Travel Tuesday Steals and Deals – Tips, Hacks and Discount Travel Sites for Cheaper Travel

Now, that I’m an empty-nester, I am ready to travel more and enjoy this next season of life. I have been researching travel sites and finding ways to stretch my travel dollars. I’ll be sharing my travel tips, packing hacks, and websites I use for research and inviting my savvy readers to share their travel tips here with us for Travel Tuesday.

During our trip to Alaska, my husband, my sister-in-law, and my brother-in-law took a helicopter to a glacier.

It is also no secret that we are still experiencing challenging times. Prepare your patience, flexibility, and contingency plans accordingly.

After exploring your options, the best course of action might be to get help from a travel agent to help navigate ever-changing health requirements and protocols, and cancelation policies. Ask about travel insurance and find out what the policy will and will not cover before purchasing.

I took a cruise from New York to Quebec last October, and it went very smoothly with just a few minor glitches. Our family was not quite ready for overseas travel, but we have a big trip planned for May.

I have affiliate relationships meaning I may earn a small referral commission at no additional cost to you if you shop using my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

Travel Tuesday Steals and Deals – Tips, Hacks, and Discount Travel Sites for Cheaper Travel

Many travel insiders say that Tuesday can be the cheapest day to travel and to purchase travel. Check back as we plan to update this post often with more timely travel tips and deals!

 

How to Find Cheaper Flights

If you can be flexible with the dates you must fly, you will often see a significant discrepancy in the fares. If you are open to the dates, alternate airports, and layovers, you may be able to save enough to offset the inconvenience. Check alternative dates and airports when possible.

When comparing fares, factor in baggage fees and other fees. Often, a cheaper fare does not include baggage fees, which have gone up lately! Sadly, Southwest will no longer offer its two-bag fly-free policy on or after May 28, 2025.

Pro tip: Let the gate agent know if you can be bumped from an oversold flight in exchange for compensation.

Find Flights for Your Miles

If you have credit card miles you want to use for an upcoming flight, new travel websites will show you the award redemption requirements across the different airlines. Enter your travel days and your airports, and instead of showing you how much a flight will cost, these sites will tell you how many points or miles you need. Some of these sites are free, and some require a paid subscription. Once you know how many miles or points you need, you will still need to transfer your points and book your flight. There is always a chance that the seat may not be available or the requirement may have changed. However, these sites will give you a good starting point to see if you have the necessary miles or points. I read about these Award-Search Sites in the Wall St. Journal and am listing those mentioned:

Point.me

PointsYeah

Pointhound

AwardTool

SeatSpy

Flight Tracker Apps

These are the two apps I use to track flights. They are free to use. Just enter your flight information and get notifications when the price changes.

Skyscanner

Search for cheap airline tickets, hotels, and car rentals with our award-winning travel app. Search everywhere, find the best time to book, and set price alerts. You can also search the Skyscanner website.

Hopper has long been one of the more useful trip-planning applications on the market. Its various features help you find the lowest-priced airfare. Its forecasting software tracks airlines’ ever-changing ticket prices to predict prices and alert you when it’s the best time to buy a ticket.

*New important information on airlines issuing refunds.

When do airlines need to issue a refund?

Travelers are entitled to automatic refunds when their flights are canceled or significantly changed, or if the airline fails to provide an extra service they purchased, like onboard Wi-Fi, seat selection, or in-flight entertainment. Regarding changes, the refund is only available if a traveler has not accepted alternative transportation or travel credits offered.” Read the full article on Travel and Leisure here.

How to Get Hotel Discounts

Hotel Booking Sites

Look at popular hotel booking sites such as Trivago, Priceline, Kayak, and Expedia. A reader told me about a free hotel app called Tablet Hotels, which offers discounts on luxury hotels. I was playing with it today and found it very easy to use. I have my eye on an expensive hotel near me, and I am tracking prices and waiting to see their deals.

Call the Hotel 

Once you narrow down your options, call the hotel directly and ask if they can beat that rate. I have often found that cancellation policies are easier to obtain from the hotel directly.

Affinity Discounts

Seniors, government employees, students, military members, and AAA members often qualify for discounted hotel rates when traveling. Ask the hotel before booking or look for deals on websites such as AARP, Military.com, and AAA.com.

Stay a Few Blocks Away

Staying in the center of the city is usually at a premium price. Look at maps and transportation, and consider booking a few blocks away.

Go Midweek

If you have flexibility, consider staying from Sunday through Thursday rather than on the weekend in popular resort destinations. We stayed at a beachside hotel a few months ago, and I saved $150 per night for Sunday and Monday instead of Friday and Saturday.

Check Last Minute Sites

Sites like HotelTonight specialize in helping last-minute travelers get cheap hotel rooms. Download their apps and check availability. Enter today’s date to get a feel for potential savings.

Check with your Credit Card Company

Check your point balance to see if you can redeem points for your stay. Also, see if they have special offers for cardholders. I often use American Express Travel for perks such as early check-in and late checkout, room upgrades, free breakfasts, and parking.

