Holiday travel can be an expensive affair. Travel tickets, baggage, accommodation, and contingency costs can add up to thousands of dollars spent on a single trip. In fact, the sheer expenses can discourage people from traveling altogether for leisure. If a traveler is a credit card owner, they can use it in several nifty ways to save money. Here are some ways in which a credit card can help save holiday travel costs.
Using airline fee credits
Certain credit cards come with airline fee credits. These credits can cover the expenses related to in-flight meals, airport lounge access, additional checked baggage fees, and flight upgrades. One must contact their credit card company to know whether the card they use has this particular benefit. And if it does, then one can save plenty of money by redeeming these credits every time they book a domestic or international flight.
Normally, airline fee credits expire at the end of a calendar year. So, if required, travelers must use them as soon as possible.
Reducing rental car insurance cost
Car rental services are quintessential for travelers. One can use their credit card to lower their rental car insurance expenses. Certain credit cards come with either primary or secondary rental car insurance, using which renters can save about $15 to $20 daily. To save this amount, one needs to decline the collision damage waiver (CDW) fee that most car rental companies offer.
Car rental cost savings is one of the benefits offered by credit cards that one may possibly not find through most other avenues.
Using airport lounge amenities
Many airports have exclusive lounges for business and premium-class passengers to wait until their boarding time. Certain credit cards provide cardholders access to such lounges in airports anywhere across the globe. One can use a number of money-saving options such as free Wi-Fi, foods and beverages, nap pods, and showers if they have a long layover between two flights and do not wish to spend money on short-term hotel stays in the meanwhile.
Usually, snacks and products come with a premium price tag at airports. However, by using credit card-powered airport lounge access, one can save hundreds of dollars.
Taking advantage of free checked bags
Credit cards come with a host of travel benefits, some of which include the possibility of adding a free checked bag on flight. Some credit cards even allow passengers to add multiple free bags if they are traveling in a group. Check-in bags greatly add to the costs of a flight reservation, especially if there are multiple bags and large groups of people traveling.
Offering the free checked bags facility is one of the smartest ways credit cards can help save holiday travel costs.
Availing of discounts for holiday companion
Most people know about exclusive Black Friday or Cyber Monday offers that enable travelers to get two-for-one deals. But, people rarely know that this particular benefit may be a part of their credit card package. Certain credit card companies offer two-for-one deals, which enable travelers to add an extra passenger to their flight or hotel reservation at absolutely zero additional cost.
So, travelers can enjoy this benefit whenever they book a reservation for two people, and save a lot of money on their companion’s stay or travel expenses.
Making use of foreign transaction benefits
Certain credit card companies do not charge customers specific amounts in the name of foreign transaction fees that are generally charged when one makes international transactions. Using such cards can be beneficial for travelers.
Usually, Capital One and Discover cards offer this foreign transaction fee waiver.
Maximizing cash back rewards
A cash back is one of the most commonly used benefits of credit cards. Cardholders do not need to save all year as they can get cash back rewards at the end of the year on their credit card. They may these rewards while making their holiday travel and stay reservations.
Covering such expenses with cash back can help one use the spare money for contingency purposes or for buying souvenirs while returning.
Booking holidays with points and miles
Like airline fee credits, many credit cards come with loyalty points for long-term cardholders. So, every time one uses their credit card to make purchases, they get allotted a number of such points or air miles that can be accumulated and redeemed later. Many airline companies and hotels (usually brands that are in a partnership with the credit card company) accept payments in such air miles or loyalty points.
One might want to use their accumulated points on time, as they tend to expire at the end of the calendar year.
Using free hotel night certificates
Some hotel credit card companies offer hotel night certificates, essentially a benefit that grants travelers one free night stay while traveling.
Hotel stay is one of the most expensive aspects of any vacation, so even if the accommodation cost of one night is free, it will help save plenty of dollars from a traveler’s holiday budget.
Credit cards are valuable for frequent travelers. If one knows how to use their credit cards wisely, they can save a lot of money annually.
