Top Tips for Terrific Travel Deals

Are you one of the millions of Americans who postponed vacations and travel plans due to Covid? Now that borders are reopening, there are some truly fantastic travel deals to the world’s best destinations awaiting the well-prepared.

In this article, we’ll show you how – and where – to search for great deals on airfares, provide advice on how to keep apprised of budget travel offers, and how flexible travel dates can help you save big on travel expenses. Lastly, we offer advice on what to look out for – and when to seal the deal and book that trip.

In This Article:

• Get connected to Travel Apps & Services
• Be Flexible on Your Travel Dates
• Follow the Discount Travel Deal Leaders
• Use Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Book the Best Travel Deals from Reputable Sources
• Seal Your Low-Cost Travel Deal
• Renew Your Passport

Get Connected to Travel Apps and Services

If you’re serious about traveling and saving money, get connected with travel apps that consolidate travel deals from around the globe. Here are several travel apps you’ll want to check often when making travel plans.

• Scott’s Cheap Flights (SCF). This travel app does all the heavy lifting of finding the very best travel deals around the world. You can customize your travel alerts based on preferred airport(s) and destinations. The SCP app provides options for booking economy or 1st-class deals, mistake fares, or simply a quick weekend getaway – with breathtaking discounts of up to 60% off or more.
• Hopper. The Hopper app is a travel nerd’s dream come true. Here you’ll find deals on flights, rental cars, and hotels. After selecting your airport and destination, Hopper provides a range of prices, color-coded to depict pricing tiers – green means cheap, orange is a bargain, red is less of a bargain.
• Google Flights. Get travel deals delivered directly to your Gmail account. Use this service when looking for specific flights, as well as the best time and price to book.

Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates

For those with set schedules or other obligations, this “fly by the seat of your pants” concept might not be possible, but for those who have a little wiggle room around their departure date, flexibility can go a long way towards stretching your travel budget. The not-so-well-kept secret to the best travel deals are:

• Having flexible travel dates
• Knowing where you want to go, or
• Being open to a new adventure

For digital nomads, a last-minute travel deal can translate into a seaside or hilltop “office," while still keeping up professional appearances (and maybe even a tax write-off).

Follow the Discount Travel Leaders

Social media platforms abound with accounts sharing travel insider tips. If you haven’t yet, follow these accounts for daily updates on rock bottom airfares, car rentals, and vacation packages – then set up your travel alerts for enticing prices on desirable destinations. Don’t forget to check out vacation packages while you’re there.

• @Travelocity and travelocity.com. Travelocity is a great account to follow if you’re in search of your next destination.
• @TheFlightDeal and theflightdeal.com. TheFlightDeal helps you keep apprised of airline fares, today and into the future. It's especially useful if you are open to traveling to new destinations.
• @JetBlueCheeps and jetblue.com. Direct deals from this already discount carrier could be more affordable than a Greyhound bus ticket.

Use Travel Rewards Credit Cards

If you don’t already have a travel rewards credit card, there’s no time like the present. Many credit card companies offer attractive perks, generous membership incentives, and travel rewards with every swipe. Enjoy points matching or reimbursement for TSA PreCheck and GlobalEntry fees, and hefty discounts on airfare, car rentals, cruises, and hotel accommodations.

Book the Best Travel Deals from Reputable Sources

The savvy traveler does their research – you should too. Be sure to verify the source of your booking and read the fine print. If you’ve never heard of the travel agency, dig a little deeper to see if they’re legit. If your booking process triangulates through a 3rd party travel bundler, look for added costs or hidden restrictions.

Start by learning the cost of flights, hotels, or cruise fares before booking yours. That deal might actually be a steal if you have to spend the night in a Wichita, Kansas hotel because of a 14-hour layover on your way to Paris. Don’t forget to check for cancellation policies and any baggage fees – before booking your flight.

Google Flights tracks airline prices hourly, and The Points Guy (TPG) app provides timely pricing guidelines for airfare and other travel-related costs through the app. Use these tools to find and track the best travel deals from reliable sources.

Seal Your Low-Cost Travel Deal

Here’s the best way to put your savvy traveler skills to work when sealing a low-cost travel deal. Maximize your points and miles. At the minimum you should get at least a penny per point, then compare the cost of the flight/travel to its cash price at the time of booking.

When booking your trip, factor in layovers or inconvenient flight times and connections into the equation. Remember that 14-hour overnighter in Wichita? The cost of the hotel or rental car mid-trip may actually be more expensive in the long run that a direct flight. Always double check prices.

Think about a travel insurance package, especially if you plan on traveling abroad, since many foreign countries require it. Make sure you know what this policy does and doesn't cover before your trip.

Not all travel deals will make sense for everyone, but if you’re prepared, you can seize the moment for an impromptu – or highly curated getaway.

Need a Passport or Passport Renewal?

Traveling abroad? With months-long waits — and recent fee increases, don’t let an out-of-date passport derail your travel plans. Skip’s door-to-door passport renewal service takes the hassle out of renewing your passport, without leaving the house. We can even speed up the wait time when you request expedited service.

Keep apprised of the latest Covid travel restrictions around the world. Download the Skip app for convenience on the go.

How Else Can Skip Help? Whether you need assistance navigating funding for your small business — like SBA loans, grants, or other financing options, or guidance with government-related services — like TSA PreCheck or DMV appointments, we’re ready to help. Become a member and skip the red tape.