Vacation Planning 101: Your Guide to the Best US Vacation Packages

Is money preventing you from getting much-needed quality time with your family? Stop paying for expensive trips and start saving money with vacation packages. There are plenty of ways to get out of paying full price.

First, you need to start thinking like a seasoned traveler. Globetrotters are traveling the world at a fraction of the cost, making the most of their vacations along the way. Even your neighbors are finding amazing deals on US vacation packages that you don’t know about.

It’s time to get out of the dark and into the loop. Here are the best U.S. vacation package ideas.

What’s the Secret to Saving Money on Traveling?

To find the best vacation packages, you need to understand a few secrets to saving money. The first is location. If you’re spending too money on your vacations, chances are, you’re choosing a pricey destination.

Why are some destinations pricier than others? Good question! It all comes down to a location’s average income, urban policy, and cost of living, according to a report in The Atlantic.

When you consider flights, food, lodging, and local transportation, a cheaper destination makes a huge difference.

Here are the cheapest vacation-friendly destinations from the Travel Channel and U.S. News:

  • Cannon Beach, Oregon
  • Glacier National Park in Montana
  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee
  • Sequoia National Park in California
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico
  • Myrtle Beach in South Carolina

The infamous Gettysburg is another popular yet inexpensive destination. It’s ideal for history buffs, starving students, and families. You’ll find affordable Gettysburg vacation packages, complete with tours, buffets, and historic lodging.

Another cheap US vacation destination to consider is the iconic Grand Canyon. Camping is one of the most inexpensive options for families and students. If you’re going to camp for cheap, you might as well under the stars of the infamous Grand Canyon.

Timing Matters for US Vacation Packages

Another secret to cheap US vacation packages is timing. Choose unpopular traveling times. Avoid traveling during the holidays at all costs.

The best time windows for traveling will depend on the destination itself. If your choice destination is more popular in winter, try going during shoulder season or fly out in January to avoid exorbitant holiday flight prices.

Consider timing when searching for vacation packages. For example, the cheapest times to visit the Grand Canyon is November, December, January, and February. So, look for packages within these time frames well in advance to get the best deal.

In general, All U.S. flight are cheaper in January, February, and September. The day you flight out is also critical. The cheapest days to fly are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

The last scheduling factor to consider is time of day. Some times are considerably cheaper than others. Remember this when purchasing your vacation package.

The earlier you fly, the better. Early morning times are generally cheaper than other travel times, but this isn’t always the case.

When you buy your vacation packages makes a big difference, as well. You might find cheaper tickets and vacation packages available online at 3PM, according to U.S. News. Travelers also have good luck buying tickets on Thursdays and Fridays.

Remember to buy your vacation packages at least 6 weeks in advance. After that, you’ll see the prices creeping up. You want to get the most out of your vacation, so every dollar counts.

How to Choose Vacation Package Lodging

There are so many U.S. vacation packages to choose from, and they all come with different lodging options. The best lodging prices coincide with the best travel times, but that’s not the only trick for choosing packages.

Savvy travelers often score last-minute deals on lodging. You may be taking a risk by waiting so long, but the outcome is worth it. This happens when a hotel has an extra vacant room that they need to book fast.

Many hotels and motels have a 24-hour cancellation rule, so you can count on someone canceling on any given day. It doesn’t hurt to check! This is a good tip to remember when visiting popular U.S. attractions that take reservations.

Since more travelers book lodging accommodations during the week, you may be able to find cheaper rates on Friday and Saturday.

When you check-in and out matters too. According to recent reports, the best time to check into any lodging is Sunday, since families are checking out and business travelers have not yet checked in.

However, if you plan on checking in on Friday, and check out on Sunday, that will cost you. Sunday to Tuesday would be an affordable option to consider.

Score Vacation Freebies and Travel Rewards Points

To enhance your lodging experience, choose hotels or motels with reasonable rates and complimentary breakfast items. Coffee is an absolute must and free sweet rolls is a plus. Make sure your room isn’t too far from a nearby coffee shop or store.

Another way to get a great deal on vacation package lodging is to join a rewards program. If you’re planning on traveling consistently, then you should definitely join a rewards program with your favorite airline.

You should also consider switching to a credit card that offers travel points. These work for both flights, lodging, and full vacation packages.

If you’re a die-hard Disney fan, you can save more money on vacation packages by selling your Disney Vacation Club membership. You can also find DVC points for sale and get more rewards points for less.  

Remember these lodging tricks when choosing your vacation packages!

Discover the Magic of the U.S.

Are you ready to make the most out of your U.S. vacation?

Don’t waste your vacation worrying about what you paid. Affordable travel is the secret to the best U.S. vacation packages. Remember the secrets to choosing destinations, travel times, lodging, and rewards programs when selecting your vacation package.

Follow these tips to discover packages that give you the most bang for your buck. Check out the blog to find more savvy ways to save, travel, and embark on your dreams.