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Two of the biggest expenses on a trip are transportation and accommodations. When you're booking a short-term vacation rental, it makes sense to look for ways to save money on your trip—especially in those two areas where the savings can really add up. Courtesy of On the Road with a Delivery Driver, here’s how to snag great deals on your getaways and have a fabulous time.
Catch A Red Eye
Depending on the length of your flight and how well you sleep on a plane, Skyscanner recommends flying overnight, catching some z's, and arriving at your destination ready to take on the day. If you've rented a car, you can store your belongings in the trunk, or you can ask if you can drop your things off early at your vacation rental and check in later in the day. This gives you another day at your destination without the expense of an extra night in your vacation home.
Find Top Accommodations
Booking a vacation rental can be a mixed bag, both in terms of cost and quality. But if you scour reviews carefully and look for accommodations that get booked routinely, you can feel rest assured you’ll rest easy when you arrive. U.S.News says to also steer clear of rentals with sketchy payment sites.
Plus, you can look for options with savings opportunities. Sometimes you can book three days, get the fourth day free, or you might get a lower rate if you book for a week or more. When possible, stay at the same location rather than going from rental to rental. Staying in two places, for example, can mean two deposits and two cleaning fees. Just settle in one spot and use the unlimited miles on your rental car to take day trips to those more distant sights and activities, rather than moving your entire homebase.
Snag Deals on Rental Cars
Looking for deals on car rentals is a great way to reduce wear and tear on your own personal vehicle. Best of all, major companies like Enterprise have more than 76,000 branches around the world, meaning you can find them almost anywhere your travels take you. Renting a car is more economical than taking taxis and rideshares everywhere, and it gives you the freedom to go where you want when you want. Enterprise offers a variety of deals to help you save money when you book a car rental. Sign up for emails so you don't miss a deal, and take a closer look at special one-way and weekend rental promotions.
Bundle Your Vacation
In some cases, you may be able to book a flight and a rental car or vacation home together to save money. At your destination, look for bundled tickets to attractions or try CityPASS or Go City Cards for access to a variety of activities using one discounted pass. If the included attractions are things you want to do anyway, this can save you a lot of money.
Protect Your Finances
It’s important to have fun while traveling but it’s also important to safeguard your finances. If you travel abroad and hit a snag, keep in mind there are low-cost ways to receive funds from friends or family back in the U.S. For instance, when you're vacationing in places like the Dominican Republic, your first transfer through Remitly is free. Or if you’re sightseeing in Mexico, a limited time offer allows you to exchange 21.31 Mexican pesos per US dollar on your first transfer.
Check for Freebies
When you’re traveling, there are plenty of free offerings if you know where to look. Start with your own accommodations. Choose a vacation rental where breakfast is included, then stretch your travel budget even more by taking advantage of the kitchen to cook at least one meal at home each day.
When you’re planning your itinerary, you can find freebies there, too. For instance, NerdWallet notes if you're visiting museums, many of them have one day of the week or month with free admission. You might search for buy-one-get-one deals on local attractions, and don't be afraid to ask if your young kids get in free or at a discounted rate. Referring friends to sites like Airbnb can earn you a discount on your rental. Another idea: see if your credit card offers rental car insurance coverage and other travel benefits.
Ready for a terrific trip, but not ready to go broke? Start your vacation planning early to give yourself time to compare prices, search for details, and save money when booking your short-term rental. With just a few clever strategies, you’ll have enough money for an amazing time, and money left over to put toward your next getaway!
Abe of On the Road with a Delivery Driver goes all over the USA in search of great deals. Check out his travel blog and email questions to admin@ridenexttothedriver.com.
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