How to Plan a Trip: Insider Tips to Save Money

Are you looking to book a trip but want to do it on a budget? Look no further! In this article, we'll reveal the secrets of money expert Clark Howard, who has spent decades perfecting the art of planning and booking trips. Whether you're traveling for work, to visit family and friends, or simply to get away on vacation, Clark's tips will help you make travel plans that suit your needs at the lowest possible price.

Booking Travel the Clark Howard Way

Before we dive into the details, let's take a look at the topics we'll cover:

• How to Plan a Trip
• How to Book Flights
• How to Find a Hotel or Other Lodging
• How to Book a Rental Car
• How to Book Bus or Rail Tickets
• How to Select a Cruise
• When to Buy Travel Insurance
• Travel the Clark Howard Way

How to Plan a Trip

Let's start with the basics - planning your trip. Whether you prefer to fly by the seat of your pants or have every minute of your itinerary accounted for, there are a few steps you'll need to take to travel on a budget:

1. Select your destination: Sometimes, your destination will be predetermined, but other times you might have the freedom to choose. Consider taking advantage of last-minute deals that may come along and let the destination pick you.
2. Figure out your trip length: If you have flexibility in your schedule, being fluid with the number of days in your trip can save you money. Also, consider how much you can realistically accomplish at your chosen destination.
3. Research your destination: If you're going somewhere for the first time, it's essential to get the lay of the land. Research can help you decide where to stay, how to get around, and give you an idea of approximate costs.

It's also crucial to stay informed about rules and procedures, such as travel documents, driver's licenses, passports, and health-related regulations for your destination. Check Travel.State.Gov for up-to-date information and the CDC website for health-related regulations.

How to Book Flights

Now that you have a plan in place, it's time to figure out how to get to your destination. Booking flights has become much more accessible with the advent of technology. Here are some tips for finding the best price:

• Start gathering airline quotes several weeks in advance to get a sense of fare patterns.
• Use flight search engines like Google Flights, which allows you to explore fares on alternate dates, track prices, and compare costs. It's a comprehensive tool for finding the best flight deals.
• Consider flexibility in your travel plans, as it's key to landing a great deal. Avoid making a purchase until you've learned the fare patterns to your destination or until an excellent deal comes along.

Remember, being flexible and patient can save you big bucks when booking flights.

How to Find a Hotel or Other Lodging

Once your flights are sorted, it's time to think about where you'll stay during your trip. With options like traditional hotels, Airbnb, and vacation rentals, there are plenty of choices. Clark suggests a three-step process for booking a great hotel room on a budget:

1. Book a refundable room: Book a refundable room when you book your airfare, giving you the option to cancel if you find a better deal later on.
2. Search for better deals: Do your research and explore websites like Hotwire and Priceline, where you can find non-refundable deals at discounted rates. Also, check other hotel booking sources like Trivago, Hotels.com, and Roomer for comparative prices.
3. Cancel the original booking: If you find a better deal, cancel your original refundable booking and take advantage of the savings.

If you prefer a more unique travel experience or need a larger space, consider options like Airbnb, VRBO, or vacation rentals offered through major travel sites like Tripadvisor or Expedia. However, be sure to check for additional fees that may increase the overall cost.

How to Book a Rental Car

If you need a car for your trip, there's a strategy to booking a cheap rental. Follow these six steps to get a great deal:

1. Figure out what kind of vehicle you need: Consider factors such as the number of people traveling, luggage requirements, special needs, and terrain.
2. Start your research with AutoSlash: Use AutoSlash to find the lowest rental car rates and monitor the vehicle you select for price drops.
3. Check other aggregator sites: Compare prices on sites like Expedia, Hotwire, Kayak, Orbitz, Priceline, and Travelocity to find the best deal.
4. See if you can get a better deal directly from the rental car company: Check the rental agency's website or call them to see if they can match or beat the price you found.
5. Book the best deal: Reserve the car without upfront payment, as most car rentals do not require a credit card number.
6. Check back a week before your trip: Re-shop the car rental rate to see if prices have dropped. Often, you'll find better deals closer to your travel date.

By following these steps, you can save big on rental car expenses.

How to Book Bus or Rail Tickets

If you prefer to travel by bus or train, there are ways to find the best deals. Here's what to do:

• For bus tickets, visit websites like Wanderu, Gotobus.com, CheckMyBus, and Busbud to compare prices and find affordable options.
• For train tickets, consider using Amtrak for domestic travel. Look for discount Saver and SmartFares, check out Amtrak's Deals page, sign up for their rewards program, and search for special offers on RailServe.com. For international rail travel, check out International Rail for booking in various regions.

By exploring these options, you can find budget-friendly bus and rail tickets.

How to Select a Cruise

When it comes to booking a cruise, there are a few rules to follow:

1. Let the calendar save you money: Certain times of the year, like the period after Thanksgiving but before Christmas, offer great deals. Use websites like VacationstoGo.com and CruiseCompete.com to find last-minute cruise deals and compare prices.
2. Don't let brand loyalty cost you more: Explore different cruise lines and ships, even if you have preferences. Experimenting with new cruise lines can lead to excellent deals. However, ensure that the ship fits your lifestyle and interests.
3. Read the reviews: Dive deep into cruise ship specifications, deals, and booking tips on sites like CruiseCritic.com. Reviews and recommendations from friends, family, and travel agents can also provide valuable insights.

By following these rules, you'll find the best cruise deals and have an unforgettable experience.

When to Buy Travel Insurance

Given the changing travel conditions due to COVID-19, purchasing travel insurance is more important than ever. Here are two types of insurance to consider:

1. Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance: CFAR insurance allows you to cancel your trip and get most of your money back, regardless of the reason. It's recommended for cruises, tours, prepaid itineraries, and non-refundable trips.
2. Travel medical insurance: For international travel, consider travel medical insurance as your regular health insurance might not cover you outside the United States.

Comparison shop for insurance that suits your needs on sites like InsureMyTrip, which aggregates different options.

Travel the Clark Howard Way

Clark Howard has a unique approach to travel: buy the deal first and then figure out why you want to go there. Here's how you can travel the Clark Howard way:

1. Don't pick a destination: Use tools like Kayak Explore to find great airfare deals within your budget.
2. Sign up for cheap flight services: Subscribe to services like Going, Dollar Flight Club, and NextVacay to receive early notifications about the best airfare sales.
3. Set up fare alerts: If you have a specific destination in mind, set up fare alerts on Google Flights and Kayak to stay informed about price drops.

By being flexible and open to deals, you can explore new destinations and save money.

Final Thoughts

With Clark Howard's insider tips for planning and booking a trip on a budget, you can now pack your bags and embark on your next adventure without breaking the bank. Remember to stay informed about current travel conditions and guidelines, and always prioritize your safety. Enjoy your trip!