5 Travel Hacks to Help You Spend Less on Airfare

With the end of the year quickly approaching, travelers may be scrambling to book last minute getaways in order to use their final PTO days. But how can travelers know they're finding the best last minute deals during the always busy holiday travel season?

For our reader's looking to find the best savings on airfare, here are 5 Travel Hacks to Help You Spend Less on Airfare, thanks to the good folks over at CheapOair.

5 Travel Hacks to Help You Spend Less on Airfare

Use Credit Cards with Rewards

If you don't already have a travel rewards credit card then we recommend you get one. Using a credit card that offers travel rewards will have you racking up points in no time. Depending on the card, the points can be used for savings on flights, hotel, and car rentals... and hey, you may even have enough to score a free flight! While using a credit card that offers rewards, the purchases you make can be on anything you please but some purchases receive more points than others. So, why not stack up on points to save if you'll be traveling soon anyways!

Stay Out of Town

While traveling to a major city with tourists bunking up in the lavish hotels in the center of town, we advise you go elsewhere. While booking your hotel, do some research on stays outside of the major city for a cheaper nightly rate. Keep in mind that a town outside a major city can also be a much better experience as you can hang with the locals or explore even more from the outskirts. And staying away from the crowds of tourists can be more of a relaxing experience anyways.

Flight Time Matters

It's no theory that travel times make a difference in airfare. Mid-day flights tend to always be more expensive compared to a red-eye or early morning flight time. The reasoning for this is simply because most travelers don't want to fly through the night or at the crack of dawn. Try to sacrifice the hours of sleep and book a late night or early morning flight. The plus side is the airports will be empty and you'll surely save on fares!

Pay Attention to Email Promotions

We know your inbox is flooded daily with store promotions and deals that you simply don't care for. But, travel promotions are different! Flight, car, and hotel deals land in subscribers inboxes every day and we're sure you probably missed a few great travel deals. Here's our suggestion: create a separate email for travel promotions only or keep your inbox organized by creating folders where these messages will land in so you never miss a deal again! While you're scrambling for that holiday flight deal to NYC or wherever you plan to go, search your inbox to discover promotions you may have missed.

Don't Be an Average Tourist

Tourists traveling to major cities around the world often plan an itinerary with the same places to see and do. Restaurants and shops around popular areas will be much more expensive compared to a restaurant right outside of town. Be different–explore the local neighborhoods, experience a variety cultures, and learn something new. You're guaranteed to save on food, shopping and be exposed to something new!