The cost of vacations is rising. Here are 10 ways to save money when booking travel this summer.

• As more Americans become fully vaccinated against COVID-19, people are ready for summer vacations.
• The soaring demand for travel has also caused an increased flight and hotel prices.
• Booking weekday trips, packing light, and hiring a travel agent can help you save money.
• Visit Insider’s homepage for more stories.

After more than a year of canceled plans and limited travel, people are eager to book summer getaways.

As of Tuesday, more than half of US adults have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

But as many hopeful travelers are finding as they book trips, flight prices are on the rise. According to a CNBC report published Sunday, costs for both international flights and domestic flights have soared in recent weeks.

On average, international flight fares are up 17% since April 1, and domestic flight fares have risen 9%, according to findings by the research firm Bernstein, cited by CNBC. Some hotel rates are also up in cities like Cancún, Mexico, and New York City, according to Insider.

To avoid the soaring costs, here are a few things to consider before booking a trip.

Be flexible with where you go

As Insider previously reported, being flexible with your destination can save you money.

If you don’t have a specific location in mind but are itching to travel, try using a flight aggregator site, like Google Flights or Momondo, to easily compare flights, destinations, and prices to find the cheapest options.

Book your summer flights as soon as possible

As Insider reported in April, the price of flights will likely continue to increase throughout the summer.

“Now is a great time to book domestic travel. It’s almost certainly going to be cheaper on average than it will be a year from now,” Scott Keyes, the founder and chief flight expert of Scott’s Cheap Flights, previously told Insider in April.

Know what your destination requires for COVID-19

The CDC says it’s safe for fully vaccinated individuals to travel domestically and internationally but recommends travelers continue to wear face masks and follow government guidelines at their destination.

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Travelers should know what to expect when visiting a city or country.

Depending on your location, visitors might be expected to bring a negative COVID-19 test or quarantine, which can impact the cost of a trip.

As Insider previously reported, tools like United Airlines’ interactive map show travelers in real-time what restrictions and requirements look like in different places.

Avoid planning trips during weekends

Most people want to travel on weekends, which means weekend rates tend to be higher than weekdays, Jamie Jones, a travel agent at WhirlAway Travel, told Insider.

The same applies to flights, Jones said.

“Depending on the destination, flying during the week can also save some money versus flying on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday,” Jones said.

Consider booking through a travel agent to save money

Using a travel agent to help you book a trip is resurging in popularity, according to The Washington Post. And for good reasons.

Using a travel agent has a handful of benefits, including saving you money, Jones said.

“They have access to amenities that can add value to your vacation such as complimentary breakfast, resort credits, upgrades, shipboard credits, and preferred rates,” Jones told Insider.

Book your trip with luggage in mind

Packing light is a simple – yet sure-fire – way to save money, Insider previously reported.

Many airlines require passengers to pay to check a bag, and some budget airlines even require payment for carry-on bags, Insider previously said.

If you book a trip knowing you can fit all your belongings into a backpack, you’ll have a little extra spending money.

Follow airlines, cruise lines, and other travel brands for deals

Jones suggested staying up-to-date with your favorite travel brands.

“Cruises typically announce promotions at the beginning of a month, so if you have your eye on something and there is a good promotion associated with it, it is best to secure it before the promo ends,” Jones told Insider in an email.

As Insider previously reported, many airlines also offer promotions and flash sales. By following travel brands on social media or signing up for their email newsletters, you could be among the first to know about the deals.

Book with a travel credit card

Some credit cards have travel perks that can help save you money on your next vacation, Insider previously reported.

“Use a credit card that earns points or miles to use towards air so that you have more funds for your hotels and experiences,” Jones said.

Insider previously outlined which credit cards are best for every type of traveler.

Read the fine print

Jones urges travelers to read all the terms and conditions before booking a trip, this way you know what you’re signing up for.

It’s smart to book refundable trips, so if the trip gets canceled, you won’t be losing your investment, Insider’s Thomas Pallini previously reported.

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