A rental car can easily blow through a large portion of your vacation budget. Booking a vehicle is a must if you need to get around your destination and can’t rely on public transportation, but the hefty price tag might cause you to reconsider the duration of your stay or abandon plans altogether. However, savvy travelers know that there’s no reason you should be paying full price for your rental car in the first place. Here are some useful tricks for getting your rental car at a discount.

Check if You Qualify for Promo Code Discounts

Before you book your rental car, double-check that you’re not already eligible for any discounts. Often, universities, alumni associations, or corporations will offer discount codes for specific rental car companies. While many of these codes can be found online, front desk agents may ask to see proof of employment, alumni status, or university enrollment. But if you provide identification, you can knock down prices at major car rental companies such as Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise — and potentially waive underage or additional driver fees. 

Still not eligible? No problem. AAA, the popular roadside assistance club, also offers up to 20% off Hertz rentals, plus other perks like discounts on prepaid fuel and a free additional driver. Meanwhile, USAA members who are active military personnel, veterans, or the spouse or child of a military member or veteran can receive up to 25% off rentals through Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis.

You Can Avoid Underage Driver Fees

Younger drivers can have an especially hard time finding a low rental price because the standard rental age in the U.S. is usually 25 or older. But there are a few ways to bypass an underage driver fee. USAA members under the age of 25 are eligible to have the fee waived, and AAA members will also receive the same benefit. Another solution is to let a family member or friend drive you around instead. If that’s an option, the lower price may be worth it, as most rental companies tack on an additional $30 per day on your reservation if you’re between the ages of 21 and 24 — or a whopping $50 per day if you’re between the ages of 18 and 20. 

Credit Card Perks Come in Clutch

Many credit cards — particularly travel rewards cards — offer exclusive rental car perks and discounts. These may include complimentary vehicle upgrades, grace periods for returning your vehicle late, a free additional driver, or membership in elite status programs. Most travel credit cards also offer car rental insurance, which can help limit out-of-pocket costs in the event of an accident. 

In particular, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred card are noteworthy for offering primary insurance coverage in the event of damage or theft (meaning you don’t have to go through your regular auto insurance provider first). These cards also offer up to 30% on Avis rentals and 25% off National rentals. The Platinum Card from American Express also offers discounts and top-tier Hertz benefits, including special discounts and priority services.

Airlines Offer Exclusive Savings

If you’re a frequent traveler, you’re probably already enrolled in one or more airline rewards programs. Before booking directly through a car rental website, log into your airline frequent flier accounts and see if you’re eligible to use your points or miles towards a reservation. Also check to see if the airline offers discounts if you book through their portal. 

For example, American Airlines AAdvantage members can save up to 35% and earn 500 bonus miles at Avis. If you’re flying Delta, you can enjoy extra savings with Alamo, Enterprise, and National, while United Airlines offers up to 35% savings with Budget and Avis.

Apps Provide Alternatives

Remember: You don’t need to book directly with a traditional car rental company. Ride- and car-sharing companies such as Turo, Avail, Uber, Kyte, Zipcar, and Lyft offer vehicles to app users, and sometimes the deals are better than rates at big-name rental brands. Some of these vehicles are owned by fellow travelers who are renting out their car when they’re out of town, while others are parked at private residences with instructions on how to access the vehicle, where to find the keys, and so forth. Using an app can be a great way to book for a much lower price, plus you won’t be surprised since you’ll know exactly what vehicle you’re getting. 

New airline routes pop up every year, many of which connect U.S. cities to international destinations — whether far-flung or closer to home — for the first time. As the airline industry continues to boom post-pandemic, these new routes eliminate the need for time-consuming connections and attract globetrotting adventurers who are looking for their next excursion. For 2024, airlines have already announced a number of intriguing new international routes. Here are five upcoming airline routes jet-setters will surely be excited about.

Multiple U.S. Cities to Tulum, Mexico

Located on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Tulum has been one of the country’s fastest-growing tourism destinations in recent years. The historic coastal city attracts visitors with its white-sand beaches, well-preserved Mayan ruins, and access to nearby cenotes. Previously, travelers were required to fly into nearby Cancun and drive around two hours to reach Tulum. That will soon change, as Tulum’s brand-new Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport will begin offering international flights from late March and make access to this popular tourist destination easier than ever before. 

