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The 2021 summer travel season may have been cut short or failed to meet expectations when COVID-19 returned in full force with the Delta variant, but revenge travel is back with a vengeance in 2022.
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The travel search site Skyscanner discovered that summer 2022 flight bookings for U.S. travelers increased by 600% between January and February 2022, VP of Strategy Naomi Hahn told Conde Nast Traveler.
Those travelers who booked early were smart, as they may have saved 53% compared to 2019 prices. With the war in Ukraine and rising gas prices, travel costs have gone up in the past few months, but it’s not too late to save, experts say. Here are some tips on how to do so.
Choose Your Destination Wisely
Your trip’s cost hinges significantly on your travel destination, how you get there, and where you stay while you’re there. AirBNB or VRBO rentals can often be cheaper, especially if you opt to rent one room in a larger house, according to the blog Cheapism.com.
Choosing rural spots or locations off the beaten path can also reduce your travel costs — and provide a unique experience you wouldn’t find at a tourist destination like Hawaii or Orlando.
Cash In Those Miles
If you’ve been hoarding frequent flyer miles or hotel points during the pandemic, now’s the time to cash them in, advises Motley Fool’s The Ascent. Using points can help reduce the overall costs of your trip, or even help you afford some extras or a second getaway.
After all, revenge travel is all about splurging after you’ve denied yourself the experiences you love for too long.
Check Out: 10 Best Golf Trips for Travelers on a Budget
Book With the Right Credit Cards
The best travel rewards credit cards provide trip insurance, lost luggage insurance and access to airport lounges. These perks can make your travel more enjoyable and give you peace of mind.
Once you reach your destination, you may want to pull out a card, like the Bank of America Premium Rewards card that offers double rewards (or more) on restaurant dining and tourist attractions and experiences. For other purchases, you’ll want a card that rewards you for everyday spending to ensure you’re garnering points for every penny you spend on your trip.
Some people find it helpful to make a list of the bonus points categories for each card, or even label each card with a sticky note so they know which one to grab for each purchase.
Whatever you do, make sure you have the funds to cover those credit card bills when you get home. High interest charges erase the benefits of any cash back or rewards points.
Pay Off Debt First
Of course, if you’re saddled with high interest credit card debt or living paycheck to paycheck, you may want to hold off on booking that dream vacation until you have a better handle on your finances.
Don’t give up on your dreams, though. You might be able to plan a shorter trip or a local getaway. Also, consider transferring higher interest debt to a 0% interest card, freeing up a little extra money to not only pay down debt faster, but splurge on a trip before the end of summer.
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About the Author
Dawn Allcot is a full-time freelance writer and content marketing specialist who geeks out about finance, e-commerce, technology, and real estate. Her lengthy list of publishing credits include Bankrate, Lending Tree, and Chase Bank. She is the founder and owner of GeekTravelGuide.net, a travel, technology, and entertainment website. She lives on Long Island, New York, with a veritable menagerie that includes 2 cats, a rambunctious kitten, and three lizards of varying sizes and personalities – plus her two kids and husband. Find her on Twitter, @DawnAllcot.
