How to Make This Year The Year of Many Trips!

Wondering how to make the most of your paid time off while having a limited amount of days for the year? We’ve got a solution! Not only is it possible to maximize your vacation time, but you can also save on travel expenses by finding cheap round trip flights and more! We know, this may seem easier said than done… until you learn about the following hacks we’ve rounded up to vacation longer without using all of your days off!

Use Less Paid Time Off

When the new year has just begun, your paid vacation days have most likely been replenished. Whether you have 30 or even 10 days to take time off for the year doesn’t necessarily mean those have to be the only days you’ll have to get away. National holidays typically fall on Mondays, such as Memorial Day, Columbus Day, and Martin Luther King Day. Take advantage of long weekends and plan a trip, especially if your school or job is closed. Once you’re ready to book flights, look for cheap international flights that leave late at night and arrive early morning.

A red-eye flight will give you a whole extra travel day as opposed to losing a day to travel. If there’s a time difference, choose your flight departure time wisely so you arrive at the beginning of the day. With limited time off, it’s best to plan more mini weekend getaways rather than a week-long trip. That way, you’ll be able to comfortably travel more during the year. Luckily, if you’re only at the beginning of the year, you can start planning your trips to use your days off wisely and ahead of time.

You may also like: 8 Ways to Axe Costs and Save Money When Flying for the Holidays

Save on Expenses

For starters, the time of year and the days you choose to travel matter! Peak travel seasons are when you’ll have a tough time finding fares that have dropped significantly. To score an awesome deal, travel during the fall and/or winter seasons. Although the days may be shorter, you’ll easily find cheap round trip flights. Plus, you’ll get to take a break from the cold temps at home for a bit!

Depending on where you wish to venture, do some research before you use the city’s public transportation (if there is any). You’ll save a lot of money by hopping on a train or bus rather than renting a car or taking a cab. Another tip to help you save is to use a credit card that offers travel perks and rewards. Some credit cards offer discounts on travel from purchases in specific places. If this doesn’t apply to you, don’t fret. There are still options available! Be sure to plan well in advance. If you do so, you’ll have enough time to set up fare alerts to watch your flights. Plus, you’ll get notified every time fares drop.

Make More Than One Stop

Why travel to just one destination when you can venture off to other places? When traveling abroad to Europe, for example, it’s easy to make stops in a few countries or cities. Before you take off, educate yourself on where to catch a train and how to travel from place to place. If you’re taking a long-haul flight with stopovers, book a lengthy stop if possible. Some country-specific airlines offer stopover programs that allow travelers to explore the city while waiting for the arrival of their next flight. Stopover programs are typically free or are offered at a low cost. And, they sometimes include services such as free lodging and airport transfers if you spend time at their locations.

Traveling for business? Even better! Businesses usually pay for round trip flights, hotel stays, and may even cover travel expenses. Take advantage and stay for an extra day or two. Once you’re done with your work schedule, get out and explore the city. Use this opportunity to get another destination checked off your travel bucket list. You’ll save money, especially since the flights and hotel will already be covered. So, take some time for yourself and discover some cool new places and experiences!

Have any other tips to get the most out of your travel days? Tell us in the comments below!