A number of U.S. airlines have already announced flights into this new airport. Beginning March 28, 2024, American Airlines will offer four daily flights from Tulum to Charlotte, Dallas, and Miami. Delta Air Lines will also begin serving Tulum’s new airport the same day with daily nonstop flights to its hub in Atlanta. On March 31, United Airlines joins the fray with flights to Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and Newark. Other airlines — including low-cost carriers Spirit and JetBlue — have also announced flights, giving U.S. travelers a handful of convenient options for reaching this Mexican paradise.  

Denver, Colorado, to Dublin, Ireland

Traveling to Ireland has historically been easier if you’re departing from the East Coast rather than the middle of the country, but that’s set to change in 2024. Beginning May 17, Aer Lingus will provide direct flights from Denver International Airport to Dublin, the capital of the Emerald Isle. This marks the first time that Ireland’s official flag-carrying airline will offer service to the Mile High City. The airline is set to operate the direct route four days each week: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. 

Dublin is rich in history and culture, and it may be overwhelming to pack all of its worthwhile sites into a single trip. To make things simpler, start off by visiting Malahide Castle, which is just six miles from the airport. The incredible structure dates back to 1185, and offers self-guided tours of its awe-inspiring gardens. It’s also worth popping into the National Gallery of Ireland, which contains artwork from renowned painters such as Edgar Degas, Johannes Vermeer, and Diego Velázquez. Lastly, no trip to Dublin is complete without enjoying a frothy pint at the Guinness Storehouse, serving up the stout beer that the country is best known for.

Hudson Valley, New York, to Sørvágur, Faroe Islands

If you’ve never heard of the Faroe Islands, it might be time to change that. The stunning 18-island archipelago — a territory of Denmark territory — is situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, roughly halfway between Iceland and Norway. Given this remote location, traveling to the Faroe Islands from the U.S. hasn’t been easy. That changed in 2023 with the first-ever service from America to the Faroe Islands, and we’ve got good news for intrepid travelers: The route is returning this year. 

For just five short weeks, from September 3 to October 9, 2024, Atlantic Airlines will provide direct flights to the Faroe Islands from Stewart International Airport, located in New York’s Hudson Valley. If you’re starting in New York Cityk, each ticket includes free shuttle service from Times Square to Stewart International Airport (about 1.5 hours each way). The flights will take approximately six to seven hours before landing at Vagar Airport in the town of Sørvágur.

This Nordic Paradise is all about immersing yourself in nature. Highlights include scuba diving through hidden grottos and getting up-close and personal with the local puffins, which outnumber humans by a two-to-one ratio. Be sure to visit Lake Sørvágsvatn — it forms an optical illusion when viewed from the right angle, appearing significantly higher above the Atlantic Ocean than it actually is.

Newark, New Jersey, to Faro, Portugal

(Editor’s Note: After publication, United Airlines announced its Newark-Faro route launch would be delayed to the 2025 summer season due to an ongoing review by the Federal Aviation Administration.)

Nicknamed the “California of Europe,” Faro is a Portuguese paradise popular for its sun-drenched beaches, thriving culinary scene, bountiful vineyards, and historic architecture. While trekking there from the States used to require a connecting flight in Europe, that’s no longer going to be the case. Beginning on May 24, 2024, travelers can board a direct flight on United Airlines from Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, which is easily accessible from New York City. These flights will jet over to Faro – Gago Coutinho International Airport, which is located at the very southern tip of Portugal in the Algarve region along the Atlantic coast. 

Upon arrival in Faro, you’ll be transported back in time as you wind through the old city’s cobblestone streets and gaze upon its medieval architecture. Faro is home to stunning mosques and cathedrals dating back as far as the 13th century, which boast a unique combination of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles. Must-try local cuisine includes decadent garlicky octopus, clams in white wine sauce, and a traditional type of cod known as bacalhau.

Dallas, Texas – Brisbane, Australia

In recent years, U.S. travelers have gained a number of new flight options for visiting the Land Down Under. That trend continues in 2024, with American Airlines announcing new nonstop flights from its hub at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to Brisbane, located on Australia’s pristine Gold Coast. The 8,303-mile route will be the longest flight in American’s network once seasonal service begins on Oct. 27.

