Best Travel Deals for a Weekend Getaway

Are you looking to get away for a weekend but don't want to break the bank on travel expenses? Weekend trips can be a great way to escape your daily routine and explore somewhere new without having to take too much time off work. However, last minute travel plans often mean higher prices. With a little research and flexibility on dates, you can absolutely find great travel deals for weekend getaways. Here are some of the best travel deals and ways to save on weekend trips.

Check Airfare Deals and Use Mileage Points

For last minute travel plans, booking flights on short notice often results in higher airfare costs. However, by keeping an eye out for deals and using reward miles, you may be able to snag inexpensive flight tickets. Websites like Kayak, Skyscanner and Google Flights allow you to search across multiple airlines at once to compare prices. Setting up price trackers can also alert you to any dips in airfare for your desired destination.

In addition, frequent flyer programs and airline mileage credit cards allow you to accumulate points over time for travel rewards. Check if you have enough points to book an award flight. Even a partial mileage reimbursement paired with a cheaper cash fare can save money on your airline tickets. Sites like AwardHacker and FlightDeal enable you to search your points and miles balance to find award flight availability.

Look for Hotel Promotional Rates and Discounts

Like airfare, standard hotel room rates on weekends can be higher than during the week. But hotels often offer promotional discounts, especially for last minute bookings when they may have unsold inventory. Be on the lookout for flash sales and limited time offers on hotel booking sites. Apps like HotelTonight allow you to browse and instantly book discounted same-day hotel rooms.

Membership-based hotel booking platforms such as Hotwire and Priceline let you bid on or book opaque "secret deals" on brand name accommodations. If flexibility is an option, expand your hotel search to include weekends with deals. Also check hotel loyalty programs for member rates and free nights using reward points. Many major chains offer substantial point earning on weekend stays.

Get out of town via budget-friendly transportation

For really affordable weekend trips, consider taking alternate modes of transportation besides flying. Buses and trains can get you out of town for considerably less money, just with a slightly longer travel time.

Websites like Megabus, FlixBus and BoltBus list extremely low fares for bus travel between major U.S. cities, sometimes dropping as low as $5-$15 each way depending on demand. Train travel on Amtrak can also be cheaper in advance, with discounted rates available if booked 2-3 months ahead. Both buses and trains allow you to escape the hassles and hidden costs of flying and driving yourself.

Carpooling or renting an RV are other eco-friendly surface transportation options for road trips at reduced rates. Apps like BlaBlaCar allow carpooling between destinations for shared costs, while RV rental companies provide recreational vehicles for weekend getaways from $100-200/night, split among traveling companions.

Explore Nearby Attractions With Discounted Admission

Once you've reached your destination, check for offers and coupons that can save you money on attractions and activities.

City-specific deal websites are another treasure trove for weekend getaway deals. For instance, NYC & Company promotes "City Pass" tickets that bundle top NYC attractions for significant savings. You can also stack multiple concurrent promotions - like discounted children's admissions paired with senior/student discounts - to maximize your savings. Check social media pages of area attractions for flash sales too.

Go camping or rent a vacation home

If really want to travel affordably, look into alternative lodging options beyond hotels. Camping is an extremely inexpensive way to experience nature. Sites like ReserveAmerica.com allow online booking of campsites at state and national parks. Consider renting an entire vacation home through furnished housing rental platforms such as Vrbo and Airbnb.

Home rentals work out much cheaper per person than hotels when splitting costs with others. Many offer conveniences like full kitchens and living areas too. Searching during off-peak dates increases your chance of finding great last minute deals, including entire places for less than a single hotel room would cost. Group getaways in rented homes maximize savings and fun.

Activities and Entertainment Deals

Your travel destination isn't complete without checking out local attractions, activities, and entertainment. However, these extra expenses can add up quickly if not planned carefully. Do your research ahead of time to find deals.

Many of the top museums, zoos, aquariums and performing arts centers offer special discounts and promotions for a limited time. Keep an eye on their websites and social media for deals. Also check with your hotel - some provide discounted passes or complimentary admission with a stay.

Sites like Goldstar and LivingSocial aggregate half-price or better deals on shows, tours and activities in cities nationwide. You can snag tickets to a comedy show, wine tasting, hiking tour and more at 50% off or more. Subscribe to their daily emails for last-minute localized finds.

CouponXoo regularly feature heavily discounted local entertainment packages that bundle multiple options into one affordable price. This allows you to maximize your options without busting the budget. Similar to attraction combos, stacking these types of coupon codes with any additional student/senior discounts provides optimal savings.

Free entertainment is always the best value! Many downtown areas, waterfronts and parks regularly host free concerts, festivals, outdoor movies and other family-friendly events on summer weekends. Follow municipality webpages and local newspapers for schedules. Wandering through these events enriches the travel experience without costing extra dough.

Dining and Food Deals

Eating out or picking up Provisions when traveling is typically one of the biggest non-lodging expenses. However, with the right strategies you can dine well without busting your meal budget.

CouponXoo also aggregates many restaurant promo codes on their site. Be on the constant lookout for offers like $15 off $30 or BOGO entrée codes usable during your trip dates. Several national chains like Olive Garden and Red Lobster frequently run these types of coupon specials too.

Apps like Yelp can filter searches to only show establishments with deals and offers too. This immediately surfaces dining options with built-in discounts. Combining different promotions allows maximum savings - such as a coupon stacked with a special like half off appetizers during certain hours.

For do-it-yourself eaters, sites like Instacart and Shipt let you shop sales at local grocery stores to stock your lodging kitchen. Buying supplies for breakfasts and snacks prevents unnecessary fast food costs throughout your trip.

Research if any discount membership programs like Costco Wholesale are located close to your destination. An annual Gold Star membership easily pays for itself with the lowered prices on food essentials during longer trips.

Use Coupon Sites and Loyalty Programs Strategically

Always be on the lookout for coupon codes, cashback offers, and loyalty program incentives that can slice extra dollars off your travel costs. CouponXoo collect promo codes from top travel brands. Actively accruing points in travel rewards programs like Uber Rewards, Southwest Rapid Rewards and more adds up the savings over time through statement credits and companion fare deals.

Timing is key too. Research seasonal sales periods when travel vendors offer steepest discounts to fill vacant spaces. Make flexible travel dates work in your favor by avoiding holidays and three-day weekends when prices are highest. With some pre-planning, comparison shopping and by stacking available promotions, taking an affordable weekend trip is very much achievable. Happy exploring!