Canada Travel Hacks: Save Money on Flights, Hotels, and Tours

Canadians love to travel and make it a priority to take vacations regularly. Many people can’t afford to go on vacation, but they use credit card debt to make it a reality. According to a survey by FlightHub Group, one in four Canadians take credit card debt to finance their vacations as they can’t afford them. Here is how you can travel across Canada on a budget. Canada travel hacks: save money on flights, hotels, and tours.

Canada Travel Hacks: Save Money on Flights, Hotels, and Tours

Going on vacation in Canada doesn’t need to cost you an arm and a leg. There are plenty of ways to travel affordably and on a budget. Here are ways you can save on flights, hotels, and tours when going on vacation.

Canada Travel Hacks: Save Money on Flights, Hotels, and Tours: Flights

Use travel rewards points to save money on flights.

Many travel credit cards offer reward programs to fit your lifestyle and preferences. If travelling is something you do often, then it is wise to apply for a travel credit card. Travel credit cards usually come with additional benefits, including insurance that covers expenses such as flight delays, trip cancellations, and emergency medical costs. Once you collect a certain number of points, you can also redeem your points on your next flight.

Book flights early, but not too early

There is a technique to follow when booking flights. It’s never too early to book your flight too far ahead. According to the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), those who book anywhere between 63 and 72 days in advance of the flight save 44 percent compared to those who book later. This period applies to domestic flights.

For international flights, it is recommended to book 43 to 54 days in advance of departure. Avoid booking 6 to 12 days in advance of your flight, as ticket prices tend to be higher during this period.

Book your flight on a Sunday.

Contrary to popular belief, booking your flight on a Sunday is often more cost-effective for your wallet. According to ARC’s global airline sales database, booking flights on a Sunday can help save money. Booking on a Sunday saves 10% when compared to booking flights on a Friday.

Choose the day of departure wisely.

The day you leave on a light also matters when it comes to saving money. It is the cheapest to fly on a Thursday. Flying on a Sunday is likely to be the most expensive option. This pertains to international flights.

Regarding domestic flights, the cheapest day to fly is typically a Friday, while the most expensive day is usually a Monday. It can save you up to 23 percent if you depart on a domestic flight on a Friday.

Use price tracking tools

Travel websites like Expedia offer price-tracking tools that can be useful when planning a budget-friendly trip. These price tracking tools send you alerts on price changes. They also inform you when to book flights to maximize your savings.

Canada Travel Hacks: Save Money on Flights, Hotels, and Tours: Hotels

Choose between self-catering and hotels.

In places where hotels are costly, it’s cheaper to opt for self-catering services. You can book an apartment or a small motel that comes with utensils and cooking equipment. It may be more affordable to get pre-cooked or easy-to-cook meals from a convenience store in the city. Self-catering is 21% and 15% cheaper in Toronto and Montreal, respectively.

Hotels are generally more expensive in the city and tend to be cheaper the further you go. Therefore, you can book a hotel if you are staying in a town far from the city.

Consider staying in a hostel or an Airbnb

Hostels and Airbnb are much cheaper than hotels anywhere in the world. Staying in these budget accommodation units is a great option, especially for solo travellers. Even families travelling can opt to stay in a hostel or Airbnb, as it is cheap and offers the bare essentials.

Use food delivery services.

Getting food from food delivery services is cheaper than ordering room service. With options like Uber Eats and other food delivery services, you can order food at affordable prices while relaxing in your hotel room. It is still cheaper to order food to your hotel from food delivery services even after you tip the rider.

Canada Travel Hacks: Save Money on Flights, Hotels, and Tours: Tours

Select an affordable destination to travel to

Certain regions in Canada and certain countries worldwide are more affordable than others. If you are travelling to other countries, you can try Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. South Asian and Asian countries are more affordable and worth travelling to than most other destinations in the world.

Use public transport when travelling within major cities around the world

Hiring a cab in major cities could add up to a considerable amount. The best way to navigate major cities is by using public transportation. Public transport systems in most cities are pretty straightforward, and you can easily find your way around with the help of route maps displayed at every station. You can even obtain a travel pass, similar to a railway card, if you plan to use public transport during your stay.

Get a Discovery Pass

Get a Discover Pass as it gives you the privilege to visit multiple attractions in Canada with a single pass. The pass gives you access to over 80 national parks, marine conservation areas, and historic sites.

Visit off-the-beaten-path locations

Off-the-beaten places are often the least crowded and most affordable places around. Off-the-beaten-path locations in Canada include Prince Edward Island, Haida Gwaii, and Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta.

Opt for a customized tour

A customized tour will help you enjoy your dream vacation at an affordable price. It lets you focus on what’s important to you in your tour. This helps to stay within your budget and make travel more affordable.

Bundle your tour services

Bundle your tour services like flights, hotels, car rentals, and some fun activities. It can be cost-effective to book all these services via a single provider. Bundling services also helps keep track of your tour itinerary.

Canada Travel Hacks: Save Money on Flights, Hotels, and Tours: General

Use only a carry-on

Travelling with only a carry-on helps in many ways. It keeps you from paying extra fees for checked baggage. It also helps you shop smarter and not splurge while shopping. When you have limited space in your bag, you tend to buy only what is necessary. This saves you a lot of money that would have been otherwise spent on buying unnecessary things.

Eat smart

Avoid eating from roadside cafes and eateries all the time. Buying food from these places can add up to a significant amount by the end of your trip. Opt to buy pre-cooked food or food that you can prepare easily from the supermarket. Also, fill up your water bottles when you go out so that you won’t be spending too much money on drinks, juices, and water to stay hydrated on the go.

Final Thoughts

Travel is an amazing experience. So, make sure that you have the best experience during your travels. Travel smart by following the above hacks to ensure you stay safe and happy during and after your vacation.