It’s summer! The season known for road trips, flights to the coast, and the kids screaming, “Are we there yet!?”

In recent years, travel looks different than usual. Plane tickets aren’t cheap, and the price of gasoline continues to skyrocket. That’s why Elements is here with trusted advice to help you combat inflation in the travel industry. From fueling up before a road trip to securing tickets to fly to a family vacation, explore our best tips on saving a buck during challenging times: 

• Consider Paying in Cash: Many gas stations offer customers a reduced price per gallon when paying in cash. This could knock a few cents off your bill every time you fill up. Elements provides surcharge-free access to 90,000+ ATMs worldwide, so finding cash will be quick and complimentary. 
• Find the Right Time:  Studies have shown that Mondays and Fridays tend to be the best days to fill your tank up, as prices tend to run lowest on those days. While not always the case, gas is also known to be more affordable in the evenings. 
• Review Apps and Club Pricing: Rewards apps, such as GasBuddy, can assist in finding the most affordable gas prices near you. Additionally, some clubs, including Costco, provide significantly discounted gas prices – but require membership. It’s important to evaluate the value of a membership before purchasing it, only to get cheaper gas. 
• Make Friends with Your GPS: It can be your best friend when it comes to conserving fuel. Even if you’ve driven to a destination several times before, make use of options such as “most fuel efficient" routes or shortcuts that can get you to your destination using as little gas as possible. Use your GPS to compare gas station distances and the fastest routes to them. 
• Avoid the Commute: If at any point you can request work in the comfort of your own home, you can eliminate costs for gas… plus you'll save on expenses that include going out for lunch. It’s worth noting that since the pandemic, various occupations have been more open to and comfortable with the idea of employees working from home.

Much like the price increase in consumer gas prices, jet fuel has also seen a large increase. Between the cost of fuel and the shortage of airport workers, flights have seen a massive inflation rate since 2020. 

With summer vacation on many people’s minds, limiting air travel as a way of remaining cost-efficient in this economic shift may be disheartening. Here are our tips to find the best flight deals:

• Skip the Direct Flight: Connecting through multiple locations may result in less money spent than a direct flight ticket. Though this technique could end up saving you money, you’re trading convenience for time. This is recommended for those with more flexibility in their airline travels. 
• Expand Your Dates: Every destination looks a little different, so it’s important to understand the flying patterns to get there. Experts suggest looking for departing flights and returning flights in a range of about 3 days before and 3 days after the dates you plan to travel, since some destinations are cheaper to fly to on weekends, while others are more affordable on weekdays. 
• Spend Time Searching: It’s highly suggested that you search as many airline sites as possible for the most affordable tickets. The more extensive your search is, the more likely you are to find hidden deals. While Google Flights is a good resource to compare ticket prices, remember that not all airlines appear there. Don’t be afraid to check forums and blogs for suggestions, too!
• Save on Snacks: Due to heavy airline security, it’s not always possible to bring personal food or beverages into the sky with you. Check into TSA guidelines for what types of snacks you can bring to avoid paying hefty fees for in-flight service, or grab a meal before heading to the airport.
• Consider Re-Booking: Never be afraid to outsmart the business itself. If you notice a drop in the price of your airline tickets after you bought yours, request a refund or cancellation of the ticket. Even if you’ve bought a ticket, keep your eyes open for cheaper and more accessible alternatives. Think about this method when deciding if your ticket should be refundable at the time of purchase!