By Julie Nguyen
As final exams are approaching, travelling may be the last thing on a student’s mind. However, if you are planning to fly home for the holidays or wanting to take a vacation, it may be appropriate to start thinking about potential travel arrangements now.
As a result, I’ve gathered a few simple tips that can help you save money with your travels:
Book early and shop around
Airline ticket prices typically go up 21 days, 14 days, 7 days and 3 days before flying, so make sure to book your flights before these deadlines to get the best value (you’ll want to book earlier for international travel). Also, rumour has it that, typically, airlines deals are released on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Nonetheless, make sure you give yourself a bit of time to shop around if you are wanting to save a bit of money. Here are some good websites to shop around:
http://www.travelalerts.ca/vancouver/en
http://seatexpert.com/ (find the best seat on your flight!)
Last minute deals
If you are don’t have specific dates or destinations in mind, you can be adventurous and look for cheap last minute deals. Here are some great sites for last minute deals:
Alternative airports
Sometimes it may be more economical to depart from alternative airports around Vancouver, if you are able to find your way there. Also, airports across the border may be cheaper for US flights. Consider flying out from these airports:
- Bellingham International Airport (BLI)
- Abbotsford International Airport (YXX)
- Seattle Seatac International Airport (SEA)
Pack smartly and be aware of baggage fees
When booking your flight, ensure that you check the airline website for baggage fees – some airlines may allow one checked piece of baggage free of charge on top of your carry-on baggage. It is recommended to plan your wardrobe ahead of time and pack lightly, especially if you plan on bringing souvenirs or gifts back with you. Here is a fantastic online packing checklist to get you started: http://www.packinglistonline.com/.
Couch surf
You can also save money on hotels or hostels with a night on the couch. Websites like http://www.couchsurfing.org/ feature travellers and locals who are happy to host tourists on their couch for the night.
Bring friends
If you are planning a vacation, bringing friends is a wonderful way to cut down on lodging costs. Also, travel buddies can help take pictures of you and you may feel safer with friends by your side!
For more travel tips, I recommend visiting http://www.readersdigest.ca/travel/travel-tips
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