14 Holiday Travel Tips: Saving Money on Flights, Accommodations, and Staying Financially Secure
The holiday season is a time to reconnect with family, friends, and new places. However, it’s also one of the busiest and most expensive times of the year to travel. You can enjoy your trip without breaking the bank with strategic planning and intelligent financial tips. Here are essential holiday travel tips from UCCU to help you save on flights and accommodations and keep your finances secure.
1. Money-Saving Tips on Flights
Book Early (Or Strategically Late): Holiday flights fill up quickly, so booking early is generally a safe bet. Booking two to three months in advance for domestic flights can help you lock in lower prices. However, airlines sometimes release last-minute deals a few weeks before takeoff, so watch last-minute fare drops.
Use Flexible Travel Dates: Traveling on off-peak days like midweek (Tuesdays or Wednesdays) instead of weekends or right before significant holidays can save you a lot. Checking nearby airports for cheaper flights is also a good tactic, as smaller airports may offer lower fares.
Leverage Flight Comparison Sites and Apps: Comparison tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Hopper allow you to track prices across multiple airlines. Many of these tools can also notify you when prices for your chosen dates drop, giving you the best chance to find an affordable option.
Utilize Fare Alerts: Set up fare alerts through these comparison sites to receive notifications of price drops for specific routes. Fare alerts can be beneficial when booking early since they allow you to purchase once the price drops before the seats fill up again.
Consider Budget Airlines or Hidden-City Ticketing: Budget airlines can be more affordable for shorter flights. Some travelers use hidden-city ticketing (booking a cheaper, indirect route and getting off at the layover) to save money. Note, though, that this strategy may void airline loyalty points or violate airline policies, so proceed cautiously.
2. Money-Saving Tips on Accommodations
Book with Member Discounts and Loyalty Programs: Many hotels and vacation rental services offer discounts to members. A credit card offering travel rewards or points can help you make the most of every booking. Check out the UCCU Cash Back Credit Card!
Stay with Friends/Family or Consider Vacation Rentals: If you have family or friends near your destination, staying with them could be a great money-saver. Alternatively, vacation rental platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo often provide better deals than hotels, especially for more extended stays or larger groups.
Look for Package Deals: Travel websites like Expedia or Priceline offer package deals that include flights, hotels, and even rental cars at a discounted rate. Booking together can save money; credit union members often receive additional savings or cash back.
Consider Alternative Accommodations: Alternative accommodations like hostels or Couchsurfing can provide substantial savings for more adventurous travelers. This approach can be constructive for solo travelers or those open to meeting new people during their stay.
3. Credit Union Financial Tips for Safe Holiday Travel
Set Up Travel Notices on Credit and Debit Cards: Setting travel notices on your UCCU cards ensures that your transactions won’t be flagged as fraudulent. Before your trip, notify the credit union of your travel destinations and dates. This way, you avoid disruptions to your holiday plans from accidental card deactivation.
Review and Adjust Credit Card Limits: Unexpected expenses can arise during travel, so it may be wise to adjust your credit limit to ensure you’re covered. Contact UCCU if you anticipate any high-value transactions to avoid issues with payment approval.
Use Mobile Banking Apps to Monitor Spending: Monitoring your spending while traveling is easy with UCCU’s mobile banking app. You can track purchases, transfer funds, pay bills, and review account activity in real-time. It’s a convenient way to stay financially secure and avoid overspending.
4. Credit Card Rewards and Benefits
Maximize Travel-Related Perks and Rewards: Take advantage of travel-related perks and rewards. Many UCCU credit cards offer points for flights, car rentals, and hotels. Check if you have accumulated points and redeem them for travel costs, as this can help you save substantially.
Utilize Foreign Transaction Fee-Free Cards: If your holiday travels take you overseas, use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Many credit unions, including UCCU, offer options for international spending without additional charges, keeping every dollar in your pocket.
Emergency Card Replacement: If your card is lost or stolen, UCCU can arrange for a replacement even while you’re abroad. Familiarize yourself with UCCU’s process for emergency card replacement to avoid hassles and interruptions during your travels.
5. Holiday Budgeting Tips
Create a Detailed Travel Budget: Estimating daily expenses—food, activities, transportation, and a little for unexpected costs—keeps you from overspending. Budgeting for each family member is an excellent way to ensure everyone has a fun, financially worry-free trip.
Leverage Savings Accounts for Travel: Set aside funds in a dedicated UCCU savings account. This is an effective way to prevent overspending while ensuring your holiday is fully funded. Planning a year in advance can make a significant difference for big trips.
