How to spend way less cash on your next vacay.

Start early (but not too early)

Rates can shoot up in the blink of an eye, so it’s best to start researching your trip well in advance. The sooner, the better, but don’t get overzealous—CheapAir.com recommends booking domestic flights an average of 47 days (and for international flights, 60 days) in advance for the best rates. Outside of those date ranges, airline companies probably won’t be advertising a competitive price. This is what airlines won’t tell you about safety, disgusting airplane habits, and more.

Check fares often

Become a regular visitor to your favorite travel booking sites—it could give you the best bet of snagging a good deal. According to CheapAir.com CEO Jeff Klee, airlines usually have 10 to 15 different price points for any flight, so their rates could fluctuate in a matter of hours. Logging on in advance will give you a good idea of the expected rates; that way you’ll recognize a deal when it comes along. Once you do, be prepared to pounce. “While everyone wants to get a good deal, you can’t obsess about finding rock-bottom prices,” Klee told U.S. News. “Once you see a good deal, grab it. If you see a good deal during the day, there’s a very good chance that it will change by evening.”

Read the fine print

If you’re not careful, the bucks you saved when booking could start slipping out of your pocket the minute you arrive at the airport. Sometimes, online booking companies will hit you with unexpected fees for extra services. Airline companies could charge you to print a boarding pass if you didn’t do it at home; others could hide additional taxes or fees for hotel rooms or extra luggage. Luckily, those fees are avoidable; just make sure to do your homework on the company and read the fine print before you press the “purchase” button. Stop making these airport mistakes before your next flight.

Befriend the experts

Although travel itineraries and emergency contacts are important for a safe trip, a travel agent can be your most trusted getaway companion. If something goes wrong before or during your trip, they will be your primary advocate and have your back in sticky situations, especially when traveling abroad. Travel agents also book directly with the travel companies, so you won’t get stuck working through a third-party service, which could cause you to lose your ticket or get you bumped from a wait list. If you prefer to go about it alone, Klee said, make sure that you are using online services that provide reliable customer support. “That way, if you’re in a bind, you can get help more easily,” he told U.S. News. No one likes to be left on their own when things go sideways.

Set a realistic budget

Don’t freeze the minute you see big dollar signs. If you’re traveling around peak times like Christmas or Thanksgiving, you should expect to pay more for your ticket. Budgeting for the escalated costs of holiday travel will give you a safety net for spending. “Holiday flights are more expensive than everyday flights,” Klee told U.S. News. “Don’t get sticker-shock and wait longer to book in hopes that the price will drop, since you could end up paying more.” You can pounce on great deals by researching flights and hotel rates several months in advance, but settling on a realistic cost will be your best bet at success.

Don’t assume you’re too late

Even if you’re behind on your scheduling, don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith and wait it out. “If a fare was way too high for your pocketbook, you should jump back into the pool a few weeks before,” Klee said. Sometimes, airlines lower the cost of unsold seats in order to fill a plane. You can usually find the best bargains during inconvenient departure times or overnight flights, so try to keep an open mind with your travel plans.

Know when to spend money

Even though it’s nice to save a few bucks once in awhile, there are times when cutting corners can go a little overboard. Opting for an eight-hour overnight layover just because it was $10 or $20 cheaper probably isn’t worth it. Pay close attention to the listed travel dates and times and avoid skimping where it’s not necessary, no matter how enticing the travel companies might make it seem. These are secrets about flying that flight attendants won’t tell you.

Clear your cookies regularly

Travel booking websites are sneakier than you think. If you’ve already visited a travel site, browsed their rates, and then left (but plan to return to book), watch out: that site could remember you, and when you return, it could jack up its prices. “There is growing anecdotal evidence that suggests airlines are tracking your behavior online, and potentially even tracking IP addresses, and prices could go up for flights that are searched frequently,” Peter Greenberg, travel editor at CBS News, wrote on LinkedIn. When you see the inflated rates, you may get anxious and feel the need to book it right then. Avoid the temptation; you will be paying more than you should for your ticket. Instead, you can stealthily avoid the tracking websites by clearing your browser history after you visit the site.

Be flexible with dates

Saving a few bucks could be as simple as adding a day to your trip. A survey conducted by CheapAir.com shows that travelers saved an average of $249 per airline ticket simply by shifting their Thanksgiving travel dates to depart the Monday before the holiday and return the Tuesday after. This applies to hotel rates, too; sometimes, a longer stay could actually be cheaper. “Always check for a three-night stay because lots of hotels give much better rates when booking three or more nights, rather than a one- or two-night stay,” Hotels.com co-founder Bob Diener told U.S. News.

Keep your currency local

Booking international flights in the local currency could save you big bucks, since flights at converted rates are almost always more expensive. Avoiding the conversion costs isn’t hard; just select the native country as your location in the upper right-hand corner of the airline website.

Know your tools

Tons of powerful money-saving sites are out there on the world wide web, so take advantage. For example, certain services like Hopper will notify you as soon as a price drop happens. Another site, ITA Flight Matrix, collects flight information from every service provider, and allows you to sort results by location, cost per mile, date ranges, and more.

