2024 Travel Hacks: The Top 8 Apps and Sites For Scoring Award Flights and Hotels

2024 Travel Hacks: The Top 8 Apps and Sites For Scoring Award Flights and Hotels - Hopper - The New King of Predicting Airfare Trends

Hopper has emerged as one of the top apps for tracking airfare trends and predicting whether prices will rise or fall. This matters because timing your ticket purchase right can lead to huge savings.

While other tools like Google Flights allow you to monitor specific routes, Hopper takes a broader approach. Their algorithms analyze over 10 billion flight prices daily across thousands of routes worldwide. This massive dataset gives Hopper unique insight into larger airfare patterns.

For example, say you want to fly Chicago to Paris next summer. Just enter your route in Hopper and they'll analyze historical averages to predict if prices will likely go up or down in the coming months. You'll get a simple color-coded timeline showing the best time to buy.

Green means prices are good. Orange means rising fares expected. Red is a warning to book soon before it gets more expensive. This takes the guesswork out of when to pull the trigger.

Beyond predictions, Hopper also alerts you when prices drop so you can grab deals. Users report saving hundreds of dollars this way. One said "Hopper found me tickets from LA to Tokyo that were $700 cheaper than anywhere else."

Hopper takes the anxiety out of waiting for airfare deals. As one reviewer put it "I used to obsessively check prices across websites. Now Hopper just tells me when it's time to book."

2024 Travel Hacks: The Top 8 Apps and Sites For Scoring Award Flights and Hotels - Google Flights Expands Features - Alerts, Price Tracking and More

Google Flights has upped its game recently by expanding tools that help travelers stay on top of airfare deals. These new features make it easier than ever to track prices and snag cheap seats.

One major upgrade is customizable alerts. Now you can set Google Flights to notify you when prices drop below a target on your preferred route. Simply enter your airport codes, travel dates, and ideal budget. Google will monitor fares 24/7 and email you when there's a price dip on flights that meet your criteria.

This takes the work out of having to manually check prices every day. As happy user Molly explains, "I used to spend hours browsing sites for price drops. Now Google emails me anytime there's a good deal for my dates."

In addition to alerts, Google Flights recently launched enhanced price tracking. This tool visually charts fare fluctuations over time. It lets you see when prices are trending up or down. You can also toggle views and compare airlines side-by-side.

Price graphs help steer you on the best time to book. As Chris describes, "I could see prices were rising for my trip to Asia. The tracker gave me confidence to lock in my fare before it got more expensive."

Advanced users even leverage the price history to predict future sales. For example, Rahul explains "I noticed Delta fares to India drop sharply last March and October. I booked my tickets in September knowing a sale was coming."

2024 Travel Hacks: The Top 8 Apps and Sites For Scoring Award Flights and Hotels - New Player Hitlist Hooks Up