Experts say there are ways to save on travel despite inflation

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Summer travel is right around the corner and travelers may be rethinking their plans as inflation hit 8.5% in March.

Although inflation is at its highest mark in a decade, experts say the demand in travel is not slowing down anytime soon as the country continues to make its way out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the demand in travel increases so will the cost of travel expenses.

According to the travel price index, the cost of travel away from home in the U.S. was up 16.7% year over year in February and 12.3% higher than February 2019.

Travis Paquin with 417 Travel says that traveling to domestic locations with a beach are higher than traveling internationally right now.

"Resorts and destinations due to obviously the pandemic are really needing travelers to get there. The limitations and protocols have changed so they have a lot of quantity of inventory available," Paquin said. "We still have some good values out of the country, the Caribbean, Mexico and even out to Europe and still some great values on cruising."

Experts recommend booking trips further in advance to save.

"Usually what that does is gives you more time to pay, gets you a better rate but it also gets you the best product,"Paquin said. "The best hotels, the best cruises, the best cabins, they sell out so the earlier you book you'll be able to get the room you want, the experience you want, at a much better value."

Experts say flight prices depend on supply and demand. If there are flights with a lot of seats available, that flight will have a better rate compared to a flight that is selling out. He says be flexible about dates of departure. Traveling on certain days of the week can also have an impact on cost -- flying on weekdays is cheaper.

Depending on how many people are traveling with you to your destination will save you money compared to flying, Paquin said.

Travelers should also find the right product that will fit their vacation needs.

"Value comes in when asking the right questions of what you're looking for, then mapping that to the best dates, the best flights," Paquin said. "Maybe it's driving the car but also finding a hotel or resort or a cruise that is going to meet what you want from the needs of your vacation."

Being flexible about what airport you choose to fly out of can also cut down on travel expenses.