Planning a vacation in a cozy cabin nestled in the midst of nature’s embrace is a dream for many people. However, with numerous options available, choosing the perfect rental cabin can take time and effort. Several factors must be considered, from location and amenities to size and budget. However, if you know what you are looking for, it will be easier to pick the best cabin rental that suits your needs and preferences.
When booking a cabin rental, one of the critical things to consider is the location. It will set the mood right for your complete vacation experience. When planning your vacation destination, consider the proximity of the rental cabin to the activities you plan to participate in or spots you plan to travel to. Look at the top spots for skiing, lakes, hiking trails, and cultural landmarks. Alternatively, if you prefer a secluded cabin, look for a location surrounded by wilderness and serenity. In addition to the basics, take into account the accessibility of the location and how it will fit into your itinerary.
The next thing you want to keep in mind is the size and capacity of the rental cabin. Ensure the options you are looking at can comfortably accommodate the travel party. Check the number of baths and beds offered and compare it to the available common areas. If you enjoy the great outdoors, consider the outdoor space that comes with the cabin. When traveling with a large group, opt for cabin rentals with spacious interiors and outdoor space. Alternatively, you can look for a range of cabins located together that will allow you all to spend time with other group members while also enjoying your privacy. Meanwhile, a smaller cabin with intimate settings may be more suitable if you want a cozy retreat for a romantic getaway.
Evaluate the amenities and facilities the cabin rental provides to enhance your vacation experience. Determine if necessary features such as a fully equipped kitchen, heating or air conditioning, Wi-Fi connectivity, and parking are available. Depending on your preferences, look for additional amenities like hot tubs, fireplaces, outdoor grills, game rooms, or access to community pools or recreational facilities. These amenities can add convenience, comfort, and entertainment to your stay.
Establishing a budget is crucial when choosing a cabin rental. Determine how much you can spend on accommodation, keeping in mind other expenses such as transportation, dining, and activities. Research various cabin rentals within your budget range and compare prices, considering seasonal variations and any additional fees or charges. Consider the value offered by each cabin rental, weighing the amenities, location, and overall experience against the cost.
Before finalizing your decision, read reviews and testimonials from previous guests. These insights provide valuable information about the cabin rental’s quality, cleanliness, the host’s or management’s responsiveness, and overall customer satisfaction. Certain platforms or dedicated cabin rental websites often have tabs for reviews and ratings to help you make an informed choice. Pay attention to positive and negative reviews and feedback to understand the cabin rental’s strengths and weaknesses.
If you travel with furry companions, ensure the cabin rental allows pets. Some cabin rentals may have specific pet policies, restrictions, or additional fees. Check if the surrounding area offers pet-friendly attractions, trails, or parks, and inquire about any pet amenities provided, such as pet beds, bowls, or fenced yards. Choosing a pet-friendly cabin rental ensures that your entire family, including your beloved pets, can enjoy a memorable vacation together.
Prioritize safety and accessibility when selecting a cabin rental. Consider factors such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and security measures. If you or any members of your travel party have mobility restrictions, look for cabins with wheelchair-accessible entrances, ground-floor bedrooms, and bathroom facilities designed for accessibility. Additionally, inquire about the proximity of healthcare facilities or emergency services in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Reliable customer support is invaluable when renting a cabin. Ensure the host or management company is responsive and readily available to address any issues or concerns during your stay. Prompt communication, clear instructions, and a helpful attitude provide a seamless and stress-free vacation experience. Check if the cabin rental provides a dedicated contact person or a 24/7 helpline to assist you throughout your stay.
One should never ignore the possibility of changes in travel plans. Review the cabin rental’s flexibility and cancellation policy before making a reservation. Understand the terms and conditions of reservation changes, cancellations, and associated fees. Opting for a cabin rental with a flexible policy gives you peace of mind, knowing that you can adjust your itinerary if needed.
Lastly, consider your preferences and vacation goals when choosing a cabin rental. Reflect on the ambiance, style, and surroundings that resonate with you. Whether you prefer a rustic log cabin, a modern mountain retreat, or a lakeside cottage, select a cabin rental that aligns with your ideal vacation concept. Remember, this is your getaway, and finding a cabin that captures your imagination and creates lasting memories is more important than anything else.
