Planning your next vacation is exciting, but it can also be daunting when you consider the expenses involved. With careful planning and some savvy strategies, you can make your next getaway a reality. Follow these tips from Expedia so you can save on your next vacation and have the time of your life: 

• Use third-party booking sites: If you are not a frequent traveler, rewards programs via third-party booking sites – like Expedia – can give you that same feeling of VIP elite status that you’d get with a frequent flier or booker program. When you’re logged into these sites, you can often save an extra 10% or more on select hotels, and you might get bonus points on certain properties that are trying to attract newcomers or repeat customers.
• Look for flexibility with airlines: If you know you need to make it somewhere on a specific date, look for airlines that have flexible fare options. Book a flexible fare that looks like a good deal right now and then you can change or cancel it if you find a better deal elsewhere.*
• Keep it simple: For those wanting to get started with loyalty programs, pick one and stick with it until you have a thorough grasp of its advantages before branching out to additional programs. Otherwise you’re going to be learning everything from scratch every time you book.
• Keep track of flight prices: Keep a running list of places that you’d like to go and whenever you’re bored, run them through a flight search tool to see if there are any good deals available.
• Get social: If you’re looking for info on loyalty programs and budget-travel tips, figure out your preferred social media channel and go from there. For example, if you’re an Instagram fan, Reels are an effective way of getting that tidbit of information, which you can later research in greater detail.

Saving money on vacation doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality or experiences. With careful planning and smart decisions, you can enjoy a fantastic getaway without breaking the bank. 

^{*Always compare prices and make sure that whatever you choose works for your financially and is the right option for your situation. If you are unsure- call the airline so you can learn more about what that flexible fare means and any terms that may come with it.}