Plan for Unexpected Costs: Unexpected costs (like extra baggage fees or emergency purchases) often crop up during travel. Include a small cushion in your travel budget to cover these surprises without impacting other expenses.
6. Travel Insurance and Health Insurance Tips
Travel Insurance Benefits and Considerations: Travel insurance can provide peace of mind by covering trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. While UCCU may not offer direct travel insurance, credit union partners may have discounted policies available for members.
Health Insurance and Medical Care Abroad: Check with your health insurance provider about coverage while traveling. Many U.S.-based health plans do not cover international medical care, so consider short-term health insurance policies for international travel if needed.
7. Security and Fraud Protection Tips
Use Digital Wallets for Secure Payments: Digital wallets, like Apple Pay or Google Wallet, are safer and more convenient than carrying physical cards, reducing the risk of lost or stolen cards.
Stay Alert for Holiday Travel Scams: Be wary of travel scams, which often increase during peak seasons. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true and use well-known, secure sites to book travel and accommodations.
Set Up Real-Time Alerts on Transactions: Enable transaction alerts on your UCCU mobile app for real-time notifications. These alerts can help you monitor spending and spot unauthorized purchases quickly, giving you added peace of mind.
8. Travel Hacks and Tricks
Pack Light to Avoid Extra Fees: Packing lightly saves money on checked-bag fees and makes it easier to manage your belongings. Try rolling clothes to save space and prioritize essentials to avoid unnecessary baggage costs.
Bring an Empty Water Bottle: Bring an empty bottle through security and fill it at the terminal. This simple trick saves money and helps keep you hydrated during your travels.
Bring Portable Chargers: Portable chargers can save you from paying for power in airports or public places. Many travelers now rely heavily on their phones for everything from tickets to directions, so staying charged is essential.
9. Using Credit Union Tools to Prepare for Travel
Review Automatic Payments or Bills: Double-check any bills or subscriptions that will be due while you’re away. UCCU’s online banking platform allows you to manage automatic payments so that bills are paid on time, even if you’re on the other side.
Set Up Temporary Holds on Services: If you’ll be gone for an extended period, consider placing holds on utilities or other subscriptions. This can help you save on monthly bills during extended trips.
10. Tips for Traveling with Family or Large Groups
Group Discounts and Bulk Bookings: Many airlines, hotels, and tour operators offer discounts for group bookings. Planning together can save you hundreds on airfare and accommodations.
Separate Budgets and Savings Goals: Having separate budgets for each traveler can help families or groups with varying needs stay on track. Families may want to budget specifically for kid-friendly activities or snacks.
Shared Travel Cards or Accounts for Convenience: Shared travel cards can simplify payments for groups. UCCU offers family or joint accounts that allow easy transfers and transparent spending.
11. International Travel Tips
Currency Exchange Options: Avoid high-fee airport exchange counters by withdrawing local currency at ATMs or using UCCU cards with low international fees. It’s often cheaper and more accessible than traditional currency exchange.
Tips for Avoiding Exchange Rate Markups: Exchange rate markups can be steep at airport kiosks. Many UCCU cards offer competitive rates, which can help you save on conversion fees abroad.
12. Health and Safety Precautions While Traveling
Stay Informed on Local Health Guidelines and Requirements: Local health regulations can vary widely, especially since COVID-19. Before departure, check current guidelines and vaccination requirements for your destination.
Safety Tips for Traveling with Valuable Documents: Use hotel safes or secure bags to store passports, travel documents, and any extra credit cards you’re not actively using. This minimizes the risk of loss and helps you focus on enjoying your trip.
13. Post-Travel Financial Health Check-Up
Review Travel Expenses and Statements: Once you return, review your UCCU account statements to review charges and ensure there are no discrepancies. This habit helps catch unauthorized transactions quickly.
Set Up a Post-Travel Savings Goal: Consider setting aside funds to replenish savings used for your trip. UCCU offers a range of savings plans that can help you prepare for your next holiday.
Travel Points Reimbursement Review: For those who used points or rewards, review your account to ensure proper reimbursements or point redemptions. It’s a great way to see how much you saved and plan for future trips.
14. Packing and Preparing Tips
Smart Packing Tips to Save Money and Space: Pack efficiently to save money on baggage fees. Try rolling clothes, packing travel-size toiletries, and using packing cubes for organization. Avoid overpacking to avoid extra weight fees.
Preparing Travel Itineraries and Must-Visit Destinations: Having a prepared itinerary helps maximize time and budget. List your top destinations, calculate travel times, and plan critical activities to maximize your holiday without unnecessary spending.