On the lookout for a cheap travel deal? It’s no secret that traveling can be incredibly expensive. From the cost of flights to the price of hotel rooms, vacations can cost hundreds, if not thousands. While traveling can be costly, the good news is that it doesn’t have to be. If you’re smart about where you book and buy from, you can make your next vacation a lot more budget-friendly.

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To help you do that, here are five key tips that it’ll pay to take note of.

1. Research the best deal sites

If you want to save on the cost of travel, the most important thing you can do is research all the best deals sites. You want to keep an eye out for sites that not only offer various travel deals but also, ones that concentrate on one area. For example, by taking advantage of these hotels deals with HotWire, you’ll save. Often, specialist sites offer greater savings, so it’s more than worth having a look at.

2. Choose the cheapest times to travel

One of the best ways to save on the cost of travel is to choose when you travel wisely. If you want to save money, don’t head abroad during the school holidays or at Christmas, choose a time when it’s low season where you’re going. The less popular the time of year is, the less expensive your trip will be. You’ll also find that if you choose to fly late at night or early in the morning, the tickets for your trip will be much lower.

3. Eat in local restaurants

Instead of choosing to eat in branded restaurants, opt to eat in local, places. You’ll find that if you choose to eat in local eateries, instead of in restaurant franchises, that the food and service will be much cheaper. And, the chances are, that the food will also be much more enjoyable too. Plus, by eating local, you’ll get an authentic taste of the place you’re visiting.

4. Use apps to save money on attractions

If there’s anything that you’re desperate to see while you’re away, but it is too expensive, use apps to save money. Did you know that there are various deals apps to choose from that give you deals and discounts for various sights and attractions? Many of these apps also work abroad as well as at home, so wherever you are, you can save money. Have a browse at the different deals available, so that you know what you can save on.

5. Book your flights early or last minute

Flights are often one of the most expensive parts of traveling, as they can be incredibly expensive. However, they don’t have to be. You see, if you’re smart about where you book from and when you book, you can save yourself a lot of money on plane tickets. The best way to save is by booking your tickets early or last minute, as this is when tickets tend to be at their lowest price.

There you have it, all the best tips for making travel cheaper.