Book summer travel early to save money

To save money on summer travel, experts recommend planning well in advance, using technology, and avoiding crowded destinations. Airfares are predicted to remain high this year, making it crucial to find effective ways to lower travel costs. Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy, suggests booking tickets early. Airfare prices often rise quickly, so travelers should set alerts on platforms like Google Flights to catch price drops. Tools like Skyscanner can help compare flight deals. If you find a reasonable fare, it’s wise to book right away, as you can typically change your flight for free within 24 hours. Extra fees can add up, especially in economy class. Airlines charge for seat selection and carry-on bags. Using a co-branded credit card with specific airlines can help travelers save money on checked luggage fees and gain other benefits. Even infrequent flyers can benefit from these cards when they fly just once or twice a year. For lodging, avoid popular destinations during peak seasons to save money. Visiting places like Ireland in shoulder season or exploring less crowded regions in Europe can enhance your experience and lower costs. Unique destinations, like Iceland or countries in South America, can provide memorable vacations without the hefty price tag. Travel insurance can be useful in certain situations, especially for nonrefundable trips like safaris. Most travel rewards cards cover trip delays. However, for higher assurance, independent sites like InsureMyTrip offer good options for comparing travel policies. Lastly, using points or miles is great for last-minute travelers. Platforms like Seats.aero show how many points are needed for specific flights. Being flexible can lead to substantial savings and unexpected travel opportunities.