Yahoo Finance 5 tips to help your travel dollars go farther
Many Canadians are continuing to enjoy travel despite rising prices for, well, just about everything—in fact, last summer saw a 35% uptick in Canadians taking trips abroad. So, how do they make it work?
There’s something to be said about saving and spending the old-fashioned way to get you closer to a postcard-worthy destination, but savvy fliers – especially these days – go further by tapping into travel loyalty programs that offer them plentiful cost savings, flight benefits and more. We partnered with Aeroplan™ for some easy ways you can stretch your travel dollars and get the most value out of your vacation budget.
1. Save while you spend
Saving for a dream vacation can take a bit of dedication. But if squirrelling away a little extra every pay period or cutting expenses (do you really need that fifth streaming service?) seems a bit daunting, you can try saving while you’re spending.
Aeroplan points add up faster when you’re deliberate with your everyday purchases, whether you’re linking your account with partners like Starbucks®, Uber and UberEats, the LCBO and participating Chevron, Fas Gas, Pioneer and Ultramar gas stations. You can also earn when you shop online with over 250 retailers via the Aeroplan eStore. You can then pay for flights (and other goodies from the eStore) using a combo of cash and points to maximize your value, which can get you up in the air sooner.
Pro tip: Aeroplan credit cardholders have even more ways to earn, earning extra points per dollar spent on essentials like gas and groceries.
2. Choose a destination that fits your budget – and your vision board
We’ll let you in on a little secret: a dream vacation doesn’t have to break the bank. A budget-friendly destination can feel every bit as lavish as a pricier voyage, especially in locations where your dollars can go that much further.
Some popular locales these days include Portugal and Atlantic Canada, where relative affordability abounds—but no matter where you have your eye on, chances are it’s within Aeroplan’s partner network of more than 1,300 destinations worldwide. Of course, closer destinations can equal extra savings on airfare, and Aeroplan flight rewards can be redeemed for as little as 6,000 points for short-haul one-way flights, helping bring your next vacation within reach.
Pro tip: Interested in seeing where your points can take you? Aeroplan’s handy travel tools make it easy to plan your trip on points.
3. There’s the flight… and everything else
It’s always important to look at the big picture when you’re budgeting. So while it’s easy to get caught up in the romance and adventure of buying a plane ticket to your destination, don’t lose sight of everything else that factors into your upcoming travel expenses.
The good news is that many other travel costs – including hotels and car rentals – can also be booked using your Aeroplan points, helping you save even more. If you’d rather avoid the added work of trip planning, consider an all-inclusive or pre-bundled travel package that takes the legwork out of putting together a memorable time.
Pro tip: Air Canada offers several curated getaways, all bookable with your Aeroplan points for one easy price.
4. Having a world of options can help you save
Whether you’re looking for a hotel stay or other amenities, one way to help make your next trip more economical is by shopping around to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible. Of course, shopping around is a whole lot easier when you have a world of options at your fingertips. With HotelSavers, you can use your Aeroplan points to score a great deal at more than 7,000 hotel properties around the world, with exclusive Aeroplan members-only redemption rates that can save you up to 30% in points—allowing you to book (or extend!) your stay for less. With your choice of 100,000+ stays and no cap or blackouts, HotelSavers makes it easy to find a stay to suit every budget.
Pro tip: Through December 31, 2024, Aeroplan credit cardholders can get an extra night free for every three nights redeemed using points.
5. Little luxuries can go a long way
Stretching your travel dollars further is all about finding ways to maximize value. And if you’ve ever been upgraded to business class, you know firsthand how little perks can help make a trip that much more memorable. You can get that feeling every time you take off by packing or planning a handful of travel-enhancing affordable luxuries. A silk pillowcase or facial cleansing mask can add a star or two to a hotel stay, while a portable coffee press is perfect for helping you ease into the local timezone.
Want to truly unlock that VIP feeling? With select Aeroplan credit cards, you can score a complimentary checked bag and free Wi-Fi on Air Canada flights, along with a host of other premium perks. Cardholders also have the opportunity to reach Aeroplan Elite Status more quickly, which offers the industry’s widest range of travel rewards, such as instant upgrades and Maple Leaf Lounge™ access.
Pro tip: Select Aeroplan credit cards can get you higher priority for many premium airport services, including priority boarding and lounge access, making your card every bit as important to remember when packing as your toothbrush and toothpaste.
Give your travel budget a boost – for free
Ready to take your travel dollars farther? Become an Aeroplan member for free and give your travel plans an instant boost. For existing members, visit Aeroplan to learn about more ways you can earn and redeem Aeroplan points to help you save on your next trip.
