Yahoo Finance How Gift Cards Can Help You Save on Vacation Costs
One of the lesser known hacks for saving on your next vacation is quite simple. According to experts, gift cards are a handy way to help you lower vacation costs.
“Using gift cards can help you stick to a budget,” said Stephanie Webb, travel expert and guide at Trip Shepherd. “By pre-purchasing gift cards for your trip, you limit spending to the amount on the cards, helping to avoid overspending.”
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She continued, “Allocate $500 for dining by purchasing $500 worth of restaurant gift cards. This ensures you don’t exceed your dining budget, potentially saving you from unexpected costs.”
Below are some more ways you can reap the benefits from using gift cards on your summer trips.
Buy Discounted Gift Cards From Warehouse Stores
“I believe using discounted gift cards in your vacation planning toolkit can be a game-changer for keeping costs down and making those travel dreams a reality,” said Kevin Mercier, travel expert and founder at Kevmrc. “As a seasoned travel expert, I’ve seen firsthand how savvy travelers can leverage discounted gift cards to stretch their vacation budgets further.”
He explained further, “Buying gift cards from big-box stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, or BJ’s can unlock significant savings on flights, accommodations, and experiences. For instance, snagging a $500 Southwest gift card for $450 at Costco or Sam’s Club is like getting $50 free to put toward your next getaway. And it’s not just airlines — these retailers often offer discounts on hotel stays, spa treatments, and even Airbnb bookings.”
However, he says it’s important to keep a close eye on inventory and act fast when you spot a deal, as supplies are limited and discounts can vanish quickly. “Plus, be mindful of any restrictions on purchasing quantities such as the limit of five Southwest cards per customer at Costco.”
Mercier said that while these discounted gift cards can be a fantastic way to save, it’s essential to compare prices and ensure you’re genuinely getting a deal. “Sometimes, direct booking might still offer the best value, so always do your due diligence.”
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Take Advantage of Gift Cards Through Online Platforms
Purchasing discounted gift cards through well-acclaimed online platforms can yield significant savings, according to Dan Kroyter, CEO of Tailored Pay. “For instance, buying a $100 hotel gift card at a 20% discount means paying only $80 upfront.”
He explained that finding little ways to immediately stretch your vacation budget allows you to savor an even sweeter respite — a cheaper respite.
“There are also credit card deals and point systems to leverage, such as rewards programs and perks that offer gift cards as redemption options to put toward vacation savings,” he added. “For example, redeeming credit card points for a $50 restaurant gift card effectively translates to $50 in dining savings during your trip — or better yet, use the points to buy your flight.”
Overall, Kroyter said that strategically using gift cards and rewards redemptions to plan your vacation is simply a budget-smart way to travel and relax. “The only thing sweeter than a vacation is finding cheap ways to pay for it without even taking out your wallet.”
Save on Accommodation Costs
“In my experience as an Airbnb host specializing in hospitality, I’ve seen how guests can utilize gift cards to enhance their vacation budgets effectively,” said Jonas Zook Jr., Airbnb host and owner of Sweden Valley Cabins. “For example, guests purchasing Airbnb gift cards through various promotions or at a discount can significantly lower their accommodation costs.”
He continued, “Often, these gift cards are available through online platforms or during special sale events, where they can be purchased for less than their face value — sometimes saving up to 10-15%.”
Leverage Gift Cards During Holidays
Another practical application, according to Zook, is leveraging retailer or brand-specific gift cards to manage expenses like dining and shopping during holidays.
“For instance, many major retailers offer promotional gift cards during the holiday season, where purchasing a certain amount comes with an added bonus card — essentially providing more value than the cash spent,” he explained. “Guests have utilized these deals to save on meals and activities around the Potter County area, reinforcing their budgeting without sacrificing quality.”
Zook continued, “From a hospitality provider’s perspective, encouraging the use of gift cards among guests not only aids their financial planning but also stimulates local business ecosystems. It’s a win-win situation: visitors enjoy a more affordable vacation experience, and local enterprises benefit from the patronage driven by these prepaid spends.”
By incorporating gift cards into their vacation planning, he emphasized that travelers can extend their financial reach while enjoying all the amenities and attractions offered by their chosen destinations.
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