all savings travel

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allsavingstravel.com Reviews

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Reviews 2.8.

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I booked a flight with them

I booked a flight with them. American Airlines gave them a refund January 20. They keep giving me the runaround about where this refund is. They keep asking for additional business days. They received the money the day American Airlines released it to them. They think we’re stupid. I’m reporting this to my credit card company because this is fraud. I am beyond tired of sitting back and waiting. Just give me back my money! By the way, your customer service is atrocious. They treat people like we’re morons.

Date of experience : January 20, 2024

Reply from allsavingstravel.com

Dear Mary Guarracino, We would like to sincerely apologize for the negative experience you encountered. Upon checking with our backend support team, we have not received any funds from the airline at this time. I apologize for any delay in this matter, and I want to assure you that we are actively monitoring the situation. Your satisfaction is important to us, and we are committed to resolving this issue as quickly as possible. We appreciate your understanding and patience. Kind regards, All Savings Travel Service Team

First time booking with this company

First time booking with this company. Booked and made a flight reservation. Got an email some time later saying that they could not honor the price and asked if an alternate price was okay that was ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS MORE. I went directly to the airline, and booked directly the same flight that I paid this company for and got tickets. I do not see how they are in business.

Date of experience : May 21, 2023

Dear Ryan Schladitz, We are sorry to hear that things didn't go smoothly for you while booking. Would you be so kind as to contact us at [email protected], we would like to discuss your observation and start an investigation of your case. Thank you for your honest feedback and we look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards, Allsavingstravel Team

THIS COMPANY IS A SCAM!!!I paid for a…

THIS COMPANY IS A SCAM!!!I paid for a flight over 4 hrs ago and still have not received a confirmation number. I've called the company and once the guy answered he transferred me to Expedia and they have no booking on record Now they have me on hold with the music playing. BUYER BEWARE!!!!! My review still stands, this company is a scam. They act as if they want to help by replying to this review but still no help. After I finally got through they hung up on me twice when I asked for a refund.

Date of experience : June 03, 2023

Dear Tiara, Your review is very concerning to us. Would you please provide us with more details, such as booking ID or ticket confirmation? We would appreciate it if you could email us at [email protected] to find out about your recent experience. Kind regards, All Savings Travel Service Team

Gave me wrong flight time.

I booked my flight through ALLSAVINGSTRAVEL and the email confirmation said 9:59pm departure time. I called them THE DAY OF to see if i can change my reservation to get an earlier flight but they said the only available one was 9:59pm flight. I arrived to the airport at 7:30pm and Spirit airlines told me the only flight to my destination was 7:08pm and that there was no such thing as a 9:59pm flight. Allsavingstravel gave me a wrong time, so i didnt have a flight and had to pay for a new one AND a hotel room for the night. And i missed a day of work because of it. I dont usually leave bad reviews but this was such a rough experience. DO NOT USE THEM

Dear Serena Valente, We are sorry to hear that things didn't go smoothly for you. We are already working to resolve this issue. Could you please email us at [email protected] to find out about your concerns and solve any other pending issues that you may have. We are looking forward to speaking with you about your issue. Kind Regards, Allsavingstravel Team

Molly was amazing --very meticulous and…

Molly was amazing --very meticulous and patient with an itinerary with many parts. We are so grateful. Thank you, Molly!

Date of experience : October 25, 2023

Dear Joan Cohen, We were thrilled to read your 5-star review of our service. We are glad you felt such a positive experience with our representative Molly. We’ll pass along the kind words. We look forward to seeing you again soon and thank you for your feedback. Kind Regards, All Savings Travel Service Team

Does Not Follow Airline Policy

Book a Southwest flight. Flew one way but needed to come home earlier. Southwest stated I would get a flight credit. All Savings Travel states they was not honoring it. Basically, they got the credit and are keeping. Book with the airline directly, they will take better care of you.

Date of experience : March 06, 2023

Was charged an additional $300 change…

Was charged an additional $150 change fee per ticket when Southwest does not charge change fees. Horrible customer support, wasted hours on the phone.

Date of experience : November 03, 2022

Travel agents can't use VoIP numbers

I'm a travel agent booking for a client and was unable to use my business phone number for the booking. However, they were quick to help me update the phone number to get the tickets booked for my client.

Date of experience : January 05, 2023

HORRIBLE experience

HORRIBLE experience. I booked a flight in Nov 2022 and selected seats for 2 people. In Jan, I was notified by AllSavings Travel that one leg of the trip changed to a different airport and asked if I was ok with it. I emailed them back to tell them it was ok. Fast forward a week before my trip (in April 2023) I logged into American and noticed I had no seats. I had to pay $350 for 2 seats (for a total of 4 flights). I was told by All Savings that it was American Airlines fault and to check in with them the day of my trip. I did so, and they advised me that remibursement would need to come from AllSavings Travel. It has been weeks with sporadic email responses. I have asked for a supervisor and it's disregarded. Still in process of trying to get my money back as All Savings did not notify me that I had to re-pick my seats in Jan 2023. Never again.

Date of experience : April 19, 2023

Dear Ms. Michelle Saya, We are sorry to hear that you have experienced this issue. Allow us to confirm, that our investigation team is already working on identifying the cause of this problem. In order to find out more details about your reservation, please reach out to us at [email protected]. Your feedback is highly appreciated and will help us to improve our ability to serve you and other users. Kind regards, Allsavingstravel Team

BUYER BEWARE

I booked a flight through All Travel Savings in December 2022. The flight was one way from Boise, Idaho to New Orleans on May 10, 2023. I paid using a credit card which cleared in December 2022. Spirit Airlines sent an email on March 11, 2023, stating the flight was cancelled. I called All Savings Travel about a refund since that is who our Credit Card had paid. I was sent from department to department and spoke with supervisors with no resolution. They told me it was my responsibility to contact the airline for our refund. I spent several more hours with Spirit Airlines and was told the refund had been issued back to Travel Fusion, to a Master Card. Wait what???? We booked the flight through All Savings Travel and paid with a Southwest Airlines Card. I have still not received our refund. I am filing a complaint to BBB and to the Attorney General's Office. I will NEVER book with All Savings Travel again. Nor, will I book with Spirit Airlines! Still hoping to get my refund since we had to book a different flight with Southwest Airlines for our planned trip.

Date of experience : March 11, 2023

Quick resolution

Each time I’ve contacted via chat each person has been very helpful. Antonio was very helpful when my flight was cancelled.

Date of experience : September 26, 2022

Alena was helpful in answering…

Alena was helpful in answering questions and easing my worries. She was friendly and responded in a timely manner.

Date of experience : September 30, 2022

Failure to communicate, promises made but not kept

In November of 2022 we booked flights with All Savings travel for travel in May of 2023. We received confirmation and thought all was in order. In January of 2023 I accessed the travel reservation to see if we could select our seats. AT that time I noticed that the initial leg of the flight was missing from the airlines website. We reached out to All Savings and they said everything was in order and not to worry. I researched again and found that the air carrier was no longer servicing our departure location so we again reached out to All Saving who said they were researching this. They commuted via phone and email, however when we tried to return emails their emails address repeatedly failed. We advised them of this on the phone and were told they were working on it. After about 2 weeks they advised that I was correct and they were working to find us another option. After 2 more weeks and several calls alter they could not find one and advised they could refund us and for the trouble would help us get a discount on a different flight. Again over 2 more weeks and being passed from department to department, their email still not working they advised there was nothing they could do to help us. By this time, over 6 weeks had gone by and the cost of flights went up substantially but :there was nothing they could do and we should contact the airline directly. Failure to notify us of the change, pushing back when we first brought it to their attention. terrible customer service, lack of ability to contact them, not allowing anything to be in writing, passing us from department to department, making promises to assist and doing nothing. Ultimate costing us far more than if we had just booked on our own and corrected the situation as soon as we discovered it happened.

Date of experience : March 09, 2023

Elvis, was a great help. He took care of my concerns in a timely manner. He has a great attitude.

Date of experience : October 02, 2022

Sasha- Customer Support

My experience with Sasha was professional/prompt and efficient. I give her a 5 rating.

Date of experience : September 27, 2022

Alena was very helpful and very timely while doing so.

Date of experience : October 16, 2022

She was helpful

She was helpful, and got Me right with the situation

Date of experience : October 01, 2022

Angel helped with everything i needed

Date of experience : October 22, 2022

Elvis was great

Date of experience : October 12, 2022

24 Best Travel Websites to Find Deals and Save You Money

Use our guide to the best travel websites and find discounts and deals so you can vacation without breaking the bank.

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Four friends on a couch plan a vacation using travel sites.

Whether you’re looking for a cheap last-minute vacation or planning to go home for the holidays, you’ll want to know the best travel websites to use. And if you’re tired of wondering which sites are best for each part of your trip planning, we’ve got you covered.

Here are some of the best travel sites we’ve found to help you bag bargains on airfares, lodging, car rentals and all your other travel needs. Best of all, almost all of the travel websites are free to use. Bon voyage!

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Best websites to save on airfare

Keeping up with airfare prices has gotten easier thanks to sites like Google Flights and Kayak . To use them, just type in your home and destination airport, pick the flights that work best for you and then set an alert to track the price. For example, Google Flights will send you an e-mail showing if your tracked flight went up or down in price. Both sites also let you see which days are cheaper to fly in that month. Airfarewatchdog also lets you search flight deals.

If you haven’t decided on where exactly you want to go, sign up for Going (formerly known as Scott’s Cheap Flights.) Their newsletter comes straight to your inbox with deals on domestic and international locations. Or you can follow Twitter handles such as @TheFlightDeal for flights, too.

Best websites for flight information

Once your flight is booked, you’ll want to keep tabs on gate changes, layover information and more. FlightStats.com can help you plan a smooth trip by advising you on the best time of day to fly from a specific airport and which terminals to avoid when connecting flights. You can also view live updates of flight delays and sign up for free e-mail and phone alerts. Flightaware.com also tracks and predicts flight delays.

If you’re delayed by weather or some unforeseen event, it pays to act quickly. The TripIt Pro smartphone app ($49/year) will send you alerts about cancellations, delays or gate changes, sometimes even ahead of an airline announcement. Use it to locate alternate flights, find out when better seats are available, get fare refund notifications, track your rewards program points, and more.

Best websites to save on hotels

Hotels.com lets you search just one site for accommodations at hundreds of thousands of properties. Plus, its rewards program is simple: For every ten nights you spend at any combination of the program’s 500,000 member properties, you’ll earn a free night’s stay. As a member, you also unlock an average discount of 15% on select hotels.

Similarly, HotelTonight is an app that lets users book hotels at low last-minute rates. Priceline Express Deals helps you find the best bargains, but there’s a catch. Priceline doesn’t tell you which hotel you’re booking until after you pay.

