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A Guide to Booking Last-Minute Trips

A Guide to Booking Last-Minute Trips

A Guide to Booking Last-Minute Trips

  • "Save Money"
  • Vacation
  • Travel

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If you're like most people, you may need to take a last-minute trip at some point in your life. Whether you're traveling for business, pleasure, or family, the experience doesn't have to be stressful or expensive. Take advantage of these handy tips from CreditBox for booking last-minute travel.

Comparison Shop
To get the best last-minute travel deals, always comparison shop. Research prices on third-party travel sites and on hotel and airline sites. Find the best overnight accommodations by comparing prices on hotels and vacation rentals in your preferred area.

Sometimes you can get deals on flights that leave early or arrive late, but be sure to check out the number of layovers from Point A to Point B. Frequent travelers know that the cheapest getaway isn't always the best. For a little more money you can usually avoid spending a full day in airport terminals.

Consider a Budget Airline
Occasionally, the cheapest getaway is the best option. If your travel distance is short, you may want to forego amenities like complimentary food, beverages, and checked bags and book a budget airline. When you can fit all your essentials into one carry-on bag, the deals you can get might be worth giving up the extras.

Fly Mid-Week
Whether you're traveling for the holidays or at the end of summer, book your flight on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, if possible. Flying mid-week is usually cheaper any time of year, but especially during peak travel seasons. When you're looking for last-minute travel deals, even a one-day delay can make a big difference when it comes to your budget.

Negotiate the Price of Your Vacation Rental
Depending on the time of year you're traveling, vacation rental prices may be up for negotiation. If demand for rentals is low, a host might be willing to reduce the price, especially at the last minute. Most hosts would rather book a rental than have it empty, so it never hurts to ask.

Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs
If you're a frequent traveler, chances are you belong to a loyalty program or two. Paying with points can get you great last-minute travel deals, but to use them you need to book your travel directly through hotel and airline websites. For the cheapest getaway for a group, certain hotel loyalty programs allow you to pool points with other travelers if you're booking a shared room or adjoining rooms.

Visit a Travel Agent
If you're short on time and have extra money to spend, you can avoid the stress of trip planning by visiting a travel agent. These pros have the knowledge, experience, and resources needed for making last-minute arrangements. With so many professional connections, a travel agent might get you a better deal than you could get for yourself. 

Although these tips can help you save time and money when booking last-minute travel, you may still need a little extra cash for your trip. A visit to our website at CreditBox may be just what you need. By applying online for a quick and easy installment loan, Credit Box can solve your cash problems in no time.
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