How to Travel on a Budget: 7 Ways to Save on Flights and Hotels with Expedia

Hey Dreamboat!

 

If you’re anything like me, you love traveling, but you don’t want to break the bank doing it. The good news is, with a few smart strategies, you can travel on a budget and still have an amazing time! In this post, I’m going to share 7 ways to save on flights and hotels using Expedia, so you can see the world without spending a fortune.

 

1. Book Flights in Advance

 

One of the easiest ways to save money on flights is by booking in advance. The closer you get to your departure date, the higher the prices tend to be. By booking 2-3 months ahead, you can often score lower fares.

 

  • Use Expedia’s flexible date search: When searching for flights on Expedia, try using the flexible dates option to see if shifting your travel dates by a few days can get you a cheaper deal.

 

  • Set price alerts: With Expedia, you can set alerts for your preferred destinations, so you’re notified when prices drop.

 

2. Bundle Your Flight and Hotel Together

 

Did you know that you can save money by booking your flight and hotel together as a package? Expedia often offers discounts when you bundle your bookings.

 

  • Look for package deals: When booking your flight, check the “Bundle + Save” option to see if combining your flight and hotel will give you a better deal. This is especially useful for vacations, city breaks, or business trips.

 

  • Add activities to your package: Sometimes adding activities, like city tours or airport transfers, to your booking package will unlock additional savings.

 

3. Use Expedia Rewards for Discounts

 

Expedia offers a loyalty program called Expedia Rewards that allows you to earn points on every booking, which you can later redeem for discounts on hotels and flights.

 

  • Join for free: Sign up for Expedia Rewards, and every time you book a hotel or flight, you’ll earn points. After a few trips, you can start redeeming them for free nights or flight discounts.

 

  • Look for VIP Access hotels: When you reach Expedia Rewards Gold or Silver status, you can get perks like room upgrades, free breakfasts, and late checkouts at VIP Access properties.

 

4. Stay Flexible with Your Travel Dates

 

Sometimes, just changing your travel dates by a day or two can save you a lot of money. Expedia makes it easy to find the best deals by letting you search with flexible dates.

 

  • Use flexible date tools: When searching for flights, select the “Flexible dates” option to see how changing your departure or return date can affect your price.

 

  • Travel mid-week: Flights are often cheaper on weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If your travel plans are flexible, this can help you save.

 

5. Consider Vacation Rentals for Longer Stays

 

Hotels can get pricey, especially for longer stays. If you’re planning to stay in one place for a week or more, consider booking a vacation rental through Expedia instead.

 

  • Filter by vacation rentals: Expedia offers a wide selection of vacation rentals, from apartments to houses. These are often more cost-effective than hotels, especially for longer stays, and come with added perks like kitchens and laundry facilities.

 

  • Look for discounted long-term rates: Many vacation rentals offer discounts for week-long or month-long stays, which can save you money if you’re traveling as a digital nomad or planning an extended trip.

 

6. Take Advantage of Last-Minute Deals

 

If you’re the spontaneous type, you can often find last-minute deals on hotels and flights. Expedia frequently offers last-minute deals, especially on hotels that are trying to fill up rooms.

 

  • Search for last-minute deals: Check the Last-Minute Deals section on Expedia for discounts on hotels and flights. These deals can be particularly useful if you’re planning a quick weekend getaway.

 

7. Look for Free Cancellation Options

 

Plans change, and you don’t want to get stuck with cancellation fees. Expedia offers free cancellation options on many hotels, which allows you to lock in a good price without being tied down if your plans change.

 

  • Filter for free cancellation: When booking hotels on Expedia, you can use the “Free Cancellation” filter to see only the options that won’t charge you for changes or cancellations. This gives you more flexibility and peace of mind.

 

Wrapping It Up

 

Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive! By using these smart strategies on Expedia, you can save on flights, hotels, and even experiences. From bundling bookings to taking advantage of last-minute deals, Expedia has a variety of ways to help you travel more and spend less.

 

Ready to book your next adventure? Check out Expedia here and start saving on your travel plans.

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