And try TripAdvisor.com for a detailed list of rated hotels (and excursions) that are close to your destination. The site links you to partner sites, such as Expedia and Travelocity for fulfillment. Click on the "check rates" button and select the site or sites you’d like to try — a new window with results will open for each partner.

Best websites to save on vacation rentals

Vacation rentals are an especially good value for groups because they generally offer more space and amenities for prices similar to or less than hotel rates, particularly if you look at it on a per-bed basis. Check out VRBO and Airbnb to find the perfect experience. For Marriott loyalists, Marriott Bonvoy lets you browse its 30-brand portfolio — which includes more than 2,000 private homes.

At the other end of the scale, if you don’t mind college-dorm-level amenities, check out Hostelworld.com , as a way to save money on vacation rental properties . The site lists 36,000 properties in 178 countries around the globe and includes reviews.

Best websites for cruises and vacation packages

At CruiseCompete.com , more than 500 travel agencies vie to give you the lowest prices for dates, ports and ships you specify, whether you’re booking well in advance or at the eleventh hour. You set up a CruiseCompete account, and they send you their best offers without ever seeing your personal information.

Kayak.com and Tripadvisor.com will also knit together vacation packages for you. Just type in your destination and travel dates to get the best prices.

Best websites to save on rental cars

Hotwire often offers the best-published deals on cars by collecting rates from its eight rental car company partners, including Alamo, Enterprise and Hertz. The site also offers "hot rates" from rental companies that aren't identified until after you’ve paid.

And while Hotwire does offer some good prepaid rental car deals, in certain international cities for the best overseas auto deals you should check out AutoEurope . It offers rentals at more than 20,000 locations worldwide, and customer service is available 24/7.

AutoSlash is also a good site to find rental deals, as it will apply the best coupons and discount codes to your rental and re-book your reservation if the system finds a better deal.

Best websites to save on international train tickets

Trains are often the fastest and cheapest way to travel within and between European countries. Our favorite for checking timetables and booking tickets on European train lines is RailEurope . But you might be able to catch better deals directly from European railways’ sites if you don’t get lost in translation — and make sure you have what you need to travel to Europe as an American!

Best websites for travel insurance

You never know when an emergency situation will spoil your travel plans. That's what travel insurance is for. But don't just go for the default options from agencies and travel providers. At Squaremouth , you can compare plans and prices from multiple insurance providers with just one search and narrow your search results by specifying the kind of coverage you need. Another option is InsureMyTrip.com .

Rivan joined Kiplinger on Leap Day 2016 as a reporter for Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine. A Michigan native, she graduated from the University of Michigan in 2014 and from there freelanced as a local copy editor and proofreader, and served as a research assistant to a local Detroit journalist. Her work has been featured in the Ann Arbor Observer and Sage Business Researcher . She is currently assistant editor, personal finance at The Washington Post.

Erin Bendig Personal Finance Writer
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Suggested companies

Hop2 travel, underpricer.

allsavingstravel.com Reviews

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 2.8.

Most relevant

I booked a flight with them

Date of experience : 20 January 2024

Reply from allsavingstravel.com

First time booking with this company

Date of experience : 21 May 2023

THIS COMPANY IS A SCAM!!!I paid for a…

Date of experience : 03 June 2023

Gave me wrong flight time.

Molly was amazing --very meticulous and…

Molly was amazing --very meticulous and patient with an itinerary with many parts. We are so grateful. Thank you, Molly!

Date of experience : 25 October 2023

Does Not Follow Airline Policy

Date of experience : 06 March 2023

Was charged an additional $300 change…

Was charged an additional $150 change fee per ticket when Southwest does not charge change fees. Horrible customer support, wasted hours on the phone.

Date of experience : 03 November 2022

Travel agents can't use VoIP numbers

Date of experience : 05 January 2023

HORRIBLE experience

Date of experience : 19 April 2023

BUYER BEWARE

Date of experience : 11 March 2023

Quick resolution

Each time I’ve contacted via chat each person has been very helpful. Antonio was very helpful when my flight was cancelled.

Date of experience : 26 September 2022

Alena was helpful in answering…

Alena was helpful in answering questions and easing my worries. She was friendly and responded in a timely manner.

Date of experience : 30 September 2022

Failure to communicate, promises made but not kept

Date of experience : 09 March 2023

Elvis, was a great help. He took care of my concerns in a timely manner. He has a great attitude.

Date of experience : 02 October 2022

Sasha- Customer Support

My experience with Sasha was professional/prompt and efficient. I give her a 5 rating.

Date of experience : 27 September 2022

Alena was very helpful and very timely while doing so.

Date of experience : 16 October 2022

She was helpful

She was helpful, and got Me right with the situation

Date of experience : 01 October 2022

Angel helped with everything i needed

Date of experience : 22 October 2022

Elvis was great

Date of experience : 12 October 2022

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Up to 60% on Hotels and Lodging! Find underground ticket prices for some of the world’s most popular hotel brands + condos, resorts and more. Choose your destination to find a hotel room and then choose your activities all from one website! Find discounts at restaurants, golf courses, ski slopes, health and beauty, shopping and more. Browse and book your lodging, entertainment and recreation discounts online at prices hidden from the general public.

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Save money on your long-awaited 2022 holiday with these 11 tips

Feb 18, 2022 • 7 min read

Young woman using a laptop to work out her travel itinerary and pay with her credit card.

A little planning can help you make the most of your long awaited travel this year. © Westend61 / Getty Images

Starting 2022 with the intention of booking that bucket-list trip, only to find your pockets don’t run as deep as you had hoped? Don’t despair – there are countless ways to save money, from home swaps to being savvy when it comes to food choices.

Here's our guide to making your travel money go further, so you have more to spend when you get there.

Sign up for loyalty programs & credit card bonuses

“It may seem tedious, but it’s worth joining every loyalty program you can find,” says Toronto-based financial and travel expert Barry Choi. According to Choi, most hotel loyalty programs will instantly give you early check-in just for signing up and you can earn points with airlines as long as you’re a loyalty member. For example, Expedia gives holidaymakers up to two points for every $1 spent on flights, hotels, cars, packages and things to do.

Now is also a great time to put your points to good use, according to The Points Guy ’s Senior News Editor, Clint Henderson: “Use those points and miles you’ve been hoarding during the pandemic."

Some credit cards offer generous sign-up bonuses too. “If a bonus is worth at least US$200, it’s a good card,” says Choi. “You may also consider a credit card that doesn’t charge the standard 2.5% fee when buying abroad. It may not sound like a lot but 2.5% certainly adds up over time.”

A golden-hour photo taken on Westminster Bridge in London. The sun is low in the sky, casting a glow over the scene of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, a red London bus, and people walking and cycling over the bridge.

Get a package deal

You can get some deep discounts by booking vacation packages rather than purchasing flights and hotels individually. Packages also help to save time by simplifying your travel planning overall. While many people go to sites like Expedia or Kayak to book packages, some of the best prices can be found by booking directly through the airlines, many of whom now offer their own vacation packaging options. Sites like American Airlines’ AAVacations.com can be a great place to find deals that help you save money and time.

Avoid unnecessary frills

You might be lured by the promise of low-cost flights, but it’s worth considering whether you really need that priority boarding, extra legroom or seat selection, which can vastly inflate the overall price of your journey. Similarly, you may have to forfeit the in-room massage, as hotel add-ons can rack up your bill significantly.

Setting aside ‘fun money’ from alternative sources can help you cover some additional travel frills. For example, squirreling away earnings from online purchases on cash-back sites like Rakuten can help to build up a handy pot of vacation money.

Stay at someone else's place

Imagine a holiday with no hotel bill. Some might think you’re mad to invite strangers into your home, but you can’t argue with the money-saving aspect of a home swap, especially when it extends to assets such as cars and lifestyle services like gyms or ski equipment. You also get to live like a local with all the comforts of a home.

Members of the home exchange website Love Home Swap have reported annual savings of up to US$3500 on accommodation alone. Yes, you may need to scrub the bathroom and clean out those closets, but the risks are small versus the rewards.

A man is sitting on a bench at a train station and looking at his phone, There is a large backpack sitting on the floor beside him, and a purple train is stationary at the platform.

Use price comparison websites

Gone are the days when you had to toggle 15 browsers to find the cheapest flights. Nowadays price comparison websites can do the legwork for you, guaranteeing the lowest price.

If you’re not in a rush to purchase your airfare, you can set up a price alert on sites such as Google Flights or KAYAK, which will then email you once there’s a price drop. Skyscanner is great for a quick overview of prices, AirfareWatchDog for alerts on cheap deals, and Trivago tops many when it comes to cheap rooms. However, be mindful of excessive card charges, which enable some operators to offer ‘cheaper’ deals.

Check out the best dates to fly

COVID-19 has changed a lot about flying, but some travel advice still holds true, the earlier the better is the mantra when it comes to booking.

The best time to book a short-haul flight is 70 days in advance. Look out for deals with the likes of Ryanair, who often roll out sales on routes two to three months prior to departure. Most Asian airlines set their prices according to their national holidays, which means flights at Christmas and Easter are cheaper.

Another tip is to purchase tickets for dates when tourism is slow. A little research can tell you when the shoulder season is for your destination, the time of the year where prices tend to be much lower. Booking during the winter months also tends to yield lower costs.

Consider an all-inclusive stay

The words ‘luxury’ and ‘cheap’ don’t often go together in the same sentence, but going all-inclusive can often mean reaping the reward of a well-planned vacation with plenty of luxury benefits for less. You might have to rub shoulders with other wristband-wearing guests doing the conga but paying for everything upfront means no sneaky surprises on your bill at the end of your stay.

Barry Choi recommends going a step further and booking a tour, since they often include ground transportation, accommodation, local guides, attractions and meals. He says that every tour operator is different, and suggests browsing through a comparison site such as TourRadar.com to help to find one that suits you.

Try split-ticketing your flights

There’s no rule to say you have to stay loyal to one airline, or train company for that matter. Two single flights can be cheaper than a return, and splitting your party can yield further savings. Calling the airline after booking to ensure they link your two reservations can minimize the chances of being split up.

Google Flights is a good go-to portal for mixing and matching airlines, as is Skyscanner’s ‘flexible’ search tool; it allows you to see the (sometimes cheaper) combined costs for separate flights in a way that a normal travel agency can't do.

Looking down on a street food stall. There is a huge, stainless-steel vat of boiling water, and the vendors are only visible from the torso down; they are spooning various ingredients from different containers.

Explore penny-pinching meal options

If breakfast is included in your rate then fill your boots with the buffet (and load up on snacks). But the cost of a hotel dinner, much like the mini bar, is notoriously inflated. You can also save quite a bit by booking an AirBnb and making your own meals.

Taking a five-minute walk down some back streets away from key tourist sites can invariably halve your bill and deliver a much more authentic experience. And there’s always street food for cheap, local, authentic fare.

Spring for annual insurance

According to Choi, if you travel three times a year or more, then purchasing annual travel insurance is likely to cost you less than buying separate single-trip policies.

