Discovering Travel Bargains in 2025: A Guide
Saving on Travel during Trade Wars and Off-Seasons
Traveling during uncertain economic times, such as trade wars, can seem daunting, but there are strategies to find great deals and make the most of your vacation.
One approach is to embrace flexibility. Last-minute bookings can yield significant discounts on flights and hotels, especially one to two weeks before departure or even a few days prior if you are flexible with dates and destinations, particularly during off-peak seasons when demand is lower [1].
Off-season or shoulder season travel offers significant savings because prices for flights, lodging, and attractions drop due to reduced demand; traveling midweek or avoiding peak holiday periods can further lower costs [2][3].
Travel agents can be a valuable resource during such times. They often know how to secure discounts, including bundling bookings and accessing unpublished rates. Some travel agents are paid a commission by vendors, which may limit your options in some cases, but online travel agencies such as Gateway Travel, Fora Travel, and Unlimited Journeys can connect you with an agent for a low fee or free [4]. AAA members can access complimentary travel-planning services.
Extended stays can also lead to savings. Monthly stays on Airbnb and VRBO can have discounts of 10% to 40% off the daily rate, with some hosts offering up to 25% off for week-long stays [4]. Many hosts are open to direct negotiation for long stays, particularly during the off-season.
Price-tracking and alert tools are recommended to snag deals quickly as prices can change rapidly [2]. Tools such as Google Flights, Hopper, and HotelTonight can help monitor price fluctuations and alert you to deals. Calling hotels directly can uncover special last-minute rates not listed online.
Lastly, consider subscribing to Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine for advice and guidance on personal finance matters that can help you make more money and keep more of the money you make [5].
In sum, the best approaches are to travel during off or shoulder seasons, remain date and location flexible, leverage last-minute booking opportunities through apps or directly with hotels, consider longer stays for discounts, use price-tracking tools, consult travel agents who can provide additional options during economically uncertain times like a trade war, and stay informed with financial advice from Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine.
[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2] [3] [Source 3] [4] [Source 4] [5] [Source 5]
With off-season or shoulder season travel, you can significantly reduce your travel expenses as prices for flights, accommodations, and attractions tend to drop during these periods. During these economically challenging times, such as trade wars, using price-tracking tools like Google Flights, Hopper, and HotelTonight can help you snag last-minute deals that fit within your wallet-friendly lifestyle.
