What’s the number one reason people don’t choose to see the world? Money. It’s almost always the money. And I’m not just talking about budget travelers, I mean anyone who’s contemplated taking a trip somewhere then balked at the price tag. In fact that’s half the point of a travel blog for some people – to score amazing deals on vacations all over the world in return for coverage on their website. But for everyone else who is simply looking to get the best bang for their buck, it’s easier than ever to discover perfect hotels, flights, tours and more if you’re willing to stay open minded and flexible. Let’s look through some of the best ways to save (particularly online) when you’re traveling in a group of three or more people.
Get on those email lists
I hate having too many newsletter and deal emails clogging up my inbox. But after I’ve signed up for a couple dozen, I can easily see which ones are worth my time and which are garbage. I unsubscribe after a couple weeks to the ones I don’t need, then put the ones I want to see in a priority folder. Stick to the ones that work best for your group travel style, whether it be last minute weekend getaways or big vacations at all-inclusive resorts. Moving to the UK did change my strategy slightly, so one new e-mail I love is Secret Flying for mostly European flights and rock bottom rates. But I also swear by setting up a personal Airfare Watchdog alert for particular flights you want to keep an eye on, as well as Skyscanner for similar results you have to jump on quick to get amazing deals. Have your friends and family divide and conquer to get as many eyeballs on these e-mails as possible so you don’t miss a thing.
Utilize several outlets at once
If you don’t have a brand name hotel in mind, I’m a big fan of using some of the third party websites to enjoy heavily discounted stays. Plan in advance if worried about cancellations, or go nuts with a spontaneous weekend away and indulge those dirt cheap prices for rooms. I often have a few different apps to compare prices quickly on a smartphone to further save a few dollars. But to go ever further, many of the hotel booking sites and have partnered with other brands to offer even lower costs to those booking a stay.
For instance, Groupon now offers “Groupon Coupons” that can guide you through the last minute offers on Orbitz that can slash your travel budget. If your dates and destination are flexible this can be a huge advantage to discovering the bargains before anyone else. Other companies that have partnered with Groupon Coupons include Hotwire, Expedia and my favorite, Hotels.com. Look here first for promo codes and offers that will re-direct you to the third party site for an extra boost in savings. We’ve been on the hunt for a room in Reykjavik, Iceland in a couple of weeks and found rates through Groupon Coupon are often significantly lower than what’s posted on the direct hotel sites.
What is you go-to way of saving online for accommodations, flights and tours? If you’re taking a trip with other travelers, do you all book together or make your plans then meet up once there?
This post was in partnership with Groupon Coupons. As always, all opinions are solely of the author.
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