In this article, we share some of these tips to help you travel this summer.

Traveling in summer can indeed pose several health risks due to the increased heat and sun exposure. Common issues include dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, sunburn, and an increased risk of foodborne illnesses due to higher temperatures affecting food storage. Additionally, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. These health issues can be prevented by following essential tips. Read on as we share some of these tips to help travel safe this summer.

Essential tips for better management during summer travel:

1. Stay hydrated

In hot weather, your body loses more fluids through sweat. Drinking plenty of water helps maintain your body’s fluid balance, preventing dehydration, which can cause fatigue, dizziness, and headaches. Staying hydrated also supports your cardiovascular system and helps regulate your body temperature.

2. Wear sunscreen

Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause sunburn, premature aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher protects your skin by blocking harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of these issues and keeping your skin healthy.

3. Dress appropriately

Wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing helps your body stay cool by allowing better air circulation and reflecting rather than absorbing the sun’s heat. This reduces the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

4. Plan activities during cooler parts of the day

Engaging in outdoor activities during the early morning or late evening, when temperatures are lower, minimises your exposure to intense heat and sunlight. This can prevent overheating and reduce the likelihood of dehydration and sunburn.

5. Eat light & balanced meals

Heavy meals can make you feel sluggish in hot weather and are harder for your body to digest. Opting for lighter, balanced meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables provides essential nutrients and helps maintain your energy levels without overloading your digestive system.

6. Take regular breaks

When traveling, especially on long journeys, taking regular breaks allows you to rest, stretch, and rehydrate. This practice helps prevent fatigue, reduces the risk of blood clots, and keeps your circulation healthy, ensuring you stay alert and comfortable.

7. Protect your eyes

Wearing sunglasses with UV protection shields your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays, reducing the risk of cataracts and other eye damage. It also helps prevent squinting, which can cause headaches and strain.

8. Use insect repellent

Summer travel often involves being outdoors where insects like mosquitoes are more active. Using insect repellent protects you from bites, which can carry diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika virus, ensuring you stay healthy and comfortable.

9. Stay cool

Using fans, air conditioning, or seeking shade helps your body maintain a normal temperature. Staying cool prevents heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which can occur when your body overheats.

10. Be aware of heat exhaustion symptoms

Recognising the symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headache, allows you to take prompt action by moving to a cooler place, drinking water, and resting. This awareness helps prevent the condition from escalating to heatstroke, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

By following these tips, you can ensure a safer and healthier summer travel experience, allowing you to enjoy your trip without compromising your well-being.

Traveling during the United States’ shoulder seasons, or when the crush of peak summer tourism has passed, rewards visitors with fewer sightseers, more affordable rates at hotels and attractions, improved availability, and better weather. For adventurers, who are looking to spend time in the outdoors, the fall season is an idyllic opportunity for enjoying many thrilling experiences, nearby or internationally.

Keep reading to learn about must-visit destinations for autumn, picture-perfect for hikers, campers, bikers, and kayakers.

The Greek Islands

With select dates available in early fall, September and October, active travelers who would love to explore the Greek islands of Santorini, Paros, and Naxos will love a week-long walking adventure with Exodus Adventure Travels. The Walking on the Greek Islands tour includes a professional local guide who will not only provide valuable context for the islands you’re visiting, but also, take care of all of the logistics along the way so that you can simply enjoy the outdoors and sunlight while exploring each of the islands.

Good to know: As mindful stewards, Exodus Adventure Travels cares about the environment and keeping a low carbon footprint. You can feel good knowing that local and often family-run restaurants and hotels are chosen with this in mind.

Chicago, Illinois

Not only is the Windy City known for its architecture, deep dish pizza, baseball, and lively comedy scene, it’s also revered for its outdoor spaces where health-conscious folks can take advantage. Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, The 606 trail, and more than 600 parks in the Chicago Park District—including the famous Millennium Park—keep Chicagoans and visitors active no matter what the season. Plus, the multi-hued colors of the season are on brilliant display.

The metropolis also hosts a number of races in the fall season including the Hot Chocolate Run, which facilitates runners in 5, 10, or 15K challenges. Fall runners would do well to layer up for race day, utilizing breathable performance wear like the long-sleeve Norvan Crew Shirt from Arc’Teryx.

Good to know: Of course a big city like Chicago would have plenty of places to rest your head. For a Gold Coast stunner, complete with a fantastic restaurant—Laurel—that is near popular attractions like Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Theatre, and Museum of Contemporary Art, book a stay at Talbott Hotel. You’ll love walking or running to nearby parks and around this neighborhood during your stay. Bonus: pets are welcome too!

Ireland

With fewer crowds yet all the splendor and beauty that the Emerald Isle is known for, Ireland is a wonderful destination to visit in the autumn. Picture purple heather, which can still be seen this time of year, providing a dramatic contrast to the reds, yellows, and golds dotting the countryside.

