Here’s an easy way to save money on travel. Check the prices before you leave!
I planned an 8-day trip to Ireland during peak season in June. With nonstop airfare running over $1,000 per person to most European countries, I chose Ireland because a non-stop flight on Aer Lingus was $537 per person. Plus, Ireland offers ancient castles, churches and monasteries, fabulous food, friendly people and breathtaking scenery.
Although we might have saved a bit by booking bed and breakfasts, I decided to stay at a castle hotel, a former Earl’s manor, and a couple of plush hotels. Since it was an anniversary trip, we splurged a little. As I found out, there are ways to save – even on a luxury trip.
For example, I booked two nights at the Hyatt Centric Dublin several months before our trip at a rate of 378 Euros per night. A couple of weeks before our trip, I checked the price again. Not only did the rate drop down to 335 Euros per night but the new rate was for a suite and the lower price included two free days of the Hop on Hop off Dublin bus, worth 74 Euros. That’s an 86 Euro savings on the hotel plus a 74 Euro savings on the bus, which we were planning on purchasing anyway. So, a 160 Euro savings on an incredible suite in Dublin.
Second, I reserved two nights at Castlemartyr Resort, a former castle in Cork, for 638 Euros, which seemed pretty reasonable since it included a five course chef’s tasting menu (75 Euros per person), lunch and daily breakfast. Since I was now on Castlemartyr’s email list, they alerted me to a discount. I requested the new rate and my new reservation was 457 Euros!
The room rate at Carton House, a five-star resort which was the ancestral seat of the Earls of Kildare and Dukes of Leinster for over 700 years, only dropped 26 Euros but it was worth sending them a quick email for the lower rate.
There were no changes in the rate at the Twelve Hotel in Galway but they did upgrade us to a suite, because we mentioned that we were celebrating our anniversary.
The total saved for a one-week trip by checking prices prior to departure was 567 Euros, or $618 at today’s exchange rate.
I tested out the price-checking method on a one-way Amtrak ticket that I purchased yesterday for $138. Today the price dropped to $62 and a helpful agent refunded me $76. Even she was surprised by the price drop, since Amtrak usually raises their prices as trains fill up.
Total travel savings in one month = $694.
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