Brisbane — the capital of Australia’s Queensland state — is Australia’s third-largest city, home to about 2.5 million people. Nature lovers (especially surfers) can visit its miles of beaches and nearby islands, botanic gardens, and animal sanctuaries. The city is also home to cultural treasures like the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art. Compared to Sydney or Melbourne, Brisbane is also closer (about a two-hour flight) to the Great Barrier Reef — the largest reef system on Earth and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Business travelers who fly regularly for work quickly get into a routine that makes their travels efficient and stress-free. As a leisure traveler, you’re likely to have the luxury of more time and flexibility when you embark on a journey. Still, we all like the thought of reducing stress during the journey. With that in mind, here are six tips from business travelers you can easily adopt for your next leisure trip.

Always Pack Light

Savvy business travelers don’t waste time standing around at checked baggage carousels — that is, if the airline doesn’t lose your luggage. Space-saving tips for squeezing more clothes into your carry-on include rolling rather than folding items — which has the added bonus of keeping items wrinkle-free — and stuffing shoes with smaller items such as socks. Packing cubes are also a handy tool to efficiently create more room in your suitcase. When planning your vacation wardrobe, ensure every item is sufficiently versatile to be worn in a variety of situations. If you’re off on a trip of more than a week, you can always plan to use the hotel laundry service or find a local laundromat that can offer a service wash for a fraction of the cost.

Leave a Few Essentials Packed at Home

Many frequent travelers find it useful to keep a “go” bag packed and ready at home. They’ll place toiletries into reusable travel-sized plastic bottles and store them in a quart-size clear plastic bag, along with a spare set of other frequently used items such as hair styling products, sunscreen, and toothpaste. You might also want to invest in a small first-aid kit with space to add painkillers, vitamins, and other personal care items. Charging cables and universal adaptors can be given a similar treatment — by investing in duplicates, you can stock a travel tech case and leave it in your carry-on suitcase between trips. This makes packing for your next adventure faster and easier, with half the work already completed ahead of time.

Dress for the Airport

Don’t forget about the clothes you intend to travel in — are they conducive to speeding through airport security? When traveling by plane, avoid wearing lots of jewelry and, if you can, choose an outfit that doesn’t need a belt. In places that require you to remove footwear, opt for slip-ons over lace-ups and avoid wearing bulky boots if at all possible. (And please: If there’s a chance you might be walking on a grubby airport floor, wear socks.) Finally, resist the temptation to stuff your pockets and clear out any purses while you’re still at home, in case they contain forgotten liquids or other items that might be confiscated.  

Sign Up for Programs Like TSA PreCheck and Clear 

If you’re a U.S. citizen or resident who travels regularly, it’s a no-brainer to sign up for trusted traveler programs such as TSA PreCheck. Aimed at pre-approving passengers deemed low-risk, these programs offer expedited security screening, where you’ll no longer be required to remove items such as shoes, belts, or laptops for inspection. 

It can be a significant time saver: According to the TSA, around 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes in security lines. CLEAR Plus is designed to speed up the travel document checking process when you depart the U.S., while the Global Entry kiosks that you find at some airports work in a similar way for passengers returning to the U.S. from abroad. These programs aren’t free — for instance, Global Entry costs $100 to apply but lasts five years and it includes TSA PreCheck. It’s also worth noting some credit cards can offset the application fee.   

Get the Right Credit Cards

One of the perks of business travel is that the company usually pays for your flights, but you collect the frequent flier miles. As a leisure traveler, make your own spending count and earn points on purchases that you’d be making anyway, such as groceries and gas. Each airline has its own loyalty program and credit cards, so work out which one has the most attractive flight options from your home airport and make sure to sign up before your flight. The points you earn can quickly add up to a free flight — particularly if your credit card offers a sign-up bonus or bonus points in specific categories such as dining. Some airline credit cards also offer useful perks such as free checked bags, priority boarding, airport lounge access, and statement credits for in-flight purchases.

Stay Healthy on the Road

When you’re on the road a lot, sticking to a wellness regime can be challenging — regardless of whether you’re a business or leisure traveler. The temptation to eat calorie-laden foods and large portions is everywhere, particularly in fast food restaurants and at hotel buffets. Still, it’s worth the effort to stick to a healthy diet. 

