Smart Spending

Best Websites to Help You Save on Foreign Travel

Whether you have friends and family overseas, or you’re ready to explore the globe, international travel can break the bank. With gas prices over $3 a gallon, it can cost as much as $1,000 to fly from the United States to Europe. But inflated prices shouldn’t stand in the way of your travel plans. Sure, you may have less to spend while on vacation. And you might have to sacrifice the five-star hotel. But with a little research and careful planning, you can save on foreign travel by letting experts search for international accommodations and flights at prices that work for you.

Before canceling your plans, here are five websites that can help you save on foreign travel.

9Flats.com

Whether you’re traveling to London, Amsterdam, Berlin or any other overseas location, 9Flats.com is one of the best places to find inexpensive accommodations. Hotels aren’t listed on the website, but rather private accommodations offered by locals. These apartments or flats are available in varying sizes and ideal for couples, families or other groups. The accommodations are private and a better value than most local hotels.

CheapOAir.com

If travel websites, such as Expedia and Travelocity, don’t offer large enough savings, stop by CheapOAir.com and find huge discounts on international airfare. Take advantage of cheap airfare specials, as well as last minute deals on foreign travel. Simply choose your travel dates and arrival/departure cities, and the website will find the lowest ticket prices available. But the savings don’t stop with airfare. Use the website to locate deals on international car rentals, hotels and cruises.

Hotwire.com

Are you looking for four or five-star accommodations at two-star rates? Are you looking for a great deal on airfare? This website sells unbooked space for airlines and hotels, usually at unbelievable discounts. Search for an airline ticket to any foreign location, as well as a hotel in your destination city, and the website will find the lowest prices. But there’s a catch. The names of the hotels and flight information (airline, route, flight times) are not revealed until after you pay. This is perfect for flexible travelers who aren’t picky about airlines and accommodations.

Kayak.com

Rather than visit multiple travel websites to save on international travel, a single search on Kayak.com collects results from more than 200 travel websites. You don’t actually book through the site, but as a travel search engine, Kayak.com is a one-stop shop for all things travel. When you find the best deal and you’re ready to book, follow the link directly to the hotel or airline’s website.

CruiseCompete.com

Maybe cruising is your preferred method of travel. Whether you’re headed to the Caribbean, South America or the Mediterranean, CruiseCompete.com can help you save on foreign travel by finding the cruise of your dreams. Create an account, choose a ship, narrow down your sail dates and wait for independent travel agents to email you with their best quotes. There is never an obligation to book with a particular agent, nor will agents call your house or cellular phone unless given permission.

Whether you have friends and family overseas, or you’re ready to explore the globe, international travel can break the bank. With gas prices over $3 a gallon, it can cost as much as $1,000 to fly from the United States to Europe. But inflated prices shouldn’t stand in the way of your travel plans. Sure, you may have less to spend while on vacation. And you might have to sacrifice the five-star hotel. But with a little research and careful planning, you can save on foreign travel by letting experts search for international accommodations and flights at prices that work for you.

Before canceling your plans, here are five websites that can help you save on foreign travel.

9Flats.com

Whether you’re traveling to London, Amsterdam, Berlin or any other overseas location, 9Flats.com is one of the best places to find inexpensive accommodations. Hotels aren’t listed on the website, but rather private accommodations offered by locals. These apartments or flats are available in varying sizes and ideal for couples, families or other groups. The accommodations are private and a better value than most local hotels.

CheapOAir.com

If travel websites, such as Expedia and Travelocity, don’t offer large enough savings, stop by CheapOAir.com and find huge discounts on international airfare. Take advantage of cheap airfare specials, as well as last minute deals on foreign travel. Simply choose your travel dates and arrival/departure cities, and the website will find the lowest ticket prices available. But the savings don’t stop with airfare. Use the website to locate deals on international car rentals, hotels and cruises.

Hotwire.com

Are you looking for four or five-star accommodations at two-star rates? Are you looking for a great deal on airfare? This website sells unbooked space for airlines and hotels, usually at unbelievable discounts. Search for an airline ticket to any foreign location, as well as a hotel in your destination city, and the website will find the lowest prices. But there’s a catch. The names of the hotels and flight information (airline, route, flight times) are not revealed until after you pay. This is perfect for flexible travelers who aren’t picky about airlines and accommodations.

Kayak.com

Rather than visit multiple travel websites to save on international travel, a single search on Kayak.com collects results from more than 200 travel websites. You don’t actually book through the site, but as a travel search engine, Kayak.com is a one-stop shop for all things travel. When you find the best deal and you’re ready to book, follow the link directly to the hotel or airline’s website.

CruiseCompete.com

Maybe cruising is your preferred method of travel. Whether you’re headed to the Caribbean, South America or the Mediterranean, CruiseCompete.com can help you save on foreign travel by finding the cruise of your dreams. Create an account, choose a ship, narrow down your sail dates and wait for independent travel agents to email you with their best quotes. There is never an obligation to book with a particular agent, nor will agents call your house or cellular phone unless given permission.

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