Melo Villareal
Whether you are searching for adventure, exotic cuisine, history, or new cultures, traveling abroad is an incredible experience. Unfortunately, with the ever-rising costs of airfare and accommodations, it can be a rare opportunity for many. Fear not, would-be travelers, for there are easy ways to conserve money and still make it overseas. Check out these three simple tips before planning your getaway:
Philtoa Fam Tour Jump Shot in Panglao Resort (Photo courtesy of Maeh Abasolo)
Use Travel Sites Wisely
There are myriad travel sites claiming to help you book with the lowest prices. Many of them are reputable and do in fact offer excellent rates. To make sure you are truly getting a good deal, compare prices among several trustworthy sites. Remember that airfare prices change frequently, even day-to-day. If your travel dates are flexible, look for a site that allows you to see rates spread out for several days. Check prices on several days of the week, at different times of day, before you buy a ticket. When you finally get out that credit card, you should know based on at least three sources, that you are getting a good deal.
Look for Package Deals
If you are looking for a true getaway from worries and stress, a pre-packaged vacation is a wonderful option. Travel sites negotiate relationships with airline and resorts to offer excellent rates on trips that are already planned, so you can travel worry-free. Of particular interest are “all-inclusive” packages that plan transportation, hotel, and include meals. These packages are often found in tropical destinations. For example, you may see an Riu Cancun All Inclusive vacation. These trips are planned with a simple click of a mouse, so you can truly relax from start to finish, and not worry about additional expenses while you are away.
Don’t Be Afraid of “Last Minute” Vacations
Especially if your travel dates are flexible, you may want to search travel sites for “last minute” or “last call” vacation packages. Often, travel agencies book package vacations for a certain number of guests. Near the departure date, prices can drop drastically if there are still spaces unfilled. If you simply want to get away and do not have a specific destination in mind, this “super sale” situation can be ideal.
With these simple tips, you will really get the most out travel websites and agencies. Remember, they are professionals whose business is vacation planning. Use them as a resource to make traveling overseas easier to plan and far more affordable.
