Travel and live entertainment – these are two things people missed most during the pandemic. Though normalcy is still nowhere in sight, we’re seeing more and more people making vacation plans. For the first time since 2020, traveling spending is witnessing a pulse. Impala, a travel tech company, stated that 42% of people plan to take a vacation in 2021. Those who claimed otherwise attributed their decision to the wish to be vaccinated first or serious health concerns.
Unsplash | After a dead year, many people are looking to start exploring new cities once again
However, times are tough, and vacationing on a budget can be difficult. To help you out with your plans, we’re picking up some tips from budget travel expert Barry Choi.
Let’s jump right in.
Making Travel Bookings
When making travel plans, the first thing you might think is: but what if the pandemic isn't gone by then? We get it, and your concern is absolutely valid. To counter this, Choi recommends booking trips only if the refund policy is flexible. You’ll find it worth paying extra for a flexible policy. Also, you don’t want to book a trip without insurance, whether it be for the interruption, cancellation, or medical purposes. You never know when an emergency might pop up, and it's best to be prepared.
Keeping Travel Affordable
Choi, who writes for The Globe and Mail’s travel section, mentions that his column mostly highlights the best and latest travel deals. However, until demand picks up again, that project is on pause. In the meantime, he recommends checking Travelzoo, which comes with many exclusive deals. He also mentions that people wishing to maximize their travel points can check out Prince of Travel.
Unsplash | Always search for the best travel deals that you can find
Is It Time to Bring Back Travel Credit Cards?
The appeal for cashback credit cards increased significantly after travel curtailed in the pandemic. Choi states that it most definitely is time to bring back cashback travel credit rewards, and especially now, there are more offers than ever. For instance, the TD/CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card offers a welcome bonus for up to 20,000 Aeroplan points, as well as a Buddy Pass that can be converted into 30,000 Aeroplan points. Who doesn’t want 50,000 free points?
A flight from Toronto to Orlando, which is about 1,300 miles, costs 38,000 points for a better understanding, claims Choi. Similarly, the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card steps in up a notch with a 60,000-point offering, which gets you up to 5 free nights at a Marriott hotel.
Unsplash | Some credit cards offer fantastic travel benefits
Bottom Line
With 2020 spent cooped up indoors, everyone deserves a nice long vacation in 2021. Luckily, the travel industry is trying its best to reel customers back in, and now's the time to take the most advantage. After the disastrous year that was 2020, you deserve it.
