4 tips to save on travel expenses

SAN DIEGO – With deals on travel popping up as COVID-19 restrictions loosen, more and more people are venturing out – especially on vacation this summer.

In fact, according to a recent survey conducted by TopCashback.com, the USA’s most generous cash back site, 50% of Americans say that their spending increases over the summer with 39% using money for family vacations.

So whether you’re jet setting on a plane or have your eyes on something more local, here are four tips on how to find the best deals from Rebecca Gramuglia, consumer expert at TopCashback.com.

1. Use an incognito browser. Some third-party websites will use your search history, previous purchases and cookies to inflate prices on flights and hotels you’ve had your eye on. To avoid this unfair pricing tactic, open an incognito browser when looking for travel deals.

2. Save wherever you can. Don’t assume that you’re getting the lowest price on travel. Take advantage of money-saving, cash back sites, like TopCashback.com, to score discounts and earn a percentage of your money back on travel sites like Expedia.com, Hotels.com and more. And don’t forget to save on other trip essentials, like clothes and luggage. Plus, if you install the TopCashback Browser Extension, you’ll get notified when you’re shopping on sites that offer cash back so you never miss out on savings.

3. Research travel credit cards with sign-up bonuses. Look into travel credit cards that offer large sign-up bonuses to help save up for/pay off your vacation. If you plan on signing up for a credit card, ask yourself, “how much do I typically spend each month?” and “will the bonus significantly help save on the trip?” when looking at different options. Make sure to also review your credit card provider’s rewards program before planning your vacation so you know how you can utilize your reward miles or points on all aspects of your trip. Pro-tip: Always check the terms of sign-up bonuses. You may need to plan ahead for the bonus as it may not go into effect until a few months later, and make sure that you don’t break the bank trying to get that reward.

4. Plan ahead. Whether it’s two months away or next week, planning ahead makes a big difference and can save you a lot in the long run. Research nearby restaurants and if you can, purchase discounted gift cards through sites like Giftcards.com and Raise. Or if you have excursions on the brain, score deals through sites like Groupon, so you can avoid any day-of fees, long wait times or sold-out activities. This can prepare you for a trip that you’ll actually enjoy without worrying about how much you’re spending, since most of your activities can be prepaid. Plus, this tip can apply to every aspect of your trip. Whether you pack lightly or reserve parking in advance, you can save money on additional, unexpected fees.

Submitted by TopCashback.com.