How to Get the Cheapest Travel Tickets

You never want to pay more than you have to for travel transportation. Various websites claim to offer cheap tickets for flights, train and bus rides. However, distinguishing where to find the best rates is challenging, as prices are constantly changing. Traveling is expensive enough without having to pay outrageous rates for the travel portion of your trip. There are a few tips and tricks to remember when purchasing travel tickets to ensure you get the best possible travel rates.

Instructions

Cheap Air Travel Tickets

1

Book airline tickets well in advance of your desired travel date. Start researching a month or two before your departure. Check several websites at once to compare rates. Continue to check back as rates may change during different times of the day.

Some discount travel sites include Expedia.com, Kayak.com, Orbitz.com, Travelocity.com, cheapoair.com and sidestep.com. These sites will compare rates from all of the airlines to offer you the lowest airfares.

2

Be flexible when it comes to travel dates. You may have a month in mind that you want to travel, however, if your exact dates aren't set in stone, be open to dates that may offer a lower travel rate.

3

Travel Monday through Thursday. Weekend fares tend to cost more than mid-week fares. If possible, plan your to and from departures during the week.

4

If you aren't particular about travel times, generally the late night, red-eye flights or very early morning flights cost less.

5

Big cities often have one main airport and several airports in the surrounding areas. If possible, book your flight for any of the airports except the main large ones for a cheaper rate.

6

Sign up to receive email notifications of travel discounts. Most websites send out email specials on flights. There may be restrictions involved, however. Take advantage of any deals on flights that work for your trip criteria.

7

Find out if senior or student discounts are available. Also, children can travel for a lower rate. Make sure to take advantage of discounts that apply to anyone in your travel party.

Cheap Train Travel Tickets

8

In order to buy the lowest train fare available, plan your trip as early as possible. If you purchase your train tickets at least 12 weeks in advance, you have a much better chance of scoring cheaper tickets.

9

If you know that you will be getting on and off the train several times throughout your travels, season tickets or railcards are available in the United States. When you purchase all of your train tickets at once, you will end up saving money.

10

Amtrak offers weekly specials on specific routes and specific dates. Take advantage of any deals that fit into your travel plans.

Cheap Bus Travel Tickets

11

Bus travel is the least expensive way to travel. Buy tickets well in advance for the lowest bus ticket rates.

12

Buy tickets online, rather than in person, and print out the ticket. Online specials are always available when tickets are purchased from the bus company website. Go to greyhound.com or gotobus.com to find the lowest rates on bus tickets.

13

Take advantage of discounts offered to children, military personnel and family, students, veterans and seniors.