“Keep in mind that you may already have ‘free’ travel insurance. Many travel credit cards as well as employers offer travel medical insurance, trip cancellation and lost or damaged luggage as a standard benefit. That said, it's important to read the details of your policy to ensure you have enough coverage.” For example, backpackers on extended trips longer than 31 days are often excluded from the annual insurance parameters.

Track your prices

Price tracking tools like Google Flights are a great way to snag unexpected deals on flights to a particular destination. Setting an alert for a particular destination will let you know when the best prices are available and alert you to any special offers.

In addition to tracking, Google Flights also offers extensive customization options that can save money for those without a specific destination in mind. For example, the site allows “flights to anywhere” searches that show prices from a single destination to cities all around the world, within a set date range.

You might also like: How to road trip the Southeastern US on a budget in 2022 How to save money for your next big trip 20 best free things to do in London

This article was first published Nov 20, 2019 and updated Feb 18, 2022.

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Last-minute travel can be exciting — a sudden, unexpected chance to go someplace fun, see old friends or spend time with loved ones. But that thrill can fade fast the minute you start looking at costs. Airfare, hotels and rental cars are usually a lot pricier when you book last minute, and choices can be extremely limited.

To avoid getting gouged, you need to put in some extra effort. Here’s how to get the best deal possible on that last-minute trip.

Tips to get the best last-minute travel deals

Search lots of booking sites.

Those multi-search booking engines that promise to check rates every place under the sun all at once — they do. Yet their best rates can differ substantially. Try multiple multi-search engines including Trivago, Expedia, goSeek, Kayak, Hotels.com and any others you’ve had success with in the past.

But don’t stop there. Compare their rates with prices offered directly by the airline, hotel or car rental company. This late in the game, you just can’t know who’s most eager to earn your business. The only way to find out is to check.

Check different hotel dates before booking a flight (and vice versa)

If that big, beautiful beach resort you’ve been drooling over seems unusually expensive, search for slightly different travel dates. A hotel that costs $250 a night from Oct. 1 through Oct. 7 might cost $175 a night from Oct. 2 through Oct. 7, simply because a big convention at the hotel wraps up on Oct. 1.

If your dates are flexible, you’re in a better position to save money. But even if they aren’t, check a few different date ranges to find out whether unknown variables could be affecting your rate.

Check bundle deals

If you’re lucky, packages that include both a hotel room and a flight can offer amazing last-minute travel deals. That’s because of wholesaling, in which large blocks of hotel rooms are purchased or reserved by a company that tries to resell them to you at a profit. If they buy too many, they may start slashing rates at the last minute.

Check the “vacations” or “package deals” option on airline websites, as well as with online travel agencies like Pleasant Holidays, Costco, Travelocity or Orbitz.

Don’t forget about vacation rentals

Sites like VRBO.com and HomeAway.com offer a comprehensive, searchable database of privately owned vacation rentals that might be booked up by the time you’re planning a last-minute trip. But you won’t know until you look. And if they still have openings, private owners may be willing to cut their rates to fill rooms.

» Learn more: Beyond Airbnb — your guide to peer-to-peer travel platforms

Know your airline’s 24-hour cancellation policy

Unless you’re willing to pay a premium, most airfare is nonrefundable. But did you know that “nonrefundable” often doesn’t kick in until 24 hours after you’ve made your purchase? All major U.S. airlines will let you cancel for a full refund within 24 hours (they’re subject to rules from the Department of Transportation, which other booking sites may or may not follow).

Since last-minute travelers are navigating a landscape of wildly fluctuating prices, you might as well check fares one more time 23 hours after you book, just in case you find a better deal.

Don’t assume award redemption rates mirror cash rates

If you’re thinking of using points or miles to avoid a high last-minute fare, check out your options first. The formula airlines use to decide when to make saver-level award seats available is famously opaque. Sometimes the airlines can offer well-priced redemptions when you least expect them — like at the last minute. If you have miles to spend, check cash prices vs. redemption rates; the better option may surprise you.

Look at seating charts, available rooms and car rental options

By the time you’re reserving a last-minute flight, there may be only two seats on the plane: a middle seat for you in row 20 and a middle seat for your travel companion in row 39. You’ll want to know that in advance, and decide whether it’s worth paying extra to sit together on another flight or in an upgraded cabin.

For hotels, regardless of where you book, check the hotel website to see what room categories are still available. If they’re down to just one room type, that means you probably won’t be able to change rooms if you’re unhappy since they’re almost at capacity. You may get a better rate at a property that still has many empty rooms.

Definitely reserve a car as soon as you can. You don’t want to arrive at your destination airport to learn there are no rental cars available. And just because you’re able to make a reservation online doesn’t necessarily mean the car rental company has vehicles available. Call ahead to be sure, and ask about any active discounts.

Peruse restaurant and activity reservations online

If you’re headed to a ski resort, theme park, spring break hot spot or other likely crowded destination, restaurants could be booked weeks in advance. If you envision a sit-down meal or two, take a quick peek at OpenTable or Yelp Reservations to make sure you’re not left wandering around hungry. You can also check the availability of many tours, spas and activities online by playing with their reservations tool to select various dates.

Get to know your credit card’s travel concierge

If you have a travel rewards card, you may have a personal travel assistant right in your wallet. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , The Platinum Card® from American Express , the Citi Prestige® Card and Mastercards with the World Elite logo come with complimentary 24-hour concierge service. Terms apply.

This means real humans are standing by to help you find everything from hotel rooms to Broadway tickets. When better to tap their expertise than when you’re looking for last-minute deals? If you’re not sure exactly what the concierge can do, they can help you with that too — just ask.

Get your house in order

In the scramble to find last-minute deals, don’t forget all the other things you must do to get out the door fast. Make sure the dog walker is in town. Put a vacation hold on your mail delivery. Get your prescriptions filled and load the kids’ devices with books, games and in-flight entertainment.

We recommend making a list of every task you need to complete, to make sure you’re not boarding a plane and wondering if you remembered to pack your reading glasses or unlock the gate for the landscaper.

Last-minute travel deals, recapped

When looking for vacation deals at the last minute, make sure to review your options, use the resources available and remain flexible. But bbove all, have fun. Last-minute travel can be a great adventure when you’re doing your best to both save money and experience something new.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

United States Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 14, 2024

sunset over the Grand Canyon, United States

The United States isn’t a popular destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Most overseas tourists come here for a short vacation, visit one or two cities, and then head home. They usually stick to the big coastal cities or places like Disney.

And it wasn’t until COVID that Americans en-masse bothered to hop in their cars and explore their backyard.

The U.S. is massive country that lacks a lot of tourist infrastructure or good cross-country transportation. Hostels haven’t quite caught on, trains don’t go to many places, and we don’t offer working holiday visas to attract young working backpackers. In short, it’s hard to get around.

However, the United States has a lot to offer: stunning national parks, gorgeous landscapes, incredible and diverse culture, world-class music, and a variety of delicious cuisine that varies from region to region.

I think the U.S. is one of the best destinations in the world to road trip . I’ve done several multi-month road trips across the United States . While the coastal cities are fun, the U.S. really reveals itself in the middle and countryside (it’s much more affordable there too). It’s in the nooks and crannies of America that you get a sense of its quirks.

But even if you aren’t spending months visiting the country in a car, there’s still a lot you can do via train, bus, or plane.

This travel guide to the United States can help you navigate the country, save money, and get off the beaten path.

Things to See and Do
Typical Costs
Suggested Budget
Money-Saving Tips
Where to Stay
How to Get Around
How to Stay Safe
Best Places to Book Your Trip
Related Blogs on the United States

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in the united states.

Dramatic, jagged mountains in front of an expansive blue lake with a small, tree-covered island in the middle, in Glacier National Park, United States.

1. Explore New York City

The city that never sleeps is one of the greatest cities in the world. There’s nothing you can’t do or see and you’ll find every language and food from around the world here. From world-class museums and art galleries to innovative theater performances to unique restaurants to the expansive Central Park, you can fill a lifetime of activities here. You can take the ferry to Ellis Island, see the Statue of Liberty, hang with the hipsters in Brooklyn, see a Yankees game, and so, so much more. Check out my detailed guide for everything you need to do .

2. Visit the Grand Canyon

Words can’t describe how epicly beautiful the Grand Canyon is. It’s simply breathtaking. Most people just look out at the canyon from the overlook at the top, but its vast size and beauty are best appreciated with a hike down to the Colorado River so try to do that if you have time (make the time). The canyon itself is 6,000 feet deep, and you can find plenty of hikes to take you further into the canyon that will give you a chance to experience it in more detail. For a shorter hike, Grandview Trail to the first overlook at Coconino Saddle and back is only a couple of miles. If you have a whole day to spend and want to challenge yourself, try the 12.5 miles from Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point. Just be sure to bring plenty of water!

3. Discover Austin

The warm weather, lively honky-tonks, funky house bars on Rainey Street, amazing walking and biking trails, tons of outdoor activities — Austin is great (I lived there for many years). You can always find great live music on 6th Street. On a hot day, Barton Springs pool is the perfect place to cool off, there’s always something to do, the food scene gets better and better, and everyone is very welcoming. It’s one of the best cities in the U.S., boasting a combination of nature, city, and delicious food. Be sure to binge on BBQ while you’re here!

4. Visit Glacier National Park

This is my favorite national park in the country. It’s home to gorgeous snow-topped mountains, a beautiful lake from which to admire said mountains, large glaciers, and hiking trails galore. It is one of the most mind-blowing places I’ve seen on my adventures. There are more than 700 miles of hiking trails in the park that provide everyone an opportunity to explore the landscape. Park rangers offer various programs and guided tours are also available. There are spots for fishing and additional trails for biking and horseback riding. (If you plan to visit multiple national parks while traveling throughout the United States, it’s worth it to get the America the Beautiful Park Pass, which costs just $80 USD and provides entry to all the national parks for a year.)

5. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway

The Pacific Coast is considered one of the most scenic landscapes in the world, offering sheer cliffs, forests descending to the shoreline, miles of beaches, and giant redwoods. The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) runs 1,650 miles from San Diego, California to Seattle, Washington taking you from the warm, sunny beaches to the lush temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. Highway 1 thorough California is one of the longest historic state highways in the country. The California portion alone route takes 10 hours without stopping but I recommend dedicating at least several days to enjoy all the great stops along the way.

Other Things to See and Do in the United States

NOTE: There’s a lot to do in the United States and you can spend months traveling around the country . I could write an entire book on the places to visit! This is just a list to give you some ideas. Be sure to check out some of my other articles and city specific guides (scroll to the bottom of this guide for links) for more suggestions.