Planning a family vacation is quite challenging. You must consider every member’s travel and adventure expectations and try to accommodate as much as possible in a single trip. Whether for domestic travel or past international experiences, from flights to hotel booking and dining options, you must consider every alternative available. This is where you’ll benefit from booking an all-inclusive vacation package. Here are some valuable tips to secure the best family vacation packages worldwide.
Decide on the type of vacation
Before comparing and searching for deals, decide on the type of vacation you want. Does your itinerary involve a lot of driving or flying? If it’s both, will you be able to cover a lot of places considering layovers and on-road delays? How many hours can you drive without taking frequent breaks? Does your budget allow for multiple rentals in every new destination? Can you shift from one location to the other during check-in and check-out times? And does the plan involve a lot of resort and beach fun or inland adventures like amusement and water parks? All these are essential factors to consider before booking an ambitious travel itinerary.
Book well in advance
Cruises, expeditions, and exclusive tours are all popular family vacation packages that get picked up when booking partners update the details. You don’t want to wait till the last moment, especially when you’re planning a vacation for the entire family. Also, booking in the off-season is a good idea to avail better discounts and deals. Family vacation packages are generally booked to fill a specific volume for the travel partner. So peak season, the prices will be bumped up to accommodate guests. However, these deals will be cheaper in the off-season to encourage filling in the empty spots.
Book with specific partners
Planning a family vacation means you’ll have to consider every member’s wish and find a way to accommodate their plans in the single travel itinerary. This can be pretty challenging if you simply browse for deals and packages with limited travel options. Specific websites and booking partners guarantee all-inclusive vacation offers for a reasonable price. For example, Expedia offers a unique booking filter called ‘Traveler Experience’ where you can select vacations based on experiences at the location. CheapTickets is another alternative offering excellent budget packages with a comprehensive travel itinerary and all-inclusive price. You can filter our results further by using meta-search engines like Momondo to select property styles and locate kid-friendly vacation deals. Many airlines also offer family vacation packages as part of a booking deal with flights and hotels included. The devil is in the detail of booking when using these websites.
Compare all-inclusive family vacation packages
When you travel with the family, it’s better to consider all-inclusive packages. All-inclusive packages cover your hotel stay, food, and a preplanned itinerary with a flexible schedule you can confirm in advance. With an all-inclusive deal, you’ll know upfront how much money will be spent per person. So, managing both budget and expectations at the location becomes easier. Once you pick a comfortable plan, allocating extra funds for other trip expenses is easy. All-inclusive deals further allow you to plan multiple excursions and activities to enjoy at the location in advance. For example, if you are traveling to the beach, resorts offer various water sporting adventures as part of the package. If the purpose of the trip is to explore new places, book tour packages offered as add-ons. With an all-inclusive deal, you’ll also get a good sense of the amenities included and excluded from the price.
Make travel goals
Even if you have a fixed itinerary to follow, it never hurts to have some fun travel goals to make the vacation more memorable. For example, traveling to a new destination, you can plan to try one local delicacy every single day. Or try to learn some essential conversation starters in the local language to discover more you can explore. Plan to try a new activity that you might have a fear of and have been postponing for the right time to pick. Traveling with family members, you’ll have a lot of audiences to encourage and boost your morale by trying the new activity – like paragliding or snorkeling, depending on the location. Plan and agree to mutual travel goals that everybody can enjoy as part of the trip. Planning together allows you maximum room to decide on activities and excursions that nobody will resist or get bored of on the trip.
Have realistic expectations
Package deals, even the ones that mention all-inclusive, will limit a certain number of activities and experiences. But there is no sure way to tell if the booking will be worth the price. Some experiences will be memorable, but you and your family should also be prepared for the few dull moments that make up the day. Hiccups in transportation and amenities are all part and parcel of any well-planned vacation, as there are some factors that you just can’t control. So get ready for some spontaneous change in plans, and even if it costs a bit more, the memories you make with family and friends are worth the money spent well. So always have realistic expectations and keep an open mind to enjoy the most of your trip.