Have you ever booked a trip, only to later find out you paid more than you needed to? I know I have — and it’s frustrating. You do the work of planning, you get excited about your destination, and then you see the exact same trip advertised for way less. Ouch.
That’s why I want to let you in on the one question I always ask before hitting that “Book Now” button:
👉 “Am I really getting the best value for my money?”
Notice I didn’t say the cheapest price. Those two things aren’t always the same.
Price vs. Value
Here’s the truth: you can find cheap travel everywhere — but cheap often comes with hidden costs. Maybe it’s inconvenient flight times, endless layovers, resort fees you didn’t see coming, or cancellation policies that lock you in with no flexibility. Suddenly, that “cheap” deal doesn’t feel so cheap.
Instead, I’ve learned to focus on value. Value means comparing what’s included and what’s guaranteed. It means asking:
- Does this booking include perks like free breakfast, airport transfers, or resort credits?
- Are taxes and fees included in the price? gratuity?
- Am I protected if prices drop after I book?
- Do I have flexible options if plans change?
When you start looking at travel this way, you’ll see how quickly the savings add up — not just in dollars, but in peace of mind.
A Personal Example
Last year, I priced out a hotel stay for my family. On a big-name site, it looked like the best deal — until I added up all the extras: parking fees, breakfast costs, and resort fees. When I compared it through my travel membership, not only was the base rate lower, but those extras were either included or heavily discounted. In the end, the savings were hundreds of dollars.
All because I asked the right question.
Your Turn
So before you book your next trip — whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or the bucket list adventure of a lifetime — pause for just a second and ask: Am I really getting the best value?
It’s a simple question, but it can save you stress, time, and yes — a whole lot of money.
Because the goal isn’t just to travel more. It’s to travel smarter. ✈️💡
If you want more ways to stretch your travel dollars and make every trip unforgettable,
come join me inside my free Facebook group:
It’s where I share tips, tools, and real-life strategies to help families travel smarter, not harder.
And if you’re curious about the platform I use — the one that guarantees I never have to wonder if I’m getting the best deal (and even gives 150% back if you find it cheaper) — then you’ll love exploring the Travel Smarter Method with us. Because the truth is, it’s not about booking another trip. It’s about creating trips that matter. 🌍✈️💛