1. Have fun in Memphis

Gritty and industrial, Memphis appears like its best days are behind it. But don’t let the rough exterior fool you — the city is home to some killer food and a vibrant blues music scene. It is a cool city with boisterous and friendly locals. I love the vibe here. There’s Graceland (Elvis’s home) for fans of the King, a big waterfront for walking, and the phenomenal Museum of Civil Rights (it’s huge, so don’t rush it!). The city is going through a big revival right now. To use a cliché, it’s a hidden gem as most people, to their detriment, skip over it.

2. Discover Asheville

Asheville is full of tasty craft beer, great restaurants, and plenty of outdoor loving residents. The beautiful Smoky Mountains are a short drive away, Asheville Botanical Gardens are right near the university, and the gigantic Biltmore estate (the largest privately-owned home in the U.S. and once home to George Vanderbilt) is on the outskirts of the city. (If you’ve ever seen Downton Abbey, that’s what the house is like!) The town has a lot of parks and there are a lot of beautiful biking and hiking trails that you can get to from the center of town.

3. Explore Redwood National Park

Along the Pacific Coast is Redwood National Park, a huge expanse of towering redwood trees filled with picnic areas, places to camp, and miles upon miles of hiking trails. Trails range from easy to strenuous, and there are many loops that head out to nearby beaches. The trees range from 200-240 feet tall. It’s utterly beautiful, awe-inspiring, and humbling in every way. Admission is free, though the three adjoining state parks (Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park) each charge $10 USD.

4. Explore Denver

Known as the Mile High City (the city is one mile above sea level), Denver offers a mix of outdoor ruggedness and big-city living. It has a huge craft beer scene, excellent restaurants (including, Sushi Sasa, one of my favorite sushi restaurants), a large international airport with lots of connections, and is close to the mountains. There are a lot of interesting museums, including the Denver Art Museum, Meow Wolf Denver, and the Clifford Still Museum. There’s plenty of art outside of the museums as well and there are walking tours available to show you around, if you prefer that to exploring on your own. It’s clean, lively, and the locals are incredibly friendly.

5. Get off-the-beaten-path in Natchez

I was surprised by Natchez . I didn’t know anything about it when it was recommended as a place to see historic 19th-century homes. These mansions were built by white plantation owners wanting to escape the summer heat and socialize with each other. As cotton became king, the houses became ever larger and more elaborate. Today, the homes are historic monuments you can tour while enjoying a view of the Mississippi River. It’s far off the beaten path and you’ll need a car to visit but it’s worth the trek.

6. Visit Savannah

Sitting on Georgia’s coast, Savannah escaped the wrath of the Civil War, allegedly because General Sherman thought it was too pretty to be destroyed. With streets lined with Spanish moss-covered oaks, large and inviting parks, and a bustling waterfront, Savannah is a wonderful place to experience the slow pace of the South. There are a number of interesting historical sites like the Bonaventure Cemetery and Factors Row. The city is full of small squares and sprawling parks where you can enjoy a stroll or a picnic. And nearby Tybee Island is a draw for many visitors due to its sandy beaches and slow pace of life.

7. Dive into Nashville’s music scene

Nashville is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. It’s got a wonderful music scene (duh), a growing cocktail bar culture, and some world-class down-home Southern restaurants. There’s not a lot of “touristy stuff” to do here, but what makes this city one of my favorites are the music, the food, the wildly friendly people, and the positive energy the city seems to exude. When you’re here, plan to spend a few hours at the Tennessee State Museum. It goes into detail about the state’s history (and it’s more exciting than you might think!).

8. Catch some rays in sunny San Diego

I love San Diego. San Diego’s weather is almost always perfect, leading to a permanently happy population that’s friendly and outgoing and that loves the outdoors. From hiking, days at the beach, or running, people here love to get out and enjoy the sun. The downtown Gaslamp area — as well as the famous Pacific Beach — is full of trendy restaurants, bustling bars, and some seriously life-changing taco stalls.

9. Get tipsy in California’s Wine Country

California is home to some of the best wine in the world, and a visit to the Sonoma or Napa Valley shouldn’t be missed. While Sonoma is cheaper than Napa, both these destinations are meant for splashing out. Take a tour, book a cozy vineyard Airbnb, and enjoy a relaxing few days learning about the region’s wines. Tastings usually cost between $15-20 USD. If you go to Sonoma, check out Three Fat Guys winery. They have phenomenal reds.

10. Hike around Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is impressive and beautiful. Ringed by tiny mountain communities, this is a terrific place for hiking and boating in the summer and skiing in the winter. For fun in the sun, be sure to spend some time lounging at Kings Beach. For hikes, check out the Rubicon Trail (16 miles/25.7 kilometers) or the Cascade Falls Trail (1.4 miles/2.2 kilometers). You can’t really go wrong here.

11. Anywhere in Montana

A lot has been written about how stunning Montana is, but words cannot do this state justice. To me, it’s the most beautiful state in the Union, filled with wondrous mountains and hills as far as the eye can see. It’s a nature-lover’s paradise and there is a huge craft beer scene here too, with tons of local breweries all around the state. If you want nature, good food, friendly locals, and just quiet, Montana is it!

12. Relax in Cape Cod

I spent a lot of summers on the Cape since I grew up in Boston. You’ll find plenty of small beach towns along the coast (Provincetown and Hyannis being the most famous but I also love Chatham, Falmouth, Wellfleet, and Brewster). There’s not a lot to “do” but if you’re looking for seafood, beaches, boardwalks, and that perfect family vacation, visit the Cape! Just avoid the weekends when it gets a little too crowded.

13. Explore Deadwood

Tucked away in western South Dakota, this town was famous during the Old West days (noteworthy enough to be the focus of the eponymous HBO series). Wyatt Earp, Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hickok, and many other infamous gunslingers all spent time here. Sort of kitschy and re-created, it’s nonetheless a very cool place where you can experience a taste of the old frontier days. It’s also conveniently located near the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore so you can use it as a base for exploring the region.

14. Be surprised by Kansas City

I really loved this city, which features some of the world’s best BBQ and a lively downtown core. There’s a detailed and enlightening jazz museum here, as well as the eye-opening Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (that’s the actual name). This is yet another super underrated and under-visited destination.

15. Stay weird in Portland

Portland , Oregon is incredible. Here you’ll find an impressive food truck scene, cool bespoke bars and cocktail lounges, a craft beer scene that’s religion to residents, relaxing parks (including a peaceful Japanese garden), a vibrant art scene, and hiking in the nearby mountains. Portland is just an awesome city, especially in the summer when the weather is perfect and there are festivals and events galore.

16. Hike our national parks

America has 63 national parks as well as countless state and local parks. These parks highlight the best of the American wilderness. Yellowstone, Yosemite, Glacier, Zion, Byrce, the Smokey Mountains, Rocky Mountain Park, the Badlands — the list goes on. Make sure you visit as many national parks as you can to get a sense of the grand and diverse landscape that is the United States. You can use this government map to find a park near you! If you plan to visit multiple parks, get the America the Beautiful Park Pass, which costs just $80 USD and gets you free entry to all the national parks for a year.

17. Admire the architecture in Chicago

One of my favorite cities in the world, Chicago is full of amazing architecture, great parks, delicious and hearty food, and a fun nightlife. One of the best ways to see the city’s unique architecture is on a river cruise. There are multiple operators and prices start around $45. Don’t miss trying deep-dish pizza (it was invented here, along with stuffed-crust pizza) and seeing the iconic “Bean” sculpture in Millennium Park. Additionally, check out the city’s famous pier, aquarium, and waterfront park. The city also hosts one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the country.

18. Enjoy Lively New Orleans

This French-influenced city has incredible seafood and Cajun cuisine and even better live music. A visit to New Orleans is a must for any jazz or blues fan. Live music is available seven nights a week. Frenchman Street is one of the best places to go (my favorite venue is the Spotted Cat). There are also tons of amazing walking tours that highlight the city’s unique culture and history (including ghost and voodoo tours). Nature lovers will enjoy wandering through the massive oak trees in City Park where you can also visit the city’s Botanical Gardens, which are open year-round. Admission is $12. Plus, there’s incredible independent bookstores, creole food, art museums, and the simply incredible and informative World War 2 museum. Don’t skip roaming the redone and revitalized Bywater district too. It’s a bit hipster. If you plan on celebrating Mardi Gras in NOLA , book early. Accommodations fill up fast.

19. Get some sun in Hawaii

Closer to Asia than the United States, Hawaii is America’s slice of South Pacific paradise. White sands beaches, clear blue water, tropical jungle, and great surf — Hawaii has it all! Don’t miss the otherworldly landscapes of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, the somber memorial at Pearl Harbor, and the hikes at Diamond Head and the Lanikai Pillbox Trail near Honolulu. There are a ton of opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving where you get a chance to see manta rays, sea turtles, and plenty of colorful fish. Waimea Canyon and the Napali coast on the island of Kauai are places you can get up close and personal with the natural landscape. There are helicopter and boat tours or, if you’re up for a challenge, you can hike the iconic Kalalau Trail. Every island has its own vibe so, if you can, visit more than one.

20. Check out Boston

The birthplace of the revolution (and my hometown), no one leaves Boston disappointed. It’s a big city, but its lack of high-rises, as well as its cobblestone streets and brick buildings, give the city a small-town feel. The Freedom Trail, which covers all the main historic stops, is a must because it gives you a look at the city’s historic past. Be sure to lounge in the Boston Common and catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park too (the city is big on sports).

21. Visit the nation’s capital

The country’s capital is home to many of the best museums in the country. And, given the large number of international embassy workers here, it’s unsurprising one of the most international cities in the country. You can find food from anywhere in the world thanks to all the embassies in the city. Plus, there’s a vibrant music and cocktail scene. Don’t miss the National Mall and all its monuments, the Holocaust Museum, and the various Smithsonian Museums (some of the best are the Air and Space Museum, the Museum of the American Indian, the African American Museum, the National Zoo, the Smithsonian Castle, and the American Art Museum). If you visit in the spring, you’ll get to see the cherry blossoms bloom along the Mall.

22. Learn about Mt. Rushmore

Completed in 1941, this historic monument in the Black Hills of South Dakota is a lot smaller than you expect, but it makes a good stop while driving. Originally, the indigenous Lakota Sioux inhabited this area, however, when gold was found in the hills, white settlers forcibly removed them from their homeland. At the Wounded Knee massacre, U.S. forces killed over 250 indigenous women and children. Decades later, Rushmore was built, much to the dismay of the local indigenous population, who consider the land to be sacred. Take a guided tour to learn more about this iconic monument’s complex and tragic history.

23. Be a kid at Disney World

Sure, it’s cheesy . Yes, it’s built for kids. True, it’s not authentic. But despite all that, Disney World is still a fun time and they have a lot of rides for adults too. I recently went back as an adult and there’s a lot to do there: they have some good restaurants, and Disney Springs has a fun nightlife. If you are in Florida, take a stop for a few days. Indulge your inner child. Tickets cost around $110 USD per day and go up from there.

