(WSPA) – If inflation is making you avoid traveling, you’re not alone. But there are still deals to be found if you know where and how to look. That’s why 7NEWS Here to Help has some clever ways to enjoy your trip without spending too much.
Teri Elder and her family’s enthusiasm for adventure knows no bounds.
“It’s so beautiful it brings me to tears,” she said of her Alaska adventure.
Equally impressive is the clever way Elder saves on his favorite pastime.
If possible, book in the off-season
“If you travel at the very beginning or end of a holiday before people start preparing for the holidays, it tends to be less expensive and a little less crowded,” Elder said.
That’s why she prefers booking her trips in late May or early August.
Check the listing for accommodation
Before booking through Airbnb or VRBO, Elder says to read the listings on both sites and compare the total price, as fees may differ (especially cleaning fees).
“Often you can find the same rental property on multiple sites, and the prices can vary greatly,” Elder says.
Also, check the property listing to find out who is managing the property. You may be able to get a discount by calling the management company directly.
How to save money on flights
When it comes to booking flights, travel agent Paula Fulgham of Thornton Hall Travel shares some clever ways to save money, including how to avoid online tracking.
“If you keep looking at the same flights over and over, make sure you clear your cookies,” Fulghum says.
If you don’t clear your cookies, the price may increase every time you check a flight.
And if you’re going internationally, consider buying a virtual private network (VPN) router so you can tell the airline to “consider I’m in Europe when booking.”
“For example, if you’re in France and you book a round-trip flight from Greenville-Spartanburg to Paris, it’s probably going to be 50 percent cheaper than if you book it here in Greenville,” Fulghum said.
As for when to book, CheapAir.com looked at more than 900 million airfares and found that the best time to find the best deals is two-and-a-half to three weeks in advance. If you book earlier or later than that, you could end up paying top dollar.
Of note, two new low-cost carriers, Avelo and Breeze, serve Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, which, along with Allegiant, offer 11 discount destinations.
Avero: Rochester, Manchester Boston, New Haven
Brees: Providence, Hartford, Tampa, Orlando, Los Angeles
Allegiant: Fort Lauderdale, Orlando/Sanford, Tampa/St. Petersburg
“This is the first time we’ve had that many orders at once, so it will be competitive,” GSP spokeswoman Tiffany Cherry said.
Always pay for airport parking up front, as this will save you money and the hassle of not being able to find a parking space.
Cruising for Less
While it may seem like the best summer deals are out, now is actually a great time to save on a last-minute cruise, with many cruise lines offering steep discounts to fill capacity on upcoming ships.
Vacations To Go is a site that points you to great deals on cruise ships that may have seats available as they set sail.
Outdoor Savings
Elder’s passion for hiking led to another cost-saving measure: She discovered that many local libraries offer three-week free checkouts of $99 state park passes.
“Another money saving tip: Do you know any local hikers in Spartanburg? They have a gear rental program and the rental rates are incredibly reasonable,” Elder said.
Save on food costs
Finally, the quiet killer of a vacation budget is food costs, especially with inflation.
Elder avoids eating out by booking places with kitchens. No matter where you stay or what you do, this frequent traveler has some final advice:
“Read the reviews!”
