She Strengthens

Maximize Your Vacation Budget: Timing is Everything

When it comes to planning a vacation, transportation costs can quickly add up. In fact, the average American household spends nearly 40% of their vacation funds on getting from point A to point B. While it’s unlikely we’ll ever be able to eliminate this expense entirely, making a few strategic tweaks to when we book and travel can lead to significant savings.

Flight Savings: Book Smart, Not Hard

Most of us tend to shop for flights on the weekends, when we have some free time. However, this isn’t necessarily the best strategy. Airlines adjust their prices daily, sometimes even hourly, based on supply and demand. By booking on a Tuesday, for example, you could pay around 5% less than you would on a weekend.

Planning ahead is also key. Generally, the best prices can be found when booking two to three months in advance for domestic travel and five to eight months beforehand for international trips. And if you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can often find even deeper discounts.

Train Travel: Book Early, Save Big

Unlike airfare, train ticket prices don’t fluctuate based on the day you book. However, the earlier you book, the better your chances of snagging a good deal. Amtrak announces any changes to their schedules months in advance, so it’s worth planning ahead to save up to 16% on your ticket.

Rental Cars: Procrastination Can Pay Off

When it comes to rental cars, procrastination can actually be a good thing. Booking within 30 days of your pickup date can result in savings of up to 30%. However, it’s still worth getting a head start, as rental rates can change several times a day.

Timing is Everything: When to Travel

The days you travel can also impact how much you pay. For flights, Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be the cheapest days to fly. For train travel, Saturdays are often the best bet. And when it comes to rental cars, Sundays and Tuesdays are usually the cheapest days to rent.

Destination Matters

Where you’re headed can also impact how much you pay. In major metropolitan areas, rates tend to be lower on weekends, while warm-weather destinations like Hawaii and Florida tend to be more expensive during peak season.

By timing your bookings and travel strategically, you can save hundreds on your next vacation. So why not start planning today?