24. Hike the Appalachian Mountains

Stretching the east coast of America, these mountains are almost 500 million years old and offer great hiking, camping, and trekking. For a multi-month adventure, hike the 2,190-mile (3,524-kilometer) Appalachian Trail which covers the entire mountain range and takes 5-7 months to complete. You can also do day hikes or weekend hikes of its various sections if you want a more manageable outdoor getaway.

25. Unwind in Put-In-Bay

One of the coolest, not-so-hidden places in the U.S. is this group of islands in Lake Erie. Widely known to Midwesterners (but unknown to most everyone else), South Bass Island is home to Put-in-Bay, where Midwest hospitality meets Caribbean vibes (you ride around in golf carts and bars have sand as floors). My favorite spot is Mojito Bay, an outdoor tiki bar with sand floors and swings for bar seats that offers up more than 25 different mojitos. These places get very wild on the weekends too.

26. Explore Maine

Tucked away up in the northeast, Maine evokes images of endless shorelines, wild forests, iconic lighthouses, and lots and lots of lobster dinners. It’s often overlooked yet it’s incredibly beautiful and perfect for a short road trip. Don’t miss trying lobster rolls (a regional favorite) and hiking in Acadia National Park. Portland has some great eateries (such as Duckfat and Eventide Oyster Co.) and picturesque historic lighthouses, including Maine’s oldest operating lighthouse, the Portland Head Light, which opened in 1791 when George Washington was president. Additionally, tiny Bangor is home to tons of breweries and Moosehead State Park is an incredible place to go hiking for a few days. And you can’t go wrong stopping in any of the quintessential New England fishing villages up and down the coast. Maine is one of the best states in the union!

27. Take a road trip

The only good way to see this vast and diverse landscape and the small towns that populate it is with a road trip . I highly suggest renting a car and driving across the U.S. It’s an amazing experience. I’ve done several coast-to-coast trips as well as regional trips around New England , California , and the South . It’s the best way to see the country and you can do it for under $50 USD a day.

For the best rental car deals, use Discover Cars .

28. Take a tour

You can find all sorts of amazing walking tours, bike tours, and food tours all around the country. They’re a great way to get an in-depth look at the city you’re in with the help of an expert local guide. Take Walks is my go-to walking tour company when I’m looking for something thorough and insightful (and fun). They can get you behind the scenes and are much more comprehensive than your average free walking tour.

For information on specific cities in the United States, check out these city guides:

Austin Travel Guide
Boston Travel Guide
Chicago Travel Guide
Hawaii Travel Guide
Las Vegas Travel Guide
Los Angeles Travel Guide
Miami Travel Guide
New York Travel Guide
Philadelphia Travel Guide
San Francisco Travel Guide
Seattle Travel Guide
Washington D.C. Travel Guide

United States Travel Costs

Arched Bixby Creek Bridge along the Pacific Coast Highway, with lush hills in the background, in California, United States.

Accommodation – Hostels can be found in most major cities, though options are generally slim in the country. A bed in a dorm room with 4-6 beds usually costs between $35-55 USD per night. Rooms with more beds are marginally cheaper (they start around $25-30 USD per night). Private rooms are usually $75-125 USD. Expect prices on the higher end in bigger cities and during peak season. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities. Hostels with free breakfast are rare.

If you plan on camping, expect to pay at least $20-30 USD per night for a basic tent plot for two without electricity.

Cheap motels usually start around $60-75 USD per night and can be found along any highway. Expect basic amenities like TV, Wi-Fi, and AC. Some have pools.

Budget two-star hotels start at $90 USD per night. But, in major cities like NYC, LA, or Chicago, they start closer to $125 USD. The U.S. is very vast and prices fluctuate a lot depending on what region you’re in so check out the specific city guides listed above for more detailed information on accommodation. The United States is too diverse to pin down a specific number!

Airbnb is available around the country, with private rooms starting at $40 USD per night, though for good rooms, you’ll likely pay closer to $60 USD. For an entire home/apartment, expect to pay at least $100 USD per night. Prices in large cities are usually double. Again, there’s a lot of variation depending on where you’re going so check out the city guides for more specific prices!

Food – From seafood in New England to BBQ in the South to Tex-Mex and organic whole foods in the West to German influenced food in the Midwest, there is no singular food culture in the US. Every region has its own staples, which means you’ll never get bored of eating your way around the country.

Since the country is so big, prices for food vary a lot. What is $5 USD in Kansas is probably $15 USD in New York City. Below are some country averages but, if visiting a big metropolis/coastal city, add about 25% to the price.

Grab-and-go sandwiches usually cost around $10 USD while fast food costs $10-12 USD for a combo meal. Meals from food trucks will cost between $10-15 USD. Mid-range casual restaurants cost between $25-30 USD for a meal and drink. At some place a little nicer (think white table cloth), expect to spend at least $60 USD per person on dinner. Prices go up from there and the sky is the limit. Again, consult the city and destination guides for specific prices.

You can generally find takeout pizzas for around $10-15 USD while Chinese and Thai cuisine start around $10-12 USD for a main dish.

Beer is around $6-8 USD, a glass of wine is $8-10 USD, and cocktails start at $14 USD in most cities (about $20 USD in NYC though!). A latte/cappuccino is $4-5 USD and bottled water is $2 USD.

If you cook your own food, expect to pay about $60-80 USD per week for basic staples like rice, pasta, vegetables, and some meat.

Backpacking the United States Suggested Budgets

How much does it cost to visit the United States? Well, how much you spend largely depends on where in the United States you’re going to visit. For example, New York City is much more expensive than Memphis and San Francisco is going to hit your budget harder than Boise. The South is cheaper than the North and the interior states are cheaper than the coasts. The comparisons are endless! However, this overview can give you a basic look at what to expect based on your travel style and assuming you’re going to mix cheap and expensive destinations.

On a backpacking budget of $75 USD per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook your meals, use public transportation to get around, limit your drinking, and do free activities like walking tours, hiking, and hanging out at beaches. If you plan on drinking, add another $10-20 USD per day. If you can camp or Couchsurf, you can likely get this down to $50-60 USD per day.

On a mid-range budget of $210 USD per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or motel, eat out for most meals, enjoy some drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like museum visits and food tours.

On an upscale budget of $350 USD or more per day, you can stay in a midrange hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car to get around, and do as many guided tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

United States Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

There are plenty of ways to save money when you travel the U.S. but it varies a lot by region (as I’ve been repeating). The general tips below can help you get started but, for more specific tips, visit my city guides.

Take a free tour – Taking a free walking tour is the best way to get introduced to a new place, and most major cities in the U.S. have free walking tours. You get to see the main sights and ask all your questions to a local guide. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
Take the bus – The cheapest way to get around the U.S. is by bus. Bus fares cost as little as $1 USD, though 2-3-hour journeys start around $30 USD. Between cities, the best companies are Megabus, Greyhound, and FlixBus.
Redeem hotel points – Be sure to sign up for hotel credit cards before you go and use those points when you travel. This is especially helpful in big cities. Be aware that most hotels charge parking fees if you have a car.
Get a U.S. Park Pass – This national park pass lets you into all the national parks for free so you don’t have to keep paying admission. The annual fee is $80 USD and it pays for itself after four parks.
Cook – The United States has some of the cheapest groceries in the developed world, while eating out here can add up quickly once you factor in a tip and tax (which varies by state). Grocery shopping can about $60 USD per week and is way cheaper and healthier than eating out every day. Cook and save!
Stay with a local – Couchsurfing lets you stay with a local for free, cutting your accommodation costs drastically. You’ll get to spend time with a local who can share their tips and advice while sharing your own travel stories and culture. You can also use the app to meet people for activities (coffee, museum visits, etc.) if you don’t feel comfortable staying with a stranger.
Camp – Most campsites start around $20-30 USD per night for a tent — much cheaper than a hostel. You can use nps.gov to find campsites run by the National Park Service. You can also camp for free in National Forests or Bureau Land Management (BLM) lands (search for “dispersed camping” options). Just be sure to respect the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles when camping.
Use city tourism cards – City tourism cards allow you to see a large number of attractions (and often include free public transportation) for one low price, usually $75–100 USD. If you plan on seeing a lot, these can save you a ton.
Share your ride – If you have a car, taking on riders can be a way to lower your costs. On my first trip across the U.S., I offered rides to people I met in hostels. On another trip, I had friends and readers join me along the way. You can post ads on Craigslist and at hostels to find riders. This not only makes the trip more enjoyable but lowers your gas costs too. If you don’t have a car, you can use look for rides in the same places.
Stay at roadside hotels – There are a plethora of cheap roadside hotels such as Motel 6 and Super 8 to the rescue. Rooms start around $60-75 USD a night (plus tax). They’re great when you’re traveling with someone and can split the cost.
Find free museums and events – Inquire at tourism offices, use Google, or ask hotel or hostel staff for information about free events and museums. Many museums offer free or discounted admission times throughout the week.
Get free water or free refills – If you order a drink, most restaurants allow free refills while you eat your meal or refills at a low cost. If you ask, tap water is usually provided for free.
Save on gas – If you’re on a road trip, use the app GasBuddy to find cheap gas near you. Also, sign up for gas station loyalty programs as they can save you money on fill ups.

Where to Stay in the United States

Hostels are not all that plentiful across the United States yet. Generally, those that do exist are clean, social, and fun. You’ll find a lot of budget hotels wherever you go. here are some of my recommended places to stay around the USA (the cities guides will have even more suggestions):

HI Hostel (Boston)
The Revolution Hotel (Boston)
HI Hostel (Chicago)
The Arlo (Chicago)
Banana Bungalow (Los Angeles)
Hollywood Historic Hotel Los Angeles
Hostel Memphis (Memphis)
Hu Hotel (Memphis)
Freehand (Miami)
Hotel Ocean (Miami)
HI New Orleans (New Orleans)
Villa Convento (New Orleans)
The Local (New York City)
Heritage Hotel (New York City)
ITH Adventure Hostel (San Diego)
Old Town Inn (San Diego)
The Green Tortoise (San Francisco)
SW Hotel (San Francisco)
The Green Tortoise (Seattle)
MarQueen Hotel (Seattle)

How to Get Around the United States

Amtrak train passing through trees in the United States.

City transportation – Most U.S. cities have public transportation, including metro systems and buses. Fares cost around $2-3 USD for a single journey, but there are usually packaged options for visitors. For example, you can get a 7-day unlimited MetroCard in New York City for $34 USD, which covers both buses and the subway system, while San Francisco offers a 7-day transit pass for $41 USD.

Outside of major cities, subways are rare. Some of the smaller cities have trams. Everywhere has a bus though and that’s usually the best way to get around.

Taxis – Taxis are metered with charges starting around $3 USD plus $2-3 USD per mile. This is one of the most expensive ways to get around, however, so I’d skip it unless you have no other choice.

Ridesharing – Uber and Lyft are generally cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi.

