Just like that, the coronavirus pandemic has taken up two years of our lives. Many are deprived of travel and are itching to get back out there, and this may be the perfect time to do so with travel restrictions easing.
The world has changed tremendously, and you may have already forgotten how to plan for your travels. Fret not, we’ve got you covered with the best hacks to save money for your upcoming trip:
1. Catch a red-eye flight
Red-eye flights usually take off at night and land in your destination the following morning. Due to their inconvenient flight times, red-eye flights are usually much cheaper than daytime flights.
If catching a late flight isn’t physically draining for you, doing so comes with some perks. For one, there will be fewer people at the airport so you don’t have to deal with the hassle of a crowd. Additionally, you are likely to be able to sleep soundly, and arrive at your destination in no time!
2. Book flights three to four months in advance
Pandemic or not, this tip holds true as flight prices tend to fluctuate nearer to the take-off date. According to Expedia, travellers should book their international flights at least three to four months in advance in order to snag a good deal.
If you intend to book domestic flights, Expedia advises to book at least 21 days before your take-off date, with the optimal booking period being 28 to 35 days in advance.
3. Depart on a Thursday
Plan for your holiday to start on a Thursday instead of early in the week, such as a Monday. According to Expedia, Mondays are typically the most expensive day to fly. In general, it’s cheaper to fly on a Thursday because it’s slightly inconvenient – since it’s neither the start or the end of the week. Flying on a Thursday allows you to save up to 25 per cent, which could result in significant cost savings.
4. Travel during off-peak season
Traveling during off-peak season comes with a host of advantages – think cheaper hotels, cheaper flights, and an opportunity to visit a destination during a less crowded time of the year.
Steer clear of peak periods such as festive seasons and school holidays, so you can avoid price surges and limitation of good flight deals.
Additionally, Expedia revealed that the most ideal month to travel is August, and travellers can save up to 40 per cent on international flights.
Pro-tip: Try heading to the tropics during the rainy season (Bali), or a winter spot in summer or autumn (Lapland – you can still catch the Northern Lights!).
5. Keep a lookout for deals
Pre-booking your activities can help you save some money, especially with some sites offering cashback or credit card promotions. Furthermore, booking your activities in advance can help you better plan your itinerary. Here are some platforms you can make a booking with:
If you’ve accrued airline miles over the past two years, this might be the time to use them before they expire. Furthermore, Singapore Airlines has reintroduced its monthly Spontaneous Escapes deals, where travellers can redeem award tickets at 30% off to selected destinations worldwide.
6. Compare travel insurance
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, travel insurance is now a must-have. Other than stolen luggage, postponement and cancellation of trips are now part of the new normal. Furthermore, you may require medical assistance overseas — especially in the event that you happen to get infected with COVID-19.
With so many providers out there, which is the best travel insurance plan? We compare 6 top travel insurance, so you can travel with peace of mind:
| Travel Insurance Provider | Estimated Premium | COVID-19 Medical Expenses Coverage | COVID-19 Overseas Hospital Allowance | COVID-9 Overseas Quarantine Allowance | Trip Cancellation due to COVID-19 |
| FWD | S$67 | S$100,000 | S$200/day | N.A. | Up to S$1,000 |
| AXA | S$95.37 | S$75,000 | S$100/day, capped at $1,000 | S$50/day, capped at S$350 | Up to S$1,000 |
| Sompo | S$103 | S$100,000 | S$50/day, capped at $700 | S$50/day, capped at S$700 | Up to S$2,000 |
| AIG | S$105 | S$100,000 | N.A. | S$100/day, up to 14 days | Up to S$2,500 |
| NTUC Income | S$137 | S$150,000 | N.A. | S$100/day, capped at S$1,400 | Up to S$5,000 |
Find out more about how to choose a travel insurance plan here.
7. Travel free and easy instead of packaged tours
Packaged tours take care of everything you need, from accommodation to activities. However, they are often expensive. If you are quite the planner, why not consider going free and easy instead?
Furthermore, many places offer free walking tours – mainly city tours to give you a background and history of the sights you are looking at. Kickstart the day with a free walking tour and take in information from the guide. After the tour, you can simply revisit your favourite parts of the city for more photos.
Adapting to new ways of travel
Travelling might not quite be the same again, but travelling safely and having fun can still be possible with adequate planning. What are some of your cost-saving travel hacks? Share with us at ask@plannerbee.co!
