Expert travel tips from Consumer Reports to save on 2025 trips
The start of the new year is the perfect time to plan your next big trip, but booking one can be stressful and expensive.Consumer Reports is sharing tips to help you save big and travel smarter in 2025.”Markdowns can be misleading because they can come from prices that nobody ever pays,” said Lisa Gills, reporter and travel enthusiast for Consumer Reports.Gills suggests using tools like Google Flights or Kayak to track flight prices and adjust dates or use nearby airports to save. For last-minute deals, try CheapOair.She also warns about basic fares that seem cheap but often exclude extras like carry-ons, seat choices, or sitting together.To save on a round-trip ticket, consider booking two one-way flights, even if it means mixing airlines.>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <<“Try booking directly with the airline whenever possible,” Gills said. “That way, if there’s any last-minute cancellations or changes, you can work directly with the airline instead of working through a third-party site.”When booking hotels, Consumer Reports recommends starting with ratings and reviews but warns against discounts that seem too good to be true.”Ignore pressure tactics; like 50 people booked this hotel in the last hour. Instead, once you find a hotel you like, check their website and look for deals and if you don’t find any, call the hotel directly,” Gills said.For larger families, vacation rentals through sites like Airbnb or Vrbo can offer more space and sometimes discounts for longer stays. However, they may lack amenities and perks a hotel provides.If you’re planning a cruise, book six to 12 months in advance and visit cruisecrtics.com to compare options.When renting a car, avoid paying upfront, even if you’re offered a discount. Prices can drop closer to your travel date, giving more flexibility to adjust the reservation if needed.Also, consider picking up a rental car away from the airport, where rates are often lower. Be sure to double-check if the extra travel is worth the price.Don’t forget to use membership discounts, especially if you’re a AAA or AARP member, or a military or health care worker. These discounts can save you 20% to 35%, often covering pesky fees and taxes.
The start of the new year is the perfect time to plan your next big trip, but booking one can be stressful and expensive.
Consumer Reports is sharing tips to help you save big and travel smarter in 2025.
“Markdowns can be misleading because they can come from prices that nobody ever pays,” said Lisa Gills, reporter and travel enthusiast for Consumer Reports.
Gills suggests using tools like Google Flights or Kayak to track flight prices and adjust dates or use nearby airports to save. For last-minute deals, try CheapOair.
She also warns about basic fares that seem cheap but often exclude extras like carry-ons, seat choices, or sitting together.
To save on a round-trip ticket, consider booking two one-way flights, even if it means mixing airlines.
>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <<
“Try booking directly with the airline whenever possible,” Gills said. “That way, if there’s any last-minute cancellations or changes, you can work directly with the airline instead of working through a third-party site.”
When booking hotels, Consumer Reports recommends starting with ratings and reviews but warns against discounts that seem too good to be true.
“Ignore pressure tactics; like 50 people booked this hotel in the last hour. Instead, once you find a hotel you like, check their website and look for deals and if you don’t find any, call the hotel directly,” Gills said.
For larger families, vacation rentals through sites like Airbnb or Vrbo can offer more space and sometimes discounts for longer stays. However, they may lack amenities and perks a hotel provides.
If you’re planning a cruise, book six to 12 months in advance and visit cruisecrtics.com to compare options.
When renting a car, avoid paying upfront, even if you’re offered a discount. Prices can drop closer to your travel date, giving more flexibility to adjust the reservation if needed.
Also, consider picking up a rental car away from the airport, where rates are often lower. Be sure to double-check if the extra travel is worth the price.
Don’t forget to use membership discounts, especially if you’re a AAA or AARP member, or a military or health care worker. These discounts can save you 20% to 35%, often covering pesky fees and taxes.
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