For starters, don’t skip out on breakfast. Later in the day, try to pick dishes that go easy on carbs and heavily processed foods. Instead, choose leaner, protein-rich options such as grilled chicken or fish with steamed vegetables. You can also pack bags of dried fruit and nuts to snack on during the day or pick some up from a health food store near where you’re staying. Opt for a hotel with a gym or pool to ensure you meet your daily exercise goals or look for one that’s near cycling or jogging trails. Finally, drink plenty of water (having a handy travel water bottle is a good idea) and keep an eye on your alcohol consumption — your body will thank you later.  

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Budget airlines like Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit are fantastic for flying on the cheap. But even though these ultra-low cost carriers charge fares as low as $20 one way, that cost rises considerably once you factor in all of the extra fees that are a key part of these airlines’ business model. Some fliers are shocked to see how expensive the total is just before checking out, but what many travelers don’t know is that there are methods for avoiding certain fees on budget airlines — as long as you’re willing to put in a little extra time and effort. Below, discover the simple tricks that can save you money on airfare on budget airlines.

Why Hidden Fees Exist

In order to keep their base fares at rock-bottom prices and attract price-sensitive travelers, budget airlines charge additional fees at seemingly every turn. You’ll likely end up paying a pretty penny for things like checked baggage, seat selection, in-flight beverages, and even printing your boarding pass at the airport. At the end of the day, some tickets on budget airlines won’t actually save you much versus a traditional legacy airline such as Delta or United, once you factor in all the fees. While some charges — like those for checked or carry-on baggage — may be unavoidable, there is one fee many travelers don’t even realize they’re paying for. It’s the hidden charge for making your reservation online or over the phone.

The Convenience Booking Fee

If you look at the breakdown of your ticket price carefully, you might be surprised to see that budget airlines charge a sizable fee for making bookings online or over the phone. The extra cost can sometimes be more than the airfare itself. The name for this extra charge varies depending on the airline. For example, Spirit levies a “Passenger Usage Charge” of up to $22.99 per ticket, Allegiant charges a $22 “Electronic Carrier Usage Charge,” and Frontier adds $23 for their “Carrier Interface Charge.” Whatever it’s called, budget carriers use these extra “convenience” fees for simply booking a ticket online to keep base ticket prices low. As a traveler, it can add considerably to the total cost of your ticket — especially for families.

Avoiding Those Fees

So how do you steer clear of paying these additional booking fees? Unfortunately, the only way to avoid them altogether is to make your reservation in person at the airport. That may not always be possible — the cost of travel to and from the airport may be larger than the potential savings, you may not have time to take off work, or you might just value the convenience of reserving flights online. But if you have the time to visit a nearby airport and are flying on a strict budget, then it can be worth stopping by the ticket counter to save about $40 for each roundtrip ticket.

Potential Issues to Be Aware Of

Given that budget airlines make much of their profits by charging extra fees, many carriers won’t make it easy to purchase tickets in person. It’s worth checking to see when the in-person ticket windows are actually open. Spirit generally has flexible hours when it comes to their ticket kiosks, but other airlines such as Allegiant are usually only open for an hour or two each day. Also, online booking services generally offer lower baggage fees than in-person kiosks, so the cost may end up being the same. Check carefully with your individual airline to determine if the savings would be worth venturing out to the airport.

Other Tricks to Save Money on Budget Airlines

Fortunately, there are a few other ways savvy travelers can avoid the typical fees charged by low-cost airlines. The first tip may be obvious: pack light. Spirit Airlines, for example, allows you to bring a personal item on board, but it must fit under the seat in front of you and can only measure 18 by 14 by 8 inches. Hefty fees are charged for carry-on bags that must go in the overhead and checked bags (usually over $50 each way). If you absolutely need to carry on or check a bigger bag, you’ll pay significantly less if you reserve a bag while first booking your ticket or while checking in online versus paying for it at the airport.

Second, check in online before leaving for the airport and opt for an e-boarding pass on your phone or print your ticket at home. Checking in and printing your boarding pass at the airport will set you back a whopping $25 per ticket on Spirit. And if you’re not picky about seats, skip those extra fees and you’ll be assigned one at check-in. Lastly, try to stock up on food or drinks at the airport before your flight instead of shelling out for an in-flight soda.