Money Influencer Vivian Tu: This Site Will Score You a Great Vacation on a Tight Budget

Brendan Wixted / Brendan Wixted

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Former Wall Street trader Vivian Tu, CEO of Your Rich BFF Media, has amassed a loyal following with her straightforward advice on building wealth and making savvy financial decisions. With 3 million Instagram followers and nearly a million YouTube subscribers, Tu has become a trusted source for those looking to optimize their finances.

In a recent TikTok video, Tu shared her top strategy for booking all-inclusive vacations at up to 85% off, helping travelers save big while enjoying premium experiences.

The Secret to Affordable Vacations: Vacations To Go

Vivian Tu highlighted Vacations To Go as her go-to platform for unbeatable travel deals. This online travel agency specializes in discounted cruises, offering savings of up to 85% on major cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. The site’s search tools allow users to easily filter by destination, date and cruise line.

Plus, Vacations To Go provides exclusive discounts for seniors, military personnel and teachers, making affordable travel accessible to a wide audience.

How Can Vacations Be Up to 85% Off?

All-inclusive vacations at up to 85% off are possible due to last-minute pricing, Tu explained.

Cruise lines offer lower fares to fill empty cabins and avoid lost revenue. Flexible travelers can snag these deals, especially during off-peak seasons, when companies are eager to fill vacancies.

Tips for Scoring Last-Minute Vacation Deals

“Even if you’re working with a tight budget and absolutely horrible at planning, it doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to go on an incredible vacation,” Tu said.

Tu’s key to landing incredible last-minute deals? Act quickly and use these strategies:

• Check the 90-Day Ticker: An option called the 90-Day Ticker features steep last-minute cruise discounts from top lines. Availability is limited, so booking fast is crucial.
• Subscribe to the Newsletter: Get updates on exclusive offers and promotions by signing up for Vacations To Go’s newsletter.
• Unlock Special Discounts: Seniors, military personnel and teachers can access additional savings. Be sure to mention these qualifications when booking.
• Use Custom Search Tools: Filter by destination, departure date or cruise line using the “Find a Bargain” or “Custom Search” features for tailored deals.
• Set Up Price Alerts for the Best Bargains: To catch the best deals, set up price alerts on travel websites or apps. Notifications will help you snag last-minute offers before they’re gone, especially for cruises trying to fill remaining spots.
• Plan Ahead for Early-Bird Savings: Prefer planning in advance? Many travel companies offer early-bird discounts. Special deals are also available for military personnel, solo travelers and seniors.

Why Timing Matters

Another key takeaway from Tu’s video is the importance of timing. While last-minute deals can be enticing, booking 2-3 months in advance often yields the best prices for flights and hotels.

Industry data reported by Expedia reveals the sweet spot for booking domestic flights is 28 days before departure, or 60 days for international flights.

Other Budget-Friendly Travel Hacks

Beyond using Vacations To Go, try these tips for smarter travel:

Use Credit Card Perks

For more budget-friendly travel, tap into credit card perks, loyalty programs and flash sale sites. Many cards offer travel credits, lounge access and free hotel upgrades.

Join Loyalty Programs

Joining hotel and airline loyalty programs is a simple way to unlock extra savings, even for infrequent travelers. Members gain access to exclusive discounts, room upgrades and perks like free Wi-Fi. These programs are often free to join and can provide additional benefits such as early check-in, late check-out and special offers, making trips more comfortable and budget-friendly.

Explore Flash Sale Sites

Explore flash sale sites like Travelzoo, Secret Escapes and Last Minute Travel for deep discounts on vacation packages. These platforms often partner with luxury hotels and resorts looking to fill rooms quickly, offering substantial savings on high-end stays.

Deals are updated frequently, making it easy to find spontaneous getaways at a fraction of the usual cost. Keep an eye on weekly offers for the best bargains.

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