How to Save Money when Booking Travel

Everyone has their little tips and tricks, right? Many go through packaged deal websites, like hotels.com, Expedia, etc, others wait for flight sales and off-seasons.

The reality is, there is no right or wrong way on How to Save Money when Booking Travel.

However, there are a few additional ways to save and, these are mine!

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How to Save Money when Booking Travel

On my last trip (my Solo Southern Road Trip), I saved over $600.00. Which is a whole other travel excursion in itself. I’m not doing anything crazy, but I do love to do try to maximize and stack my savings as much as possible.

Here’s the itinerary of my trip: SEA > ABQ > SAV > CHL > ASH > NWK > SEA

Let’s get into the savings details!

Rakuten

It should be no surprise to anyone that Rakuten is on here. The former Ebates website has saved me hundreds over the past 4 years. Especially on sending flowers, my Vitamix, mattress, hotel stays, and tours.

Budget Car Rental = .91
Marriott Hotels = 14.28
Hilton Hotels = 10.64
Viator Tours = 8.19

Totaling to $34.02! Which is dinner and a movie while traveling, or upgrading your flight seat!

AARP

That’s right. Not just for people over the age of 55. In fact, you can easily subscribe for as little as $12 a year. Personally, I got the 5 years because it financially made sense for me, especially after the savings it provided this year alone.

You can also save on Hilton Hotels and many others but because I’m a Hilton Honors member, I was already saving the most (especially with Rakuten on top of it!).

Budget Car Rental = 250.00

Totaling to $250.00!

American Express Gold Card

In my utmost defense, I’ve never been a fan of credit cards. This year, 2021 was a year of easing into them and my American Express Gold Card has already proven to be worth the $250 annual fee.

Every month there are offers/added benefits that you can opt into. I’ve been able to save on hotel, Starbucks, and winery offers. I also joined the dining credit option which gives you $10 back a month on participating restaurants.

Marriott Hotels = 50.00
Uber = 10.00

Totaling to $60.00!

Airlines

This isn’t for everyone. I went to a lot of places on this trip and was gone for 3 weeks. All with one carry-on.

I know! Some of you think I’m insane but I saved about a hundred dollars doing this. I did run out of room in New York and decided to get a flat rate USPS box to ship some things home. It cost $15 and the post office was right down the street so it was completely worth it.

Alaska = 30.00
United = 35.00
American = 60.00

Totaling to $125.00! (Technically $110 due to my USPS but I think that’s a great bargain.)

_{* If you need to check-in, pre-pay for your baggage. The fees normally go up to $5 – $10 on the day of travel.}

Hotels

As mentioned above, I am a Hilton Honors member and pretty loyal to the brand. In fact, this last trip was the first time I ever stayed at a Marriott property.

Being a loyal member comes with benefits. To start, a fresh warm cookie at DoubleTree Hotels, points, and check-in/keyless entry through the app. I was able to use my points, in Newark, in a pinch. Absolutely worth it for the free shuttle ride in the morning.