Sign up for emails

Once you have narrowed your choices, sign up for emails ahead of your stay. You may receive a special offer to entice you to complete your reservation.

Read reviews before you make up your mind. I use TripAdvisor and Yelp.

Home Exchanges and Other Unique Ways to Save on Lodging

By now, everyone who travels has heard of Airbnb. Here are more ideas to save on lodging when you travel. Some of these sites have a membership fee.

homeexchange.com

Consider trading your home with another family. Home Exchange has options in more than 150 countries.

homelink.org

“Use the Search Homes page to find homes that match your travel plans and exchange partners who share your interests, by using our advanced search criteria. Create your Wish List of members you’d like to swap with.”

sabbaticalhomes.com

Sabbatical Homes for Rental, Exchange, Sitting & more.

The site has more than 100,000 listings in 55 countries. It is a great site for those tied to an academic cycle or who enjoy being close to a university. Academics, writers, artists, and friends love it.

intervac.com

Intervac—Home Exchange offers home exchanges and B&B-style accommodations for those seeking an affordable way to travel. The organization has 30,000 members.

“Home exchange simply means that you and your family agree with a family from a different area to live in each other’s homes during your holiday. Swap your home and travel (just about) everywhere in the World. No money changes hands between the exchangers so that you can have free accommodation!”

If you own a pet, these sites may be perfect for you. You can trade house sitting and pet sitting with other pet lovers. You can travel, and your pet stays home!

housecarers.com

“HouseCarers has been securely matching Homeowners with House Sitters since October 2000. We have researched the practice of house sitting and created acceptable guidelines to help our members make informed decisions. We use the power of the internet to connect our members across the United States and worldwide.”

trustedhousesitters.com

“Helping pet lovers travel – Keeping pets happy at home, sitters stay for free and owners travel without worry.”

If you cannot afford a vacation this year, consider a staycation and explore new sites in your backyard. Use Groupon and Goldstar to find discounted tickets.

Car Rental Hacks and Alternatives

Beware of Hidden Car Rental Fees

According to an article by Ellen Creager in the Detroit Free Press, car rental companies have found a new way to charge extra fees. Many companies charge from $10 to $13 a day to add an extra driver. These extra charges are often hidden in the fine print, so ask about them if two people are planning to share the driving on your next trip.

The websites of companies that charge for a second driver use language such as “there may be charges for additional drivers.” Some of the most popular car rental companies charge additional fees ranging from $10 to $13 a day.

There are some exceptions. The fee is often waived if you use a Costco, AARP, AAA, or USAA card when booking. Some frequent renter programs and corporate bookings will include the benefit of a free second driver.

Most renters never notice this extra fee until it is too late. If your spouse or partner is driving and they are not on the rental contract, this could cause many problems, even if your insurance company covers the cost of the accident. Be sure to ask about this at the time of booking.

Car Rental Alternatives

See if  Zipcar is available in the area you are traveling to. You can rent cars by the day or by the hour, with gas and insurance included. You’ll also receive a $25 free driving credit.

Turo is a car-sharing company. Enter a location and date and browse thousands of cars shared by local hosts. When buying a car a few years back, I used Turo to drive two different vehicles I was comparing. By renting the cars over the weekend instead of just for a quick test drive, I was able to make the best decision. The site was straightforward to use. It is similar to Airbnb but for cars.

Here is a link to a car relocation service where you can drive someone else’s car for free!

Autodriveaway.com is a transportation company that matches willing drivers with people who need their car relocated. Often, this can be a family moving, a job transfer, an online car purchase, or a snowbird who needs their car driven from north to south or vice versa.

Autodriveaway.com is the nation’s largest vehicle delivery provider, with 43 offices across the country. Drivers must be 23 years old and have a valid driver’s license. They must also deposit a deposit, which is refunded when the vehicle is delivered safely to the destination with terms specified beforehand.

 

Find Fun Things to Do

Pro tip: Buy tickets ahead of time so you don’t waste vacation time or risk the most popular tours being sold out. We used Viator on our trip to Vancouver and Alaska. You can read reviews and get tips from travelers who have gone before you.

Don’t forget to check Groupon in the city you are visiting. Just log in to your Groupon account and change the city. You can search for restaurants, events, and attractions.

Travel Tuesday Tips and Packing Hacks

Make a List and Keep It Handy

Write down your packing list and keep it somewhere you can easily access it, such as your phone or computer. If you forget something to pack, add it to your permanent list for next time.

Use Your Samples and Travel Size Products

I keep a bag just for travel. When I get samples of beauty products, such as a free toothbrush from the dentist, hotel shampoos, etc., I put them in my travel bag to leave my full-size products at home.

Mix and Match

Choose a color scheme and pack items that go together. I like to pack black and tan clothing or navy and cream, so you can make several outfits and reduce the number of shoes you need to bring.

