Travel, particularly overseas travel, can be a daunting proposition for many people. Some might be so worried about finding the time or scheduling the flights, the hotel rooms, and what you’ll do when you get there. And at that point, what should be an exciting experience can become stressful real quick, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are loads of great ways to save time and money while getting the most from your vacation.
One great way to save time and money on your trip is to book both your flight and your hotel together. There’s nothing better than being able to check right into your comfortable hotel room as soon as you land at Heathrow and lots of places now allow you to kill two birds with one stone. British Airways is one such company that offers combo packages for both your airfare and hotel stay, and deals like this can potentially save you a lot of money and even more headaches.
The next one is obvious to most people but you should try to book your trip as far in advance as possible. Also, don’t be discouraged just because of the price. It’s well-known that you’re going to to get a better deal the earlier you book your flight, though some other money-saving tips may have slipped by you. If that’s the case, be sure to check out this Business Insider list on secret ways to cut your flight’s cost.
Another tip: some companies provide layaway vacations with minimal deposits to allow travelers to take advantage of the best deals or ensure they can get the flight they need on the date they want. No one likes to be late to the party, and there are few things more disappointing than watching all the seats fill up when you try to purchase your tickets only a month in advance.
Alright then, so you’ve found the flight you want and you’re ready to book. But before you do, be sure to do your due diligence and go through all the travel search engines available to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible. Not unlike most retail stores, many companies offer guarantees on the best price available. Make sure you do your research before you buy to get the deal you deserve. By booking direct with your airline, you can ensure you’ll get a better price than anywhere else (provided you did your research).
For those really looking to maximize their stays overseas, something else to consider is investing in a sightseeing pass. In looking at London specifically, these passes can help hook you up with things like free entrances to top attractions like the London Zoo, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London—and some will even let you jump in line. Especially for those without much time to reschedule for sold-out attractions or particularly packed attractions, these sightseeing passes can be a lifesaver for those looking to get the most out of London.
Traveling can be an exciting and rewarding experience for the whole family. By following these simple and easy steps, anyone can save money and be where they want to be with the time and resources to do everything they’ve always wanted. What are you waiting for?
This guest post is written by Adam Long.