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Finding last-minute travel deals can be a lot of fun. You can go to fun places and get great discounts. However, you may decide that the transaction closes quickly or that the total cost exceeds your budget.
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Thankfully, we’re now in a time where you can get some great deals. Summer may be a popular time to travel, but fall offers plenty of last-minute travel deals, according to the New York Times. The newspaper recently said: “For those still looking for a holiday or two, the slowdown in demand means bargains in the form of lower prices on airfares and hotel deals.” Here are seven actionable ways to save on your fall travels.
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Book your flight ticket on the right date
Are you planning to fly to your destination? When you book a flight, it can directly impact how much you spend on that ticket. For years, Tuesdays were the best day to book flights, as flights were often cheaper.
That may not be the case anymore, but publishers differ on exactly which days are really cheap. According to Expedia’s 2023 report, the best day to buy seats is Sunday. According to the report, travelers who book on Sunday can save an average of about 21% on domestic flights. If you’re considering traveling abroad, your savings increase to 24%.
However, Google Flights data suggests that Tuesday is the best option, although the difference isn’t that great. Ultimately, we recommend checking prices over a few different days.
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Create price alerts for your favorite airlines
If you don’t have the time to actively monitor prices on multiple airlines, consider setting up price alerts. All major airlines have apps that notify you of sales. Some allow you to create alerts for specific routes.
Scheduled alerts are a great way to catch sales the moment they drop.
cancel flight
Don’t miss out on flight cancellations if prices are reduced. Be sure to understand your airline’s policies. However, you may be able to cancel and rebook at a lower rate.
Some airlines allow you to cancel without issue within 24 hours of purchase. Some companies may have more flexible policies. If the price is lowered, you could potentially save even more.
Book refundable hotels when possible
Last minute travel requires flexibility. If you book a non-refundable room, you could be out of money if you find a better deal elsewhere and have to cancel.
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If available, protect yourself with a refundable room. You’ll pay a few extra dollars upfront, but it’s worth it in case you have to cancel due to plan changes.
Bundle your trip
Buying hotels and flights together is a great way to save money on last-minute travel plans. This is also thanks to wholesale. Businesses often purchase a significant number of rooms in the hope of making a profit.
If the company cannot sell everything, it will reduce the price within the 11th hour to avoid a complete loss. Such discount information can be found on most airlines or other travel sites under the “Vacations” or “Travel Discounts” tabs. Don’t miss daily deals sites like Groupon to find bundled deals.
Don’t always book directly
Brand loyalty isn’t always rewarded. Instead of booking directly through your favorite airline or hotel chain, use booking sites like Kayak, Hotels.com, and Expedia to find great deals. You can also use Google Flights to compare prices from multiple airlines.
If you have reward points from your credit card, be sure to read up on what’s available on your travel portal. You may be able to find a cheaper rate. All of these options can be booked for same-day or next-day travel. Compare all these with those directly available and choose the best price.
travel on the cheapest day
If you have flexibility with your departure date, consider several dates to see which dates are cheapest. Expedia reported that travelers could save up to 26% by departing on Friday, while Google Flights suggested departing on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.
Expedia claims Sunday is the most expensive day to start your trip, so if you can avoid leaving on Sunday, do it.
Finding last-minute fall travel deals requires flexibility, and it’s important to do your research. There are many tools available to help you book an affordable and fun trip. By combining some of these tools, you can reduce costs without losing memories.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Ways to Get Cheap Last-Minute Fall Travel Deals
