How to Save on Flights and Hotels
Traveling can be expensive, but with a few smart strategies, you can significantly cut down costs on flights and accommodations. Whether you're a frequent traveler or planning a one-time trip, these five travel hacks will help you save money while still enjoying a comfortable experience.
1. Maximize Credit Card Travel Rewards with Marriott Bonvoy
One of the best ways to save money on hotels is by using travel rewards programs, and Marriott Bonvoy is a top choice for maximizing value. Marriott Bonvoy credit cards, such as the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, allow you to earn points on everyday purchases that can be redeemed for free or discounted stays at thousands of Marriott properties worldwide.
How to Maximize Your Marriott Bonvoy Points
- Sign up for a Marriott Bonvoy credit card. New cardholders often receive generous welcome bonuses, sometimes worth several free nights.
- Use your card for everyday spending. Earn points on groceries, dining and travel expenses.
- Take advantage of points transfers. Marriott Bonvoy allows you to transfer points to airline partners for additional flight savings.
- Book during the off-season. Marriott offers variable pricing, so you can use fewer points by traveling during less busy times.
By leveraging these rewards, you can significantly cut down on accommodation costs and even enjoy perks like complimentary room upgrades and late checkouts.
2. Book Flights at the Right Time
Timing is everything when booking flights. Airlines use dynamic pricing, meaning ticket prices fluctuate based on demand, time of booking, and even the day of the week.
Best Practices for Booking Flights Cheaply
- Book in advance. The best window to book domestic flights is typically 1-3 months in advance, while international flights should be booked 3-6 months ahead.
- Use fare alerts. Set price alerts on platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner or Hopper to track price drops.
- Fly midweek. Tuesdays and Wednesdays usually have lower fares compared to weekends.
- Use private browsing. Airlines may track searches and increase prices, so browse in incognito mode when searching for flights.
3. Take Advantage of Error Fares and Airline Deals
Airlines occasionally make pricing mistakes, resulting in significantly discounted flights, known as “error fares.” These deals don’t last long, so quick action is necessary.
How to Find and Book Error Fares
- Follow deal websites. Sites like Going and Secret Flying alert travelers to mistake fares.
- Be flexible. If you’re open to different destinations or dates, you have a better chance of grabbing a deal.
- Act fast but don't rush to book hotels. Airlines sometimes cancel error fares, so wait until your ticket is confirmed before booking accommodations.
4. Use Alternative Airports and Multi-City Searches
Sometimes, flying into a nearby airport instead of your primary destination can save you hundreds of dollars. Additionally, booking flights as separate legs instead of round trips can offer better prices.
Smart Strategies to Save with Alternative Airports
- Check nearby airports. Use search engines to compare fares from different airports within a reasonable driving distance.
- Consider budget airlines. Flying a low-cost carrier from a secondary airport can sometimes be cheaper than a direct flight.
- Try multi-city flights. Booking separate one-way tickets instead of a round trip can sometimes unlock savings.
5. Leverage Hotel Price Matching and Hidden Discounts
Many hotel chains, including Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt, offer price-matching guarantees, meaning if you find a lower rate elsewhere, they’ll match it—and sometimes even provide additional discounts.
Ways to Save More on Hotels
- Book direct and claim price matches. Always check if the hotel will match lower prices found on third-party sites.
- Use corporate or membership discounts. AAA, AARP, military and student discounts can reduce costs.
- Book refundable rates and recheck prices. Hotel prices change frequently, so book a refundable rate and check periodically to see if prices drop.
Start Traveling for Less Today!
Saving money on travel doesn’t mean compromising on quality. Now that you know how to save on flights and hotels, you can stretch your budget while still enjoying amazing experiences.