Take Care Of The Important Things

Photocopy your important documents such as passports and IDs. If you will not use particular credit or store cards, remove them from your wallet and leave them at home. Make photocopies of the credit cards you take and note the phone number you need to call if your cards get lost or stolen.

Pack Your Carry-on

Place medications, personal care travel-size items, and extra underwear in your carry-on bag. If you get delayed, pack things to do like an extra book, a phone charger, and some snacks. If your luggage gets lost, pack what you need for the next day in your carry-on. I save empty prescription bottles to take just enough medication for my trip.

Favorite Packing Hacks from Friends

• A multi-plug extension cord
• A shower hook on a suction cup
• Ziploc bags
• Clothespins, binder clips, or chip clips are used to keep drapes closed, hang up wet clothes, and keep snack bags tidy.
• A small roll of black electrical tape to cover all the light sources in a hotel room that can keep you awake, or dark sticky notes for the same purpose with no residue
• A phone tether strap 
• Over-the-door shoe bag/organizer for toiletries and small items (this was great to have on our recent cruise).
• You will need a white noise machine, an eye mask, and earplugs. A white noise app can be downloaded for your phone, too.
• A golf ball to roll your feet with after a long day of walking
• Duct tape in case your suitcase gets damaged, and for packing breakable items to take home
• An RX for CIPRO antibiotic from your doctor, just in case
• Small battery fan
• Mole Skin for your shoes to help with or prevent blisters with a small pair of scissors.
• Battery-powered tea lights to use as a nightlight
• On a cruise, heavy-duty magnets
• Travel toilet seat covers
• A universal sink stopper and a bar of Castile soap for hand washing clothes in the sink
• A small first-aid kit
• Packets of instant oatmeal and protein bars. 
• A clear plastic document envelope
• Extra reading glasses
• Tide pen and Magic Eraser
• Reusable shopping tote
• Wet wipes
• Bungee Cords
• Ankle brace and Ace Bandage

Travel Checklist

Checklist for Infants

• Extra Bottle Nipples
• Bottles
• Pacifier
• Breast Pump and Corresponding Parts
• Baby Food and Cereal (if eating foods yet)
• Baby Spoons
• Portable Changing Pad
• Baby Lotion
• Baby Wash and Shampoo
• Portable Crib or playpen (if you’re staying at  hotels, you can call ahead to see if they have one to use)
• Diapers
• Wipes
• Two to Three Sets of Clothes for Each Day
• Hat (if you will be in the sun much)
• Small Toys/BooksBottles
• Teething Supplies (Orajel, Teething Tablets, Children’s Motrin, etc.)

Travel Checklist for Toddlers

• Two Pairs of Clothing/Day
• Finger Food Snacks (Rice Puffs, Yogurt Drops, Crackers, etc.)
• Small Spoons/Forks
• Sippy Cups
• Diapers and/or Pull-Ups
• Small Bag of Toys, Coloring Books, and Stickers
• Comfortable Shoes
• Jacket/Coat or sweatshirt
• Underwear
• Socks
• Bathing Suit
• Small Night Light
• Favorite Blanket/Toy
• Bibs
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Pajamas

Checklist for Older Kids

• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Clothing (One pair for each day plus two extra pairs)
• Jacket
• “Play” Shoes
• Sunscreen
• Bathing Suit
• Portable DVD Players/Video Game Console
• Movies and Video Games
• Body Wash
• Shampoo and Conditioner
• Makeup and Perfume (cologne for boys)
• Cell Phones
• DVDs and Video Games
• Chargers for all electronics

Miscellaneous

• Coloring Books and Crayons
• Mind Teaser Games
• Drinks and Snacks for the Vehicle
• Books
• Maps and Brochures of the Destination Area
• Insect Repellent
• Tylenol/Motrin, Allergy Medicine, and Daily Vitamins
• Sunscreen (for kids and adults)

Other Items to Bring 

• Bring a small flashlight—you can pick one up at a dollar store. These are great to have on your nightstand in an unfamiliar hotel room. If you keep one in your carry-on, you can also use it to quickly find what you need while on the airplane.
• Bring sanitized hand wipes and share them with your seatmates. This is a great way to make new friends and spread kindness, not germs!
• Zip ties- a few of these may be useful if your luggage handle breaks.
• Cloth reusable bag – great for beach or picnic bag use.
• Now don’t forget those charger cords for all your gadgets!

Watch for more Travel Tuesday tips, ideas, and even fun destinations, and be sure to share your travel tips with us!

You May Also Like

If you liked Travel Tuesday, you might want to check out:

• Pet Travel Tips
• Small Gifts for Travelers
• River Cruises in the USA
• Prague in 48 Hours – See Pics and Tips from my Trip!

PIN for Later

Don’t forget to share these Travel Tuesday Steals and Deals with your friends and loved ones. If you are on social media, I would love to connect with you on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter. Just click on the links to visit my profile. Leave a message and I will follow you back!