Ibotta
Ibotta is normally known as a couponers’ dream! While normally being used for retail related items, Ibotta has AMAZING travel deals as well. This rebate app has deals where you can earn cash back on everyday purchases. Restaurants, bars, clothing stores, Groupon, etc. Right now there’s deals where you could receive up to 10% cash back on certain stores. Both Home Away and VRBO offer $10 dollar cash back. You need to be using Ibotta to get discounts on everything before, during, and after your trips. Even if you don’t travel, I suggest that everyone use Ibotta. Especially if you want some extra money in your pocket. I’ve included some travel related deals, that were featured on Ibotta while I was writing this post (deals are constantly changing). If you are interested in the app (as you should), use the referral code arqppqm and you will receive $10 after your first purchase with Ibotta.
Uber- Earn .75 cash back when launching Uber through the Ibotta app.
Travelocity- 2.5% cash back
Orbitz- 4% cash back- plus signing up for their rewards program.
Hotwire- Earn up to 4% cash back.
Expedia- Earn 5% cash back plus signing up for there Rewards program.
Choice Hotels- 2% Cash Back
Hertz- 3% cash back, plus signing up for rewards program.
Groupon- up to 6% cash back
Amazon- 2-6% cash back (to use for future trips).
Booking.com- 4% Cash back
Restaurants- Dominos, etc.
Best Western- 2% cash back
Extended Stay America- 5% Cash Back
Priceline- up to 5%
Ticketmaster- .5% cash back
VividSeats- 2% cash back
Suburban Extended Stay, Sleep Inn, Rodeway Inn, Quality Inn, Mainstay suites, Econolodge, comfort suites, comfort inn, clarion, cambria, ascend hotel collections- Cash back
Cabelas- 5% back for the sportsman/outdoor gear
Bass Pro Shop- 3% cash back for the sportsman/outdoor gear
Hotel Tonight- 3% cash back
Groupon
While there isn’t a sign up code, there it ALWAYS codes for extra discounts. As I’m writing this you can get an Extra 20% off all Activities, Massages, and dinning. Which is basically perfect for any traveling. Plus these discounts are ON TOP of the already drastically reduced prices. I will often look up deals prior to traveling in order to see if there is deals I want to take advantage of. This is how we found the company we love shark diving with in Oahu, Hawaii. Also, sometimes companies will honor certain coupon prices if you just call and ask. It’s usually a benefit to them, since more money goes into their pockets without Groupon getting their cut (sorry not sorry).
Groupon itself has some awesome deals and packages on hotels and travel. While I’ve never done a whole bundled Groupon trip, I’ve heard good things. Make sure you read the trips in detail though. A lot of times, they will only fly out certain dates and out of certain airports. So just make sure you really know what you are purchasing. But for example, currently there is a 10 day France and Austria Vacation listed with airfare included. Normally listed at $1,469 is on sale for $999. On top of that there is a 20% off coupon going on, which drops the price to $799.2. On top of that Ibotta currently has a 6% cash back ($47.95 back). So after discounts you would pay $751.25 for a 10 day trip to France and Austria including airfare!! Not a bad deal at all if you ask me! Especially since most people would pay about that much just on the flight to Europe!!
Discount Flights
While I’d love to tell you there is some super secret way to finding cheap flights. There really isn’t… More than likely it’ll come down to how much research you want to do. I see AMAZING deals constantly, but I’m constantly checking out prices and have an extremely flexible schedule. I’ve written an entire post on Google Flights and how you can find the lowest possible fare through them. I love how versatile their site is, and how easy it is to use. Websites like Hopper, and Skyscanner have similar attributes, and do a lot of the work for you!
Each Airline company seems to have their own Rewards program that are often free to join. Delta for example, has their SkyMiles program. I try to fly with Delta as much as possible, especially for International flight. After two longer flights (South Africa and Tahiti), I had roughly 10,000 “miles”. Last time I checked, a flight from Minneapolis Minnesota to Charleston South Carolina was about 18,000 “miles”. So while the process might be slow, you can get free flights out of airlines free reward programs. Make sure that you watch for points deals as well. I’ve seen people finding flights from the US to both Japan and Brazil for a bout 30,000 points! So those points really can add up.
On top of Rewards Programs, most airlines will offer some sort of credit card. While I currently don’t have one, those programs can really add up! Again, let’s take Delta for example. They offer their Delta SkyMiles American Express. Like most companies, they have some amazing sign up bonuses. With Delta you will get 70,000 miles after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months. Like I mentioned earlier, I’ve seen people find flights to Japan and Brazil for 30,000. Think of flying to both places for FREE with 60,000 miles.
While $2,000 seems like a lot, figure everything you purchase in three month. Groceries, rent, etc. probably exceed $2,000. Otherwise you can wait until a time where you know you may have to make bigger purchases. A lot of people end up spending a lot more money during the Holiday season. Also If you are planning a wedding, this could be huge! You and your partner could both look into getting a card while planning the wedding. Not only could you be getting points for the stuff you were already going to purchase, but you could possibly get free honeymoon flights out of the deal!! Just make sure that you really check out the credit cards details. They often have extremely high interest rates. So If you aren’t financially responsible, you could end up losing money out of the deal.
