5 Simple Ways to Make Vacationing More Affordable Year After Year

Vacations are getting pricier, but saving money while traveling is still possible. Americans now spend an average of $5,861 per trip, a 25% increase since 2023. Rising airfares, new taxes, and demand make planning a budget-friendly getaway harder. However, these five strategies can help you cut costs:

• Use travel rewards programs smartly: Maximize credit card points, airline miles, and loyalty programs.
• Consider vacation ownership: Timeshares can lock in accommodation rates long-term.
• Travel during off-peak seasons: Save 25–50% by avoiding peak times.
• Track expenses with apps: Use tools like TravelSpend or Splitwise to stay on budget.
• Choose affordable lodging: Compare hotels, vacation rentals, and cashback opportunities.

10 Cheap Hotel Hacks That Will Save You Money

1. Maximize Travel Rewards Programs

Travel rewards programs can help you save big on vacations year after year. Yet, consumers lose a shocking $16 billion in rewards points annually . Let’s break down how you can make the most of these programs and keep those savings in your pocket.

The first step? Picking the right combination of credit cards and loyalty programs. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, which has a $95 annual fee, is a great option for beginners.

"This is an excellent all-around card for ALL travelers, and one that we consider to be the #1 card for beginners" .

Here’s how you can create a smart rewards plan:

• Focus on High-Value Programs
  Some loyalty programs offer better returns than others. For instance, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan values miles at 1.3 cents each, while World of Hyatt points are worth 2.2 cents each .
• Combine Multiple Rewards Sources
  Maximize your earnings by stacking these opportunities:
  • Credit card points from everyday spending
  • Airline miles from flights
  • Hotel points from stays
  • Bonuses from shopping portals
  • Dining rewards programs
• Strategically Time Credit Card Applications
  Apply for new cards when you have big expenses coming up. This helps you hit welcome bonus thresholds more easily. For example, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards card offers 25,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days .

One crucial tip: Always pay off your balance in full. Carrying a balance and paying interest can cancel out any rewards you earn. Also, transferring points to travel partners often gives you more value. For example, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth 1 cent each as cash but can jump to 2.2 cents when transferred to World of Hyatt .

2. Buy Into Vacation Properties

Vacation ownership can help you manage travel costs while maintaining enjoyable experiences. By prepaying for future vacations, you can save money over time compared to booking hotels.

According to Consumer Reports:

"Assuming you continue to enjoy your timeshare vacation, the savings pile up with each passing vacation. If we look down the road – which involves some educated guesswork – after 30 years, the cost of ownership would be less than half of renting a similar hotel room" .

Here’s a breakdown of typical vacation ownership costs today:

These upfront costs can lead to long-term savings through:

• Locked-in rates: Pay now to avoid rising accommodation costs .
• Resort perks: Enjoy luxury amenities without paying high hotel prices .
• Guaranteed availability: Secure your preferred vacation dates without last-minute hassles .

Some services, like Complete Travel, even offer vacation ownership plans with perks such as free resort stays and waived maintenance fees for the first year.

Things to Consider Before Buying

While vacation ownership has its perks, it’s important to weigh potential drawbacks:

• Annual maintenance fees often increase over time .
• Timeshares can lose up to 70% of their value on resale .
• Factor in all costs, including assessments and financing charges .
• Make sure it aligns with your long-term vacation habits .

To get the most value, consider buying used timeshares at lower prices . Look for properties with flexible exchange programs, so you can visit different resorts .

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises:

"The value of a timeshare is in its use as a vacation destination, not as an investment" .

With thoughtful planning and consistent use, vacation ownership can be a reliable way to secure affordable travel accommodations at today’s rates.

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3. Travel in Low Season

Traveling during off-peak seasons can lower vacation costs by 25–50% .

Price Differences You Can’t Ignore

Costs can vary dramatically between peak and off-peak seasons for popular destinations. Here’s a quick look:

By planning strategically, you can take full advantage of these savings.

When to Book for the Best Deals

Booking mid-January, during shoulder seasons, or for midweek flights can save you anywhere from 23–50% on airfare .

Destination Tips for Off-Season Travel

Caribbean Destinations:

"During the off-season, guests have the benefit of less busy hotels and attractions, plus summer weather in the Caribbean can be unpredictable, yet hot."

Popular U.S. Spots:

• Destin, Florida: Avoid summer crowds and enjoy more affordable accommodations .
• Bar Harbor, Maine: Visit between mid-April and October for whale watching without paying peak prices .

Using this timing strategy ensures you get more value out of every trip.

Making the Most of Off-Season Perks

Here are some tips to get the best experience from off-season travel:

• Set price alerts 3–6 months in advance .
• Double-check attraction hours to avoid surprises .
• Look for package deals that can save you up to 34% .

For example, traveling to Santorini in January or February can lower round-trip flight costs to just $500 per person , while also letting you skip the crowds.

4. Track Expenses with Travel Apps

Keeping track of your expenses is key to making vacations affordable year after year. Travel apps make this easier by converting currencies and alerting you before you overspend.

Top Apps for Different Travel Needs

These apps can easily fit into your travel plans and help you stay on top of your budget.

Making the Most of Travel Apps

Before your trip, set up categories for your expenses (like lodging, food, transportation, and activities) and set budget limits for each. Then, log your expenses in real time to keep your spending accurate. For example, TravelSpend automatically converts currencies, so you can see your spending in dollars without the hassle.

Traveling with a group? Apps like Splitwise can help avoid awkward financial mix-ups. UX specialist Christian Castillo shares:

"The app makes it easy to input expenses as they occur, and I’m able to send it to the group that I’m traveling with all at once. So no miscommunication has been had because with ferry rides, dinners and excursions, we all agree to split the cost evenly."

Money-Saving Features to Use

Apps like Expensify come with tools like smart receipt scanning and built-in currency converters. These features automatically categorize expenses and send budget alerts, making it easier to stick to your plan. Comparing free and premium tools can help you decide what works best for your needs.

Premium vs. Free Versions

Free versions are great for basic tracking, but premium subscriptions (e.g., TravelSpend for $4.99/month or Trabee Pocket Pro for $2.99/month) unlock extras like custom categories, unlimited entries, and detailed spending analyses. If you travel often, these advanced features can make budgeting even smoother and more effective.

5. Choose Smart Lodging Options

Picking the right place to stay can make a big difference in your vacation budget. For example, the average cost of a one-bedroom Airbnb is $114, compared to $140.16 for a hotel room . However, the value goes beyond just the price tag.

Space vs. Cost Trade-offs

Vacation rentals typically offer more space – about 2,000 square feet on average – compared to a hotel room’s 400 square feet . If you’re traveling with a group, this can be a game-changer. A 1,000-square-foot condo that sleeps six might cost around $100 per night, while a hotel room for four could set you back $150 . This added space and lower cost often make vacation rentals a smart choice.

Andrea Woroch highlights another way to save: cash-back sites.

"You can earn up to 10% cash back on a variety of accommodation needs through cash-back sites like www.CouponCabin.com. Since you could be spending hundreds or maybe $1,000 or more on hotels or home rentals, that cash back can add up fast and help pay for your stay. For example, you can earn 6% cash back at Hotels.com, 2.5% cash back at Marriott hotels, 1.5% cash back at Best Western Hotels, and 2% back at VRBO for vacation home rentals."

Hidden Costs to Consider

When comparing lodging options, it’s important to factor in hidden costs that might not be obvious at first glance:

Location Strategy for Savings

Location can also affect your lodging costs.

"Normally everyone wants to be right on the beach, or right on the ski slope, and looking a block or two away from those highest-demand locations can often provide 30+% discounts."

For example, in New Orleans, weeknight hotel rates average $191, while weekend rates jump to $299 . Adjusting your location or timing can lead to significant savings.

Extended Stay Benefits

For longer trips, vacation rentals often offer better value. A seven-night Airbnb stay averages 32% less than booking single nights . Plus, having access to a kitchen can help save on food costs – though not all rentals include one .

Loyalty Program Advantages

Hotels can be a better fit for shorter stays, thanks to their predictable rates and consistent amenities . Many hotel chains also offer loyalty programs with perks like points, room upgrades, and exclusive rates. As of 2024, 55% of travelers still choose hotels, while 17% prefer vacation rentals . Both options have their strengths, depending on the type of trip you’re planning.

Conclusion

Affordable travel can still provide amazing experiences without breaking the bank. The steps you take now can lead to lasting savings and more enjoyable trips.

Immediate Actions to Take

Sign up for travel rewards programs, stick to a clear budget, and use travel apps to monitor your expenses. Booking trips during off-peak seasons allows you to save money while still enjoying a comfortable experience.

Long-Term Planning Benefits

Over time, focusing on what matters most to you during travel helps you prioritize spending and find even more ways to save.

"Figuring out your ‘must-haves’ and your ‘must-dos’ are a good place to start" .

Avoid the stress of managing a second property by looking into membership-based travel clubs or vacation ownership options for high-end experiences. As Sara Whitford explains:

"The fact of the matter is that buying, building, and furnishing a second home is a real headache for people… There are also many costs and difficulties in managing a home" .

Smart Financial Preparation

Build a dedicated travel fund, set up price alerts, and consider different types of accommodations to stretch your budget further. Travel expert Chrissy Whalin offers this advice:

"Comparison is the thief of joys. So get off of social media and stop following travel bloggers that don’t pay for their own stuff, because that’s a real trap" .

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