having no money is certainly no way to spend a vacation. Make sure all the documents are in a safe, secure, easy to find place that can be easily accessed since you’ll most likely need them a lot throughout your travels.
Clothing
It can be easy to overpack in the clothing, shoes, and accessories department when going on vacation. Make sure to plan out your outfits by day and lay them out ahead of time. In addition, make sure to pack a few extra shirts and an extra pair of pants just in case you spill on an outfit or get sweaty. Shoes wise, packing 2 to 3 pairs should be good enough depending on how long you stay. Shoes take up a lot of space and weigh a lot so if you’re traveling via airline it’s best not to add to many. In addition, extra underwear and socks are something you can never go wrong with. Depending on where you are traveling and activities you are doing pack outfits you can layer, bathing suits, etc.
Toiletries
Depending on where you’re traveling, it’s best to buy travel sized bottles once you arrive at your destination. This eliminates the chance of bottles exploding in your bag and also gives you more room for other things. In addition, many travel lines restrict you to only packing a certain amount. Other toiletries that should be brought are basic makeup items, towels, medicine, first aid kit, deodorant, etc.
There are many other things that should be packed for trips but these are a few tips to get you started on sorting out what to bring and what not to bring to have a successful vacation.
If you are traveling for the first time and are nervous about the experience – that’s okay! It’s going to be your first time in an unknown area away from the support system you have built. Have no fear – the list below outlines some of the most important things to keep in mind for your first trip.
Pack light
You’re going to want to overpack, but resist the urge. You want to pack light for a few reasons. The first is that you don’t want to run the risk of having your luggage overweight if you are getting on a plane. The second reason you will want to pack light is for souvenirs! If you are at capacity, there will be no room to bring home any neat things you find along the way. Finally, you won’t need it all. If you overpack you are bound to not wear articles of clothing and lugging around all that extra stuff will wear you out.
Send yourself copies of pertinent documents
No matter whether you are traveling abroad or within your country, electronically send yourself copies of your passport, visa, ID, and debit/credit cards. They will be a lifesaver in the event that your luggage is lost or your wallet is stolen.
Get to the airport early
This may go without saying, but you want to get to the airport ahead of time. The lines at security can be unpredictable. You don’t want to end up sprinting to the gate or missing your flight. The less stress at the beginning of your trip – the better!
Make friends
This goes especially for those traveling alone. Try to make friends with locals and other tourists! It will make your trip more enjoyable and the locals may even share a few secrets off the beaten path. You may even make lasting friendships and new travel buddies on your trip.
Break out of your comfort zone
Traveling is all about gaining experiences and perspective. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone to try new things. Be open to new food, unexpected adventure, and the different cultures you will run into. Keeping an open mind will enhance your trip and possibly leave you with a new favorite dish!
Have fun!
Most importantly, remember to have fun. Traveling is meant to be an escape from what you are used to. Get out there and immerse yourself in the culture, see the sights, and be a tourist. The more you can soak up the better. Plus, you’ll want to come home with stories for all your friends and family.
