Here’s How To Save Over $500 on Travel in March
March is one of the most expensive months to travel, with spring break getaways, late-winter escapes and early-shoulder season deals. According to the Expedia 2025 Air Hacks report, flying internationally in March compared to August will cost travelers an average of 7% more.
With smart planning, being prepared to make sacrifices, and choosing wisely, March offers unique opportunities to save money.
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Here’s how to save over $500 on travel in March. Also discover the best ways to save money on your spring break travels.
Be Prepared To Sacrifice Some Conveniences
Most “secret, easy travel hacks,” such as using VPN or incognito mode while searching online to get better travel deals, don’t work, said Sunil Gupta, co-founder and senior travel consultant at Luxury India Tours.
“To really book cheap flights, be prepared to forgo some convenience and search for more options,” Gupta said. “I know many (travelers) want onboard meals, complimentary lounge access, increased legroom, brief layovers, avoiding overnight flights, and fewer connections, as well as other perks — but you have to pay for it.”
He said if travelers want to save money while traveling, they must be willing to sacrifice some conveniences.
“Keep in mind that two flights with a connection are often cheaper than either of the two,” Gupta said. “This might not make sense to you off-the-bat, but remember that people naturally avoid layovers, so lower demand leads to lower prices.”
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Choose the Best Booking Time
According to the Expedia Air Hacks report, Sunday is the cheapest day to book flights.
“Domestic travelers can save 6%, while international travelers can save 17%, compared to booking on a Monday or Friday,” said Randy Spoon, the content and media relations manager at Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), which partnered with Expedia on this year’s “Air Hacks” report.
“Regardless of fare class and destination, flying on Thursday instead of Sunday can save travelers 17%,” Spoon explained.
Timing also matters when it comes to booking hotel accommodations.
“There are two ways to find great hotel deals,” said Tim Gunstone, chief communications officer at HotelPlanner. “Hotel deals are found if you book early. You can also find cheap rates by booking very late. This, of course, does come with risks as you might not get the room you want or even a good deal if the hotel is booking up.”
Be Creative With Accommodations
Choose alternative lodging, including vacation rentals, short-term condo rentals, or other housing options, said Tim Choate, founder and CEO at RedAwning.com.
Choate noted alternative accommodations can provide more reasonable rates, especially if you book directly through reliable websites and platforms.
“Particularly, if you’re willing to go mid-week, mid-range boutique hotels just outside of major centers typically have lower rates in March,” Choate said. “Searching for lodging with kitchens helps reduce meal costs, especially for families. Sometimes, pairing lodging with flights — through travel agencies with package deals — yields under-the-radar savings.”
Press Pause
Use caution when booking a website that makes every decision feel like a timed challenge.
“Companies that make it feel like you have to decide everything right now, before the deal goes away, are often trying to make you panic buy,” said Jeremy Murchland, CEO and president at Seven Corners Travel Insurance.
“This could be anything from a seat or room upgrade to their version of travel insurance or an extra excursion on a cruise ship,” Murchland explained. “Their goal is to rush you into a decision that ultimately causes you to spend more money.”
Travelers can save more when they press pause before choosing an upgrade or extra.
“Give yourself time to really think about what you’re buying and if it’s what you truly want,” Murchland suggested. “If you decide it’s worth the expense, go for it! But don’t get rushed into a case of buyer’s remorse.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Here’s How To Save Over $500 on Travel in March
