How to Actually Book an Affordable Trip

Decide on where you want to go, when, with whom and what your budget is. Don't wait until the last minute, either. While you can score some decent last-minute deals on package tours and cruises, the opposite is true if you're putting a trip together yourself. In many cases, you can save significantly on airfares, accommodations, and other costs by booking as far ahead in advance as possible.

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The best deals can be had travelling off-season. However, there are some caveats. Accommodation will be cheaper, but there may be fewer scheduled flights and charters. Also, the weather at your destination may be the opposite of what you actually want. Shoulder seasons are a good alternative. There are still lots of flights, but prices tend to be cheaper. You might be rolling the dice with regard to the weather, but it can definitely be worth the savings, especially if you're planning on doing more inside activities than outside. Still not sure where you should go on vacation? Take our quiz.

Now that you know where, you need to know how many of you are going. Solo? You might be facing extra costs and surcharges. Two of you? That'll help lower the cost of accommodation. A group travel experience? You may be able to swing some deals. Keep this in mind when in the planning stage.

To find the best airfares takes a bit of work. The good news is that some of the cheapest places to travel from Canada this year are popular destinations. You can also find great deals going to places outside of their high season. The best way to start is to have a price in mind that you're willing to pay. Then begin your search. If you find something close to your price, jump on it.

A great tool for trying different options is Google Flights. You can search by all kinds of criteria including looking at prices over a period of time in graph form. If you're stuck with specific dates, you can set up airfare alerts. And if you're undecided about a destination, you can explore different areas by cost.

Don't forget to search for alternate/nearby airports as they may be significantly cheaper.

When you find something you want, check the fares on the big travel websites. Then go to the airline's website and check the price there. You might find an even lower price. It's generally best to book directly with the airline as you'll receive better support in case of delays or cancellations. Also consider using points for some or all of your flights, especially if you're flying coast-to-coast in Canada.

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These days there are endless accommodation options, each with their own pros and cons. You can choose from hotels, bed and breakfasts, Airbnbs, hostels and, if you really want to save money, CouchSurfing. If you're not familiar with your destination and it's not high season, we recommend booking a hotel for the first few nights. When you arrive, you can then get explore the area and then book cheaper a cheaper place to stay for the remainder of your visit. During high season, it's best to lock in your accommodations for the entire trip.

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Accommodation costs can skyrocket in high season and during special events like concerts and festivals. If you're planning on attending an event, book as far in advance as possible. Hostels and Airbnbs will be the cheapest.

To get the best deals on hotels or hostels, check prices online in a variety of places. Many hotels will match lower prices found on the big booking websites. You may even be able to score lower rates if you call the hotel directly (not the 1-800 number).

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Local transportation can burn a hole in your wallet if you're not familiar with the various options. Car rentals and taxis will be the most expensive. Uber and Lyft, if available, are good money saving options as is public transport. Many city bus services offer special passes for visitors. Be aware that in developing parts of the world, riding on local buses can be dangerous. Never flash money and keep your phone hidden away.

If you're considering a rental car, check into insurance costs as these can easily double your rental costs. Question whether you really need a car 24/7. If you decide to get a rental car, use a website like Expedia to get an idea of rental costs. Then double-check the rates on the rental company's website. Airport locations will be the most expensive. You can save a significant amount by renting from other locations in the same city. Booking in advance is always cheaper.

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Activities, especially at some of the healthiest places to travel to, can eat up your holiday budget. We suggest researching the attractions you're most interested in and finding out how much they cost. Armed with this information, you can often save money by purchasing tickets and passes in advance online. Another great money-saving option is to see if the local tourism board offers discount cards. With these, you can pay one fee and receive discounts or free entry at a variety of attractions. The Amsterdam Pass is a good example of a tourist card.

The more you know about your destination, the better. Use the time between booking your affordable trip and departure to research things to do, safety concerns, average prices, and visa regulations. Tourism boards are great for practical information, but you can find valuable and up-to-the-minute tips on online forums for any destination. Facebook groups are good places to ask specific questions and get answers from other travellers, ex-pats and local residents.

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