Just about every aspect of travel, whether for business or personal reasons, is expensive. However, there are several ways to reduce costs without having to compromise on comfort or enjoyment. In fact, many of the following tips can also improve the travel experience.
Rental Cars
If personal or business travel requires driving, consider renting a car. While it’s common for employers to provide reimbursement based on the miles driven, choosing a rental car can eliminate excess mileage and tire wear on personal vehicles, as well as minimize interior and exterior wear and tear, the frequency of oil changes, and other mileage-related maintenance. In the event of an accident, it’s a rental car that’s damaged. Make sure that the driver and the rental car are fully covered under personal car insurance policies before considering the rental car’s coverage, which might be expensive and not as comprehensive as personal car insurance.Train Travel
Relaxing in a posh seat while watching the countryside roll past is a great way to get from Point A to Point B. Train travel is an often-overlooked option, but it’s worth considering if the schedule allows it. In order to make it both cost-effective and fun, purchase tickets in advance, if possible. Always look for savings opportunities, such as those offered through membership in participating organizations, senior or military discounts, or those offered to members of Amtrak’s reward program—such as using Amtrak points to purchase a ticket—as this might be less expensive than simply purchasing the ticket directly.Cruises
Most cruise ship travel is purely personal, but if there’s a way to use this method of travel for business trips, go for it! To get the best deals, look for end-of-season deals or when ships are returning to the Caribbean from the Mediterranean or vice versa. Similarly, booking a cruise during a “shoulder season,” also known as off-peak season, can be an effective way to get a discounted rate.Other tips include booking an inside cabin, booking the next cruise while on a cruise, making a last-minute booking to take advantage of deep discounts, and bidding for an upgraded cabin. You can continue to save money while on the cruise. Use the spa while in port, when it’s less busy; consider prepurchasing discounted dining and drinks packages; and be open to special deals for meals, entertainment, and the spa that are often offered mid-cruise. Be careful if booking during college spring break in order to avoid an overly boisterous crowd.
Airfare
When traveling by air, consider joining the airline’s frequent flyer club or applying for an airline-sponsored credit card, both of which can provide access to discounts and perks. These programs also often allow boarding early and the ability to choose seats in advance and may reward flyers with points that can be used toward flights or special promotions. Frequent flyers may be offered access to the terminal’s members-only lounges, where they can enjoy snacks and drinks while relaxing between flights in a comfortable, quiet setting.When traveling with others, book each ticket separately; if the airline has only one “cheap” seat left on the flight, it’s unlikely to be shown as available while booking multiple seats. Book seats on a Sunday; according to Expedia, this is the best day to find less-expensive seats. Flights departing on Wednesday are rumored to be the best deals, offering savings of up to 15 percent as compared to very busy Mondays, weekends, or holidays. Seasoned travelers suggest booking domestic flights about a month prior to departure; doing so further in advance or much closer to the flight date can result in finding only higher rates. For international flights, booking about six months in advance can result in the best fares. Some travel resources, such as Expedia, will send notifications when seats on a specific flight are at their lowest price.