As winter sets in and the days grow colder, you may be longing for an escape. But if the costs of holiday gift buying and other seasonal splurges have your bank account looking like a winter wasteland, you may think there’s no chance of getting away and taking some time to recharge. Think again! The winter is off-season for many places, and travel apps can help you find the best deals for airfare and hotels, letting you enjoy a little rest and relaxation no matter your budget. These tips can help.
Find the Best Deals on Airfare
One of the keys to getting a good deal on airfare is flexibility. The cheapest days of the week to fly are typically Tuesday and Wednesday, so if you can plan your itinerary around flying these days you could save some big cash.
Another way to find the best prices on airfare is to use Google Flights or an app, like Skyscanner. Google Flights lets you search for flights within a range of dates and displays the lowest airfare for each day on a calendar so you can feel confident about getting the best deal for your flight. Skyscanner compares flight costs to find the cheapest deal and can even be used for booking a hotel or rental car.
Sign Up for Travel Deal Alerts
Make use of airfare alerts to find the best price on your winter getaway. There are lots of apps available that you could use, like Airfare Watchdog. The app is user friendly, making it one of the best for getting travel alerts. It lets you select destinations to receive airfare or hotel alerts so you can score the lowest price on your trip.
Travel to Off-Season Destinations
The winter is a good time to take advantage of the off-season destinations. The off-season is a good time to travel not only for the affordability but also for the benefit of less tourists and crowds. If you’re looking for a bit of summer weather during the winter, the Florida Keys is often an affordable option, especially if you avoid Key West and stay on one of the more northern Keys, such as Islamorada.
If you don’t mind the cold, Quebec City, Canada is affordable and a beautiful winter wonderland early in the year. Old Quebec is picturesque in the winter with its cobblestone streets and inviting storefronts, making it a great destination for those on a budget.
Stay Local
Save on airfare and other travel expenses by staying local or spending time in a nearby city. Avoiding the cost of airfare will free up your budget for food and activities. Make it feel like a real getaway by staying in a hotel and exploring parts of your town or neighboring city that you’ve never taken the time to explore before.
The perfect winter getaway can be planned on any budget. All it takes is a little flexibility with your dates, creativity with your destination, and the use of money saving travel apps to enjoy the perfect getaway without breaking the bank.