Bowman’s Travel Brief: Save Money Without Sacrificing the Vacation

Everyone loves to save money, especially when it comes to travel.

Vacations can get expensive, so the less you have to spend, the better. It’s why my brief here always features the top offers at the bottom. I want to help you find travel deals!

Of course, one should never sacrifice quality just so they can save a few bucks in the process.

This is why it’s crucial to have a trusted travel agent. There are a number of ways travel agents can save you money.

It’s hands down the number one way to save money on all your travels, be it business or pleasure.

Agents and advisors know the ins and outs of the industry. Tell them what you want, and they’ll guide you in the right direction to give you the best possible vacation.

Why experience travel any other way?

I recommend working with an agent or advisor well in advance of when you want to travel.

Booking early is always going to save you money. I’m traveling to Las Vegas this coming weekend for my birthday, but I booked the whole trip way back in October. I have some friends who were content on waiting until January to find a flight, but now they’re not going because the flights only got more expensive.

Sure, there are flight deals to be found at the last minute, but if you know for sure you want to travel somewhere, don’t hesitate. Plan and book now.

In the end, the vacation experience should be what matters most, not the cost.

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Get Caught Up

In case you missed it this past week:

A legislative committee unanimously passed a bill to legalize marijuana in Hawaii.

Los Angeles will become the first U.S. destination to host the Millennial Travel Forum.

TSA seized a record number of firearms in 2018. The number of seized firearms by the TSA continues to climb year after year. Stop bringing your guns to the airport people!

In a big move, World Travel Holdings joined the Travel Leaders Network and it had the industry buzzing.

Check out the most romantic and most affordable cities for Valentine’s Day, as well as the most romantic cruise destinations in the world.

Advice from an Agent

Jill Taylor is Luxury Travel Consultant for Jet Set World Travel based in Chicago. She can be reached at jill@jetsetworldtravel.com

When asked what advice she would give to travelers who want to save money on vacations and trips, Taylor said:

“Plan and book early. Hotels and flights cost more as they start to fill up. Travel to destinations that are less known so there is more value for money. For example, if going to Italy, choose to travel to Umbria, Piemonte, Puglia, or Sardinia instead of Tuscany, Amalfi, etc.

“Also, look where the USD is strong and travel where the dollar goes further. South Africa is much less expensive than most think. Clients can spend less there than in most places in Europe or other African countries like Botswana or Tanzania. Stay in apartments, homes or villas with kitchens so you can shop at local markets and cook in a few days.”

When asked what advice she would travel agents and advisors on how to save money in their business and save their clients’ money, Taylor said:

“Go paperless. Use electronic documents so there’s no need to send paper documents. Charge fees to covert time in consultation and planning. Clients are less likely to book on their own after you have given them your advice if they have already paid you.

“Get credit cards with no international finance charges and to wire money to pay for travel if there are credit card transactions fees. We also suggest prepaying hotel rooms as most hotels will discount rates if clients pay in full.

“We always suggest travel insurance, so their trip is covered. This is also a great way to save money as if anything ever goes wrong. “

Top Offers

Two-for-one land pricing on Mekong River cruises with AmaWaterways.

Get 65 percent off rack rate and $355 instant credit on Oceanview Four Bedroom Butler Villa Residence from Beaches Resorts.

Save up to 47 percent with the “Winter Wow Sale” at Jewel Resorts in Jamaica.

Save up to 25 percent off two or more parks at Experiencias Xcaret.

Find savings to the Galápagos Islands and more with G Adventures’ February travel deals.

And as always, for all your travel offer needs be sure to bookmark www.travelpulse.com/deals.