Whether you enjoy hiking, cycling, or self-driving, let the professionals at Wilderness Ireland assist you with your endeavors. From Killarney National Park to Connemara to Donegal, keep your eyes out for wildlife, wildflowers, and farm creatures that pepper the diverse landscapes.

Good to know: Popular fall trips with Wilderness Ireland include island hopping on Ireland’s West Coast, cycling on Connemara & The Burren, and hiking The Dingle Way. No matter which tour you choose, you’re in for an adventuresome treat.

Dubai, UAE

An exciting destination to explore, Dubai has it all. See the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world; Dubai Marina; Jumeirah Beach; Dubai Frame; gold and spice souks; and Mirzam, a handsome chocolate factory. You’ll find that there’s plenty to do to keep you entertained.

Good to know: Worth the trip outside of the city center, Platinum Heritage Dubai is the ultimate eco-friendly desert safari. Ride in a vintage Land Rover through the wilderness as you look for wildlife. Marvel at the athleticism of falcons during a sunset show. Indulge in a four-course Emirati dinner at a Bedouin camp. Wrap up the evening with a short camel ride and then lounge on pillows and rugs as you listen to live music. It’s the adventure of a lifetime.

Patagonia, Argentina

The road to all-things beautiful and rugged leads to Patagonia, a mecca for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. If you’ve never been to Argentina before, enlist the professional services of Flash Pack, experts in bonding solo travelers in their 30s and 40s together to explore the globe. For the Ultimate Argentina tour, you’ll travel with your group from Buenos Aires to Patagonia to Mendoza for a well-rounded experience that includes active adventures like biking, kayaking, hiking in the mountains, trekking on a glacier, and wine tasting. You’ll want to pack layers for the diverse weather and landscapes you’ll be experiencing throughout the country. This is the tour to usurp all others when it comes to variety and value.

Good to know: Fall is a fantastic time to go on this ten-day guided tour and there are many dates available throughout October, November, and December with Flash Pack.

Can’t believe summer is coming to an end!

Will you be traveling solo with kids or grandkids in the year ahead? If so, here are five ideas to consider.

Join an organized tour

Feed your junior explorer’s natural curiosity on a memory-filled trip. Do they yearn to learn more about art, history or science? Is there a burgeoning chef, musician or engineer in your midst? How about a language-immersion class? Are your kids curious about other religions, cultures or lifestyles? Whether you opt for magnificent cities, nature’s classroom or immersive experiences, expand their knowledge (and your own) by exploring new ideas together. An organized tour can provide the opportunity for kids to connect and share the experience with others in their own age group and for adults to enjoy their own camaraderie.

Choose an all-inclusive resort

With so much to do at a resort like the Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, it will be a breeze to keep everyone happy and active. Ride a banana boat, play on the floating trampoline or clamber on the inflatable climbing wall. Learn to snorkel or try a guided “Snuba” experience, a kid-size first step toward learning to scuba dive. Sail on a catamaran, then visit a volcano or tour in a rainforest. Take an adult break at the spa while the kids take a tennis lesson or take part in the VIP kids sports activities. Traveling with a baby? Certified nanny services are available as well as essential amenities including car seats, cribs and highchairs.

Board a cruise ship

Whether you choose a small sailing ship or a city-size vessel, there will be plenty to engage the younger set, plus a multitude of ways to carve out “me time.” On the bigger ships expect water parks, ropes courses, rock-climbing walls. multiple pools, theaters, ice-skating rinks, surf simulators, a zipline and character parades. Companies like Royal Caribbean have made families a priority and have dedicated large portions of their ships to putting smiles on young faces. Many lines offer separate areas for toddlers, kids and teens and provide free daytime and early evening access to their kids’ clubs. With nursery care and after-hours fun in kids’ clubs, it’s easy to book grown up time in the evenings.

Opt for a guest ranch

With an authentic and scenic setting as backdrop, you and your junior adventurers can enjoy beautiful places and learn horsemanship from experienced hands who will tailor the instruction to your skill and interest level. Opt to ride in open meadows, on mountain trails or in the desert Southwest. Will your family members choose to participate in a real cattle drive? Are you up for a horse pack trip into the back country? Will your youngsters be eager to learn the skills required for team penning and other arena games? Or will you be happy to relax during daily trail rides. The options are yours at working dude ranches and guest ranches across the country. Furthermore, you’ll easily meet other families and share stories on the trail, around a campfire or across the breakfast and dinner tables.

Before the adventure begins

Sure, you know your kids or grandkids. But make sure you are up to speed on any new food allergies and preferences, anxieties about travel, the need for a certain stuffed animal at bedtime or a teen’s recent breakup. Will the kids have their own money to spend and should it be monitored? Cover the final itinerary with the adults in the picture to uncover any additional insights they might have for making the trip as stellar as possible.

Consider discussing the itinerary and the rules of the road before departure. If the children are old enough, talk about bedtime, dining decisions and safety measures so it will be clear who is in charge. If you’ll be traveling with older children, get clarity on guidelines regarding social media, phone and computer time and options for independent outings.