Here’s something you’ve probably never heard of, Penny Flights! Yes you heard that right, Spirit airlines will have flights for only a penny! Now these flights can only be purchased at the Spirit Airlines Counter, so you will never see them listed online. When you purchase a ticket, all you will pay for is .01 and then any taxes/fee’s that are normally associated with flying. Overall an amazing deal! The reason they do this, is if they have a significant amount of open seats on a flight they will be making money off of any extra’s that you may purchase. Like we all are aware, Spirit would charge you to breathe if they could. But if you can fly with only a backpack, and don’t mind having a little less room. This is the deal for you!
Currency
If you are traveling abroad, you are going to have to figure out how to exchange currency in some way, shape, or form. More and more places have been gaining access to allowing credit cards. With that being said, some companies will charge a hefty fee along with any transactions. Make sure that you are aware if they accept your card prior to leaving. Visa seems to be widely accepted , but cards like American Express may have a harder time. If you need more cash while abroad, the best thing to do is take cash out of an ATM. Taking more than you need at once, allows them to only charge you once as far as fee’s. The biggest thing I can recommend though, is checking with your bank and ORDERING CASH prior to traveling. Before I travel international, I always get cash through Wells Fargo at home. It’s a super quick process and there is ZERO EXCHANGE fee’s. Since I only bank through Wells Fargo, I’m not sure about other banks! But I could see larger banks offering similar offers! If you don’t have time to make it order to prior, airports often have some of the best exchange rates. So make sure that you get some sort of cash prior to leaving the airport!
Air BNB
I will almost ALWAYS suggest renting through AirBNB. I’ve heard a few bad stories, but I personally have never experienced that myself. But I also always do research on the houses prior. The rental is almost always significantly cheaper, and you get more space than you would for a normal hotel room. Plus you can save a lot of money by having a kitchen to make some of your own meals! If you haven’t looked into Air BNB yet, please do! I’ve included a link to get $55 off your first booking. Make sure to try and double dip on this as much as possible. After you use this could, you will get one as well that can be sent out to family and friends.
Most people don’t realize that you can message owners prior to booking. If you are really looking for a deal, you can try and barter one. If you are staying for awhile, they might be willing to lower the price for a longer stay. Same with a last minute trip. Especially since they would rather have people in the property (you’d imagine). Something to think about trying out. The worst thing that can happen is they just say no.
Hotels
Do your research and join rewards programs!! I try and go on trips with my friends as much as possible. Take advantage of booking things yourself under your reward accounts and/or credit cards. Booking hotels through Orbitz has gotten me a free night stay in Florida! If you book through Hotels.com you get a free night stay for every ten that you book through them! Like certain airlines, Hotel companies have their own credit programs. If you are constantly traveling, take advantage of these! Especially the people that travel for work, you need to be getting the most out of it. Travel for work, and save up points for yourself!
Car Rental
Similar to Finding Flights and hotels, finding a cheap car rental comes with doing your research. The prices are going to drastically differ depending on where you go. We paid 4 times the amount to rent a car in Mo’orea French Polynesia, than we would in Fort Lauderdale Florida. Naturally, right? Still I have some ways to go about renting a car. First, make sure you check multiple rental companies prior to booking. A lot of the time this is easiest by going through bundling websites (Expedia, Orbitz, etc.). After you do this, I would go to their website directly. Most places are going to have some sort of Rewards program, similar to how airlines do. I did this with Hertz, after seeing that their cars were the cheapest. I went to their website directly and found that if I signed up I was able to get a free day on top of a car upgrade! For members prices may also be cheaper!
The big thing that will save you money is ALWAYS bringing your own car insurance card. Most people don’t realize that your personal car insurance covers any car rentals. Obviously make sure you check before! But this can save you SO much money. Even after you make your booking, make sure that you keep checking prices up until the rental date! A lot of times companies will continue to drop their prices, if they have available cars. I’ve never actually paid for the rental car prior to picking it up, and cancelation is usually free. So if you find something cheaper, make sure you re-book for the cheaper price! Also, like I mentioned earlier. Make sure you try to go through Ibotta as much as possible. Hertz has a 3% rebate if you book through the app!
Uber/Lyft
While most people out there have used either Uber or Lyft, start taking advantage of the Carpool Tool. This allows Uber drivers to possibly pick up more riders along the route if possible. Since you are sharing the Uber, the ride is significantly cheaper!! Also If you haven’t started using Uber or Lyft, take advantage of these referral codes. If you sign up with Uber using this link you can receive $2.00 off your first 3 rides! Lyft has a similar deal, but instead you would get get $2.00 of your next 5 rides!! Make sure you are being safe, and taking advantage of these deals!