Intercity Bus – Taking the bus is one of the cheapest options for getting around the country, with fares as low as $1 USD if you book far enough in advance. Popular bus companies include:

A 4-5-hour bus ride from New York to Washington D.C. starts at $30 USD, while the 7-hour journey from Chicago to Detroit starts at $27 USD. Austin to New Orleans is around $54 USD. Booking early can save you upwards of 50% so try to plan ahead if you’re going to be taking the bus.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Flying – Flying is your quickest option for long distance. You can occasionally find sales for as little as $100 USD so it’s worth it to check several websites ahead of time to see what deals are on. Post-COVID, fares are a lot higher than they were in the past. But if you find a deal, book in advance, or go off season, you can usually get a cheap fare. Sample one-way fares include San Francisco to Maui for $100-150 USD, Seattle to Austin for $85-115 USD, or New York to L.A. for $250 USD (round trip). However, prices can easily double if booked last minute.

For more information on how to find a cheap flight, check out this article .

Train – Amtrak is the rail provider for the United States, but it’s not the quickest or most affordable way to travel. They have routes all around the country ( here’s their route map ) and offer a cross-country pass for $499 USD. The USA Rail Pass gives you 30 days of travel over 10 segments, which averages out to around $50 USD per leg.

If you have a valid student ID you can save 15% on your tickets.

As for prices, A 20-hour train ride from Chicago to New Orleans costs around $110 USD, while a multi-day trip from New York to Los Angeles is around $280 USD. Book in advance to find the best deals. Shorter trips lasting 2-4 hours are usually under $40 USD.

Car rental – Roadtripping is a great way to explore the country, and car rentals can be found for as little as $35 USD for a multi-day rental. Renters need to be at least 21 years old. For the best rental car deals, use Discover Cars .

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in the United States is common and safe. Dress respectably, smile while making eye contact with drivers, and use a cardboard sign to tell people where you’re headed. Be prepared for long bouts of no pick-ups, especially if you’re traveling through more rural areas. Pack plenty of water and a light meal or two, like sandwiches and fruit. Hitchwiki is a great resource for additional hitchhiking tips.

When to Go to the United States

Since the United States is such a large country, the climate and temperature change drastically from coast to coast and from north to south.

The northern states have clearly defined seasons. In cities like Chicago, Boston, and New York, winter can bring heavy snowfall and more severe temperatures. Coastal areas like Seattle and Portland, Oregon, tend to be milder. Spring can start as late as May in the northernmost parts of the country, but this is a good time to visit because the weather begins to warm up and the busy tourist season hasn’t started yet. Summers are gorgeous and temperatures climb into the 80s°F (30s°C). It’s also the busiest time of year for tourism. Autumn is a wonderful time to visit the northern states because many parts of this region have a lot of trees. Temperatures have cooled, crowds have dwindled, and the changing leaves offer an something extra to enjoy.

The southern states have less defined seasons. In the southwest, winters tend to be dry and mild. In the southeast, temperatures are mild but places like and Memphis can be rainy. Spring is a wonderful time to visit this part of the country because temperatures are warm but not stifling. Summers get incredibly hot and humid in the southeast. In the desert areas of the southwest, like Las Vegas, temperatures can soar well above 104°F (40°C) on some days. Autumn cools things off across the southern states, but can also bring severe weather in the southeast. .

Ultimately, the best time to travel to the United States depends on where you’re headed and what kind of activities you’d like to do. Visit our city guides for more specific information on when to go.

How to Stay Safe in the United States

The United States is a massive country and “safety” changes a lot depending on where you go and what you do. Generally, the US safe place to travel around — even if you’re traveling solo.

Violent attacks tend to be confined to certain areas (especially where drug and gang violence are a problem). You may encounter petty crime, like theft, especially around popular tourist landmarks and in larger cities, especially on the west coast where theft is a much more common problem. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, especially while taking crowded public transportation.

Gun violence and mass shootings tend to dominate headlines when they happen. However, the chances of it happening to you are slim. Do not let this discourage you from exploring the United States. The U.S. is very big and very, very diverse. And, due to this size, there is a lot of cultural (and political) variation. Despite what you hear, crime in America is low. (There was far more crime in the US in the 1990s!). For more information, read this post, “ Is it Safe to Visit the United States?”

If you rent a vehicle, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. Take common sense safety measures and you’ll be fine.

Moreover, be sure to read about common travel scams to avoid here .

When hiking, always bring water and sunscreen. Be sure to check the weather before you depart and dress accordingly.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe but all the standard safety cautions apply. For specific tips, I would read one of the many incredible solo female travel blogs on the web. They’ll give you tips and advice that I can’t.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

United States Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

United States Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on United States travel and continue planning your trip:

Where to Stay in San Francisco: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 12 Best Things to Do in Chicago

The 5 Best Hotels in San Francisco

How to Experience Milwaukee Like a Local

The 7 Best Hotels in New York City

The 7 Best Hotels in Miami

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

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6 strategies to save you real money on travel, traveling isn't getting cheaper. here's how you can save money on your next trip..

The demand for travel has steadily increased over the last year, even though the Covid-19 pandemic is far from being over. Through the first nine days of August, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened over 18 million passengers, nearly three times more than the same time last year.

While still 20% lower than the traffic seen in 2019, the roaring comeback of travel has lead to a lack of airline seats, hotel rooms and overwhelmed staff. However, competition is as fierce as ever to get consumers back on the road and there are plenty of deals to be had if you look in the right place.

With the tools and strategies listed below, you'll be well prepared to save on your upcoming travel expenses.

How to save money on travel

Use flight search aggregators and deal websites, rental cars, hotels vs. airbnb, using airline credit cards to save on baggage fees, drive to a different airport, don't forget about points and miles, bottom line.

You should always start your flight searches on a search aggregator such as Google Flights or Momondo. These websites bring together a list of flights that match the needs of your itinerary, and will send you to an external website like the airline's website or an online travel agency to complete the booking process.

This is a great place to get a sense of what your airfare will cost, and give you additional options and booking ideas if you are flexible on dates and times.

However, if you are the type of traveler that is always looking for a bargain , there are several flight deal websites that will send you alerts when a particularly good deal is live. Some have a recurring subscription cost. Here are a few popular services:

The Flight Deal
Secret Flying
Travel Pirates
Scott's Cheap Flights

There are also dozens of social media accounts that post flight deals regularly. There is likely at least one page curated for your preferred airport. Type into Google "______ (insert your preferred airport) flight deals on social media", and you should be able to find an account that posts regularly.

Several accounts that can help you find deals are:

NewYorkFlightDeals on Instagram (Flying out of JFK)
FlightsFromHome on Instagram (Flying out of SLC)
MinneapolisFlightDeals on Instagram (Flying out of MSP)
PhiladelphiaFlightDeals on Instagram (Flying out of PHL)

The car market has been on tilt since the start of the pandemic. Prices for renting and purchasing vehicles have been at record highs in recent months, leaving travelers with few affordable options.

Instead of booking directly with one of the large rental car operators, consider these options as additional resources before reserving a rental car the old fashioned way.

Costco rental car

Costco is a favorite for many American shoppers, but did you know they offer travel services as well? Next time you're looking for a rental car, take a look at the Costco rental car website . By putting in your travel dates and location, the site will aggregate the best deals for you. In addition, Costco members qualify for additional discounts and free upgrades.

You do not need a membership to search through Costco, but you will need one to check out and secure a rental car.

Similar to the Costco rental car site, Autoslash is an aggregator that pulls together information of the best rental car deals at your destination.

Once you input your travel information and preferences, Autoslash will email you within minutes with the best rental car deals.

Autoslash is completely free to use and is well known for being one of the best places to secure a cheap car rental.

Sometimes referred to as the 'AirBnB of cars', Turo is a peer-to-peer marketplace where you can rent cars from owners directly.

You'll find all sorts of options through Turo, including regular everyday cars all the way to super luxury vehicles.

The benefit of using Turo is that prices typically do not surge like traditional rental car agencies, so it can be a great alternative if you want to save money.

This is a debate among many travelers. Yes, they each provide a place to rest during your travels, but the amenities and experience they provide are quite different.

Yes, a hotel has housekeeping, amenities and other services attached to it. Also, staying at a hotel allows you to earn hotel rewards that can later be redeemed for free hotel nights, and pairing it with a hotel credit card can make it an even more enjoyable experience because of elite status perks.

Airbnb provides a much different experience as there is no check-in desk or dedicated staff at every property. You're mostly on your own once your at the property, but you can still get assistance prior to or during your stay by communicating with your Airbnb host.

While one is not automatically cheaper than the other, having more options can help reduce your costs if you are flexible with where you stay.

Generally, if you are traveling with a large group, it will be much more cost efficient to go with an Airbnb. In addition, an Airbnb home will likely come with a fully stocked kitchen, so you can prepare meals at your Airbnb rather than going out to eat every night. And unlike many hotels, you will not be on the hook for things like resort fees or parking fees.

Many travelers have an allegiance to one side of the checked bag versus carry-on bag argument. For some, a carry on means not having to worry about your bag being damaged or lost. For others, checking a bag means one less thing to carry and worry about during your journey.

For those who like to pack heavy or need to bring items that aren't allowed inside an airplane cabin, you can save on checked bag fees by using an airline credit card . Many airline cards, including several of the Delta SkyMiles credit cards , $0 checked bag fees for cardholders and companions traveling on the same itinerary. In many cases that can save up to $60 per person on a round-trip ticket.

But if you don't have an airline credit card, you'll likely favor a carry-on bag. Each airline has different specifications as to what qualifies as a carry on, but you'll usually end up with more money in your pocket if you stick with a smaller bag.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and 1X Mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn 40,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150

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20.99% - 29.99% variable

Balance transfer fee

Foreign transaction fees, credit needed.

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See rates and fees , terms apply.

If you don't mind a road trip before your next flight, departing from a different airport than normal can save you serious cash.

For example, if you live in Salt Lake City, you are only roughly six hours away from Las Vegas and Denver. Or if you live in San Diego, the quick trip to LAX may be worth it. It could make the difference between hundreds of dollars and several layovers in some cases.

In a search for flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo (NRT) for Sept. 18-25, the most reasonable itinerary is $610 in economy on Air Canada with a four hour layover in Vancouver. For the same dates but departing from San Diego, you would be paying $947 on American Airlines and Japan Airlines with two layovers — with one ironically at LAX.

Lastly, don't forget to earn valuable points and miles for your flights and hotel stays. This is by far the best way to save money on traveling as you can seriously reduce your out-of-pocket costs for flights and accommodations. In fact, some credit card enthusiasts rack up millions of points per year, and are able to cover almost all of their travel costs just with rewards they've earned.

There has never been a better time to earn travel rewards as travel surges back in popularity, and there are plenty of credit card welcome offers to jump on, including the 75,000-point welcome offer for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . You'll earn 75,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards ® points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. That's worth over $900 in travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

With the right travel credit card , you can earn heaps of rewards and have access to travel perks such as rental car insurance and travel insurance — saving you even more money and protecting your trip.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Enjoy beneﬁts such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

21.49% - 28.49% variable on purchases and balance transfers

Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater

Foreign transaction fee

Terms apply.

Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review .

As the demand for travel continues to rise, prices will likely see an increase as well.

Saving money on travel may take an extra few steps or a bit more research, but it can prove to be beneficial for your bank account. Between credit card rewards, being flexible with accommodations and using social media to your advantage, traveling can still be affordable.

For rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, click here .

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I’m a Luxury Travel Agent: These Are My 8 Best Tips for Saving Money at Top Tier Destinations

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If your travel bucket list includes many popular locales, you might be wondering how you’ll afford it all . Visiting places like Paris, London, the Maldives, Costa Rica and Milan sounds great, but can definitely be pricey — especially if you have a taste for luxury.

No doubt, your social media feeds are filled with content showing people enjoying travel hotspots around the globe, and you want to join the ranks. In some cases, you might be wondering how these people even afford such lavish trips, especially if you’re privy to their finances.

What you might not realize is you don’t necessarily need a massive travel budget to visit top tier destinations. Instead, you just need to know how to work the system to get the best deals.

Changing the way you plan your vacations can seriously lower your travel costs. Here are eight tips from Sushant Yadav, a luxury travel agent with Travelosei , to help you enjoy a five-star trip on a reasonable budget.

Book in the Off-Season

It’s no secret that the best times to visit certain locations are also the busiest. Therefore, you can save money by opting to travel to these destinations when they aren’t so crowded.

“By traveling during the off-season — that is just before or shortly after peak tourist times — one can secure great savings in terms of accommodation and flight expenses without having to compromise either on weather or experiences,” he said. “For instance, early autumn (September) and late spring (May) could be much more cost-effective ways of touring Europe.”

Take Advantage of Credit Card Points and Loyalty Programs

It’s not a new way to save money, but using credit card points or frequent flyer miles is definitely an effective way enjoy a luxury vacation for less, Yadav said.

“Numerous loyalty programs from high-end hotels, as well as airlines, offer exclusive sales and upgrades for their clients who are loyal enough to refer others,” he said. “As a result, joining a loyalty program and accumulating points could lead to substantial discounts, if not free nights or flights entirely.”

Choose Boutique Hotels

“Rather than going for big luxury hotel chains, think about boutique hotels instead,” Yadav said. “In contrast to the more expensive options offered by chain hotels in terms of price, these provide personalized services and unique hotel experiences.”

He recommended using the travel sites Tablet Hotels or Mr and Mrs Smith to find luxury boutique hotels that meet your needs in your preferred destination.

Book All-Inclusive Packages

“All-in packages can be offered by inclusive resorts or cruises, and they can provide [a] good value,” he said. “These usually have meals, drinks and things to do, which can cut outgoings significantly during the journey.”

Of course, you’re looking for a luxury stay, so he recommended seeking out programs specifically geared toward high-end travelers. He also said you’ll also want to review what the package includes, to ensure it meets your needs.

Travel With a Group

Make memories with loved ones and save money on your high-end trip by vacationing together.

“Group trips allow people to reduce per capita costs,” Yadav said. “Be it a family holiday or a friend’s expedition, group reservations may offer accommodation, sightseeing and transportation at cheaper rates.”

He said there are luxury villas or hotels that offer special packages for larger parties, so more people could equal more savings.

Be Flexible With Your Itinerary

When possible, being flexible with your travel days will allow you to save money, he said.

“One way to discover the best fares involves using search engines comparing prices of different airlines and then signing up for notifications in case of any changes in fare prices,” he said. “Sometimes, changing one’s journey departure date by one day could make a big difference in the total cost.”

For example, seats on Southwest Airlines flights from Chicago’s Midway Airport to Queen Beatrix International Airport in Aruba start at $621 per person on July 12, 2024, but one day earlier, on July 11, tickets start at $328 per person.

Take Advantage of Local Cuisine and Activities

If you’re like many travelers, you want to immerse yourself in the local culture when visiting a new destination. Yadav said taking this route this can also save you money.

“Instead of constantly eating from hotel restaurants, more emphasis should be put on encouraging tourists to experience indigenous foods while visiting new places,” he said. “Moreover, engaging them in local activities can bring down their expenses … as these are non-commercialized areas.”

As for getting around town, he said local guides and tour operators are known for charging lower rates and offering the same, if not better, services.

Early Bird and Last-Minute Deals

If you like to plan travel far in advance or wait until the last minute, you may be in luck. Yadav recommended keeping an eye open for early bird specials and last-minute deals, as this can offer significant savings on luxury travel.

Whether you opt to be one of the first travelers booked or the last, booking travel super early or quite late can allow you to enjoy a lavish trip for less.

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18 Ways for Saving on Travel and Still Have Fun

Posted: May 20, 2024 | Last updated: May 20, 2024

<p>Being frugal when you travel can be important if you’re looking to explore the world on a budget. That said, the goal to save as much money as possible shouldn’t come at the cost of your happiness and experience. If you don’t enjoy your travels, what’s the point of traveling at all? </p> <p>It’s important to strike a balance between getting a good deal and still being able to go out and enjoy your adventure. The good news? It’s more than possible. </p> <p>We’ve come up with some of the top tips from other travelers who manage to make sure that they don’t go over budget while they’re traveling and still have a great time. Here are 17 strategies for saving on travel without sacrificing fun. </p>

Being frugal when you travel can be important if you’re looking to explore the world on a budget. That said, the goal to save as much money as possible shouldn’t come at the cost of your happiness and experience. If you don’t enjoy your travels, what’s the point of traveling at all?

It’s important to strike a balance between getting a good deal and still being able to go out and enjoy your adventure. The good news? It’s more than possible.

We’ve come up with some of the top tips from other travelers who manage to make sure that they don’t go over budget while they’re traveling and still have a great time. Here are 17 strategies for saving on travel without sacrificing fun.

1. If Possible, Plan Ahead

If you’re not the type to go on excursions at random, you have one key advantage: being able to take advantage of cheaper travel options.

When you plan in advance, you can typically get plane tickets much cheaper, especially if you plan on traveling during times when ticket prices aren’t usually at their peak. Planning is crucial to saving money, and this applies to travel too.

<p>If you enjoy traveling alone, it is vital to research the area beforehand and plan accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.</p><p>Consider booking with a tour company catering to senior travelers and offering group trips with like-minded individuals.</p><p>These tours provide companionship, often including discounted rates and special accommodations for seniors.</p>

2. Look for Less Popular Tourist Spots

Everyone wants to go to Paris and Barcelona, but most people make their best memories at places that are out of the way. As it turns out, this is also the best way to have fun and save money.

No matter where you’re planning on traveling to, look for the hidden gems that aren’t flooded with tourists. You’ll still get to enjoy yourself and save more money than if you were to visit popular tourist destinations.

<p>Hotels are the go-to accommodations for travelers, but they’re hardly the only options. From Airbnb to hostels to guest houses, there are so many other cheaper places to stay that can help you save without costing you your sanity. </p><p>Just make sure that you do your research so you’re getting accommodations that meet your needs. Your wallet will thank you!</p>

3. Expand Your Search Beyond Hotels

Hotels are the go-to accommodations for travelers, but they’re hardly the only options. From Airbnb to hostels to guest houses, there are so many other cheaper places to stay that can help you save without costing you your sanity.

Just make sure that you do your research so you’re getting accommodations that meet your needs. Your wallet will thank you!

4. Use Public Transit When You Can

Have you been using Uber or other forms of transportation when you’re exploring new locations? If so, you’ve very likely been overspending.

Public transit like trains and shuttles are much cheaper to use and get you to where you need to go. If it’s a luxury where we live, it’s very likely the same costly alternative to other forms of travel in any country outside the U.S. too.

<p>Package travel deals tend to get a bad rap. That said, these types of deals can save you a good amount of money and help you get some better accommodations than if you were to shop for and book everything separately. </p><p>Just make sure that you’re using reliable platforms with terms and conditions that you can agree to. There are stories out there about people who’ve booked accommodations, only to have certain things canceled or unavailable without their knowledge. </p>

5. See If You Can Land Bundle Deals

Package travel deals tend to get a bad rap. That said, these types of deals can save you a good amount of money and help you get some better accommodations than if you were to shop for and book everything separately.

Just make sure that you’re using reliable platforms with terms and conditions that you can agree to. There are stories out there about people who’ve booked accommodations, only to have certain things canceled or unavailable without their knowledge.

<p>There are certain times of the year when it’s best to travel, especially if you plan on visiting certain countries. For example, more tropical areas are naturally going to be cheaper to visit during the fall and the winter than in the spring or the summer. </p><p>While you shouldn’t visit during periods where you’re not going to able to enjoy certain locations, you can save money by going on the cusp and scooping up cheaper tickets when everyone’s not clamoring to go. </p>

6. Know When It’s Best to Travel

There are certain times of the year when it’s best to travel, especially if you plan on visiting certain countries. For example, more tropical areas are naturally going to be cheaper to visit during the fall and the winter than in the spring or the summer.

While you shouldn’t visit during periods where you’re not going to able to enjoy certain locations, you can save money by going on the cusp and scooping up cheaper tickets when everyone’s not clamoring to go.

<p>Part of travel is experiencing the local cuisine, and this is by all means something you should do. However, you shouldn’t be eating out all the time. This will take up a ton of your traveling budget and make it harder for you to enjoy the other things you plan on doing.</p><p>Instead, use the kitchen in your space to your advantage. It will help you cut down on food costs substantially. Then, when you do plan on eating out, go to local places that aren’t swamped by tourists. </p>

7. Cook for Yourself

Part of travel is experiencing the local cuisine, and this is by all means something you should do. However, you shouldn’t be eating out all the time. This will take up a ton of your traveling budget and make it harder for you to enjoy the other things you plan on doing.

Instead, use the kitchen in your space to your advantage. It will help you cut down on food costs substantially. Then, when you do plan on eating out, go to local places that aren’t swamped by tourists.

<p>Bus tours, walking tours, and other sightseeing activities are quite common when you’re in a foreign land. However, they’re rarely necessary to spend money on. </p><p>You could very likely show yourself around town or even take advantage of free walking tours so that you’re not paying someone to go around and show you things you don’t need to be guided to. </p>

8. Don’t Do Anything You Could on Your Own

Bus tours, walking tours, and other sightseeing activities are quite common when you’re in a foreign land. However, they’re rarely necessary to spend money on.

You could very likely show yourself around town or even take advantage of free walking tours so that you’re not paying someone to go around and show you things you don’t need to be guided to.

9. Enjoy Free Attractions

Speaking of free, there are often so many free things to do around major cities that don’t require you to spend a ton of money.

This may include free museum days, community events, and beyond. Before you go spending money, see what you can do for free that you might enjoy.

<p>Group discounts can be an amazing way to spend less money on some of the things you’ve been wanting to do. While this only applies to those who are vacationing with others, it’s certainly a travel savings tip we felt the need to mention here. </p><p>You might even be able to grab a few individual coupons on these sites from time to time. </p>

10. Use Group Discounts

Group discounts can be an amazing way to spend less money on some of the things you’ve been wanting to do. While this only applies to those who are vacationing with others, it’s certainly a travel savings tip we felt the need to mention here.

You might even be able to grab a few individual coupons on these sites from time to time.

<p>There are a lot of “tourist traps” throughout major cities and surrounding areas where vendors will mark up certain goods to exorbitant prices to make a quick buck off of those passing through. </p><p>This is why those who are shopping for a souvenir should always turn their attention to local shops. You’ll get a better deal and likely get much better quality goods this way. </p>

11. Be Picky About Where You Shop for Souvenirs

There are a lot of “tourist traps” throughout major cities and surrounding areas where vendors will mark up certain goods to exorbitant prices to make a quick buck off of those passing through.

This is why those who are shopping for a souvenir should always turn their attention to local shops. You’ll get a better deal and likely get much better quality goods this way.

12. Try to Stay in One Place

Some people love backpacking or hitting up location after location. If you want to save money, this isn’t a very cost-effective way to travel.

Instead, come up with a list of places you’ve always wanted to see and make it a point to visit them one at a time, staying in one location. This way, you’re not bouncing from place to place and racking up your charges as you go.

<p>Whether we’re talking about discounts offered by airlines or discounts being offered by businesses surrounding you once you’ve gotten to where you want to be, always take advantage of any discounts offered to you. </p><p>Even more importantly, use rewards cards alongside these discounts to save even more!</p>

13. Take Advantage of Any Discounts Thrown Your Way

Whether we’re talking about discounts offered by airlines or discounts being offered by businesses surrounding you once you’ve gotten to where you want to be, always take advantage of any discounts offered to you.

Even more importantly, use rewards cards alongside these discounts to save even more!

<p>Vacations can be expensive, but now that you have your emergencies covered, you can start saving for your dream vacation.</p><p>If you save money each month and watch it grow over time, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your vacation without worrying about the cost.</p>

14. Always Set Savings Goals in Advance

The last thing you want to do if you’re interested in traveling is fail to make a budget to help you ensure that you’ll have enough money come the time that you feel like traveling.

Carve out a section in your budget for travel savings. If you need more, look for odd jobs and side hustles that can help you bring in more income for your travels.

<p>Having people to stay with when you travel is an invaluable resource that will help you save a ton of money. If you have friends or family in places you wish to visit, see if they’d be willing to make space for you when you finally take off. </p><p>As you travel, aim to make friends in the different places you visit so that you might be able to save on travel expenses if you ever return. </p>

15. Make Connections With Others

Having people to stay with when you travel is an invaluable resource that will help you save a ton of money. If you have friends or family in places you wish to visit, see if they’d be willing to make space for you when you finally take off.

As you travel, aim to make friends in the different places you visit so that you might be able to save on travel expenses if you ever return.

16. Use Various Platforms to Stay on Top of Deals

The benefits of modern technology mean that you can constantly get updates in your inbox about deals on cruises, airplane tickets, and other promotions that you’ll likely want to take advantage of.

There are a host of these platforms out there, so don’t be afraid to sign up for all of them so that you can save more money.

<p>You may be paying for data on your cell phone plan you don’t need, so take the time to look at your data usage and switch to a cheaper plan if you don’t use all of it.</p><p>Also, consider switching to a different provider that offers a better deal and cheaper rates.</p>

17. Use a Local SIM Card While Traveling

Using your cell phone abroad is a great way to rack up charges that you don’t want to deal with when you get back home. One handy traveling hack is to always buy a local SIM card to use while traveling.

This will keep your cell phone costs down and ensure you’re saving as much as possible even when you’re communicating with friends.

18. Think Outside The Box

When it comes to travel, we usually think about flying somewhere or driving. But there are other options to consider.

First, look to see if there is a local tour bus company. They typically take day trips or long weekend treks. Your price usually includes travel, accommodations, and sometimes, meals.

Another thing to consider is traveling with friends. Maybe you can split the cost of a hotel or rental car.

<p>Working with your current budget is an excellent way to run out of money fast. When you’re facing a financial crisis, it’s critical that you start from scratch with an entirely new budget. </p><p>Start at square one, assessing any income you have, returning to the bare bones living expenses that you absolutely have to pay, and considering any bills you’re behind on or debts you have. It will look much more sparse than the current budget you have, but it will get you by. </p>

How To Save Money

If you want to get ahead financially, you need to put some money into savings on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, many of us never do. But that changes now. Here are over 100 simple things you can do to start saving money every day

HOW TO SAVE MONEY

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Like your house, your car is another excellent place to hide money. Just don’t make the mistake of putting in your center console.

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Revenge travel is so last year.

“It's not necessarily about just getting out of the house anymore,” said Sydney Stanback, Global Insights and Trends lead at Pinterest, which has seen more than 1 billion travel searches and more than 10 billion travel saves over the past year.

Sure, many of the usual suspects are once again among the most popular destinations across multiple search engines this year, but she said this summer, “It's more so about traveling with intention.”

According to NerdWallet’s Summer 2024 Travel Report , 45% of Americans plan to take a trip requiring a hotel stay or flight this summer with expenses averaging just under $3,600. A fifth of those travelers expect to go into debt to pay for vacations.

Here’s what to consider when booking a summer trip, including where to go, when to travel and how to save:

Learn more: Best travel insurance

What is the best place to travel in summer?

The answer is subjective, especially this summer.

“Everyone's kind of choosing their own adventure based off of what their needs are for travel,” Stanback said.

Pinterest’s Summer 2024 Travel Report found summer travelers are most interested in adventure, exploring mysterious or uncharted destinations, and rest. Searches for “quiet life” jumped 530%, but that doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone.

“My mother actually just took a yoga retreat to Panama,” Stanback said. “That's what she needed to do in order to get the rest that she needed and the well-being that she needed. But for me, when I think of rest and restoration, I simply think about going to a beach spa and just sitting and being by myself.”

Solo travel remains popular. Solo travel searches reached an all-time high in Google in January, but again, not for everyone.

“For Gen Z specifically, that need is to gather and reconnect with their community because they were in isolation for so long and during very meaningful moments in their lives,” Stanback said. She noted group travel and road trips are of keen interest to Gen Z.

“It's not necessarily about traveling and going out and going to restaurants and going to bars and clubs,” she added. “We actually see that a lot with younger generations. They’re kind of stepping away from that and really considering their well-being when they're taking time off.”

Where do most tourists go in summer?

Expedia’s Summer Outlook and Google Flights identified the same cities among their most searched summer 2024 destinations based on flights, though rankings varied by platform.

Top 5 domestic destinations

◾ Orlando, Florida

◾ Los Angeles

◾ Las Vegas

Top 5 international destinations

◾ Cancun, Mexico

◾ Paris, host of the Summer Olympics

Allianz Partners found slightly different results in their analysis of “more than six million flight itineraries for trips between five and eight days in length for travel booked between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day.”

Instead of LA and Vegas, Allianz named Boston and Honolulu among this summer’s top five domestic destinations. Internationally, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico; Oranjestad, Aruba; and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, made Allianz’s top five, instead of Rome, Paris and Tokyo.

“I am expecting crowds to rival last summer's in popular overseas cities,” Expedia’s travel expert Melanie Fish said, noting how places like Barcelona and Venice are trying to curb overtourism. “They're trying fees and if that's not enough, they're going to have to go even further.”

How can I save on a trip?

Summer trips are already costly for many travelers. “Americans with household income under $100,000 accounted for nearly half (46%) of intended leisure travel spend in summer 2023,” according to Deloitte’s Facing travel’s future report from April.

Expedia’s Fish shared five tips for booking summer 2024 vacations:

◾ Bundle your trip. Booking airfare and a hotel at the same time can earn you deep discounts.

◾ Travel midweek or later in the summer if it's an option. You'll save money and save yourself from fighting crowds.

◾ Fly early in the day … The early bird who takes the first flight of the day will typically get a better price and a lower chance of delays and cancellations.

◾ Book once, earn twice. You can stack rewards from your travel credit card (and) your airline.

◾ Just go. Don't pressure yourself to create the trip of a lifetime … Do it in a bite-sized chunk if possible.

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How far ahead should I book travel?

“The sweet spot is now,” Fish said. “We're within that 21- to 60-day pre-travel window to save around 15% on airfare, so now is the time to plan. That means ready, set, but maybe wait until August to actually go.”

She said travelers can save an average of $250 on international flights if they wait until the peak summer travel season passes.

“It's 15% cheaper on average to fly domestically in August versus June, 30% cheaper to fly to Europe in late summer, and 55% cheaper to fly to Mexico and the Caribbean in August,” she said. “Of course, August is peak hurricane season , so that has something to do with that price dip.”

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43 reviews. #1 of 4 hotels in Elektrostal. Location. Cleanliness. Service. Value. The hotel "Apelsin" in Electrostal which was opened in December 2012 is the newest hotel in the town. In May 2015 opened the second floor of our hotel. Total number of rooms reached 81.

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Molly was amazing --very meticulous and…

Does Not Follow Airline Policy

Was charged an additional $300 change…

Travel agents can't use VoIP numbers

HORRIBLE experience

BUYER BEWARE

Quick resolution

Alena was helpful in answering…

Failure to communicate, promises made but not kept

Sasha- Customer Support

She was helpful

Angel helped with everything i needed

Elvis was great

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I booked a flight with them

First time booking with this company

THIS COMPANY IS A SCAM!!!I paid for a…

Gave me wrong flight time.

Molly was amazing --very meticulous and…

Does Not Follow Airline Policy

Was charged an additional $300 change…

Travel agents can't use VoIP numbers

HORRIBLE experience

BUYER BEWARE

Quick resolution

Alena was helpful in answering…

Failure to communicate, promises made but not kept

Sasha- Customer Support

She was helpful

Angel helped with everything i needed

Elvis was great

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Save money on your long-awaited 2022 holiday with these 11 tips

Sign up for loyalty programs & credit card bonuses

Get a package deal

Avoid unnecessary frills

Stay at someone else's place

Use price comparison websites

Check out the best dates to fly

Consider an all-inclusive stay

Try split-ticketing your flights

Explore penny-pinching meal options

Spring for annual insurance

Track your prices

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How to Get Best Last-Minute Travel Deals

Tips to get the best last-minute travel deals

Check different hotel dates before booking a flight (and vice versa)

Check bundle deals

Don’t forget about vacation rentals

Know your airline’s 24-hour cancellation policy

Don’t assume award redemption rates mirror cash rates

Look at seating charts, available rooms and car rental options

Peruse restaurant and activity reservations online

Get to know your credit card’s travel concierge

Get your house in order