This One Strategy Could Save You Hundreds on Your Next Vacation

Many people already have a set destination in mind months before they jet off on vacation. What if I told you that you could save money if you were willing to be more adventurous when planning your next vacation? When planning a trip, I often choose my destination based on the best flight deals. This strategy has resulted in me saving hundreds of dollars on travel expenses. You may be able to benefit financially from taking a similar approach.

Being flexible can be a win for your wallet

Travelers with flexibility can often get the best prices. If you have a flexible schedule and can take a vacation during the off-season, you'll likely get better rates when booking hotels, transit, and activities. You also get the added benefit of visiting a destination during a less busy time, so you won't have to deal with crowds or long lines.

But that's not the only way flexibility can save on travel costs. Instead of having a destination in mind the next time you start planning a getaway, consider picking a vacation spot based on the price. You could get a better deal if you're open to visiting a new place you might not have considered before.

I love to travel internationally and am always looking to visit new places, so I often review prices for several new-to-me destinations before booking flights. Since I'm not set on a particular destination and have a flexible schedule, I have scored some great deals on airfare, which allows me to stretch my vacation budget further.

Use these search tools to find the best flight deals

If you're feeling adventurous and want to save on travel costs, you can use online price comparison tools to find the best airfare deals. Letting a deal inspire your next vacation destination is exciting and could help you keep more money in your checking account.

The following airfare search tools allow you to review prices for airfare prices without having chosen an arrival destination:

• Google Flights
• Kayak
• Momondo

Here's how to discover the best deals:

1. Visit one of the above websites or mobile apps.
2. Set your desired departure city.
3. Instead of entering an arrival destination, choose "Anywhere."
4. Compare airfare options for various destinations to find a price that fits your budget.

Alternatively, you can use these tools to research flight prices for an entire country or continent.

While these tools make it easy to review costs across multiple carriers, remember that booking your flight directly with the airline is recommended. This way, you'll deal with the airline directly if there are any delays or cancellations or if you need customer service help.

Review other travel costs before booking

Allowing flight prices to determine your next vacation destination could save you hundreds of dollars. But make sure that you consider other travel costs before rushing to book a ticket. I like to review hotel costs and menu prices before making my travel plans official.

For some destinations, it could be cheap to fly there -- but accommodations could be notoriously costly. One destination that comes to mind for me is Boston. I always see flight deals to get to Boston from my city, but finding a place to stay at an affordable price can be nearly impossible.

Found a deal that works for you? You may want to use a rewards credit card when booking your reservations. You can earn points, miles, or cash back on your travel purchases, and can later redeem your rewards for discounts and freebies. Talk about a win for your personal finances.

Check out our list of the best travel rewards credit cards to find a travel card that fits your needs.