There are a few ways to get cheap travel deals and make sure you get your relaxing vacation this year. Here are a few tips to help you get your dream vacation without spending too much this summer.
First, if you have the option to be very flexible with your destination and time frame, then you can start watching expedia, priceline, hotwire, southwest, and other travel sites for great last minute deals. I have seen package deals for different destinations for as low as $25 a night for the hotel and $49 a way for the flight. You can jump on these deals and save a ton of money, but you have to be willing to go to the destinations they have discounts on and travel last minute. These are usually deals that you can book about a week in advance.
Second, if you are not able to be quite as flexible, but you can get 2 weeks of vacation, you might want to check Greyhound for bus fares. Sometimes if you book in advance you can get bus fares for very cheap. This is not my favorite way to travel, but if I know that spending 20-30 hours on a bus is going to get me to my destination for very cheap and I am going to be able to spend 10 days or so there, then I am willing to spend the time on the bus. It usually gives me time to catch up on my reading and get a little bit of sleep.
Last, you can package your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one to save yourself money. This is a great way for 2 to 4 people to travel because you will get a reduces rate on the hotel, the airfare, and a bit of a discount on the rental car. I was able to travel with one other person for 5 days and 4 nights from Chicago to Orlando for about $350 per person. This included our 4 star resort hotel, our flight on Northwest with one stop each way, and our rental car, which was a nice 2008 model.
Use these cheap travel tips and get cheap travel deals this summer. Don’t allow the oil companies to keep you from getting the great relaxing vacation you deserve. Be flexible, take advantage of last minute deals, check into bus fares, and package your entire trip together and you will be able to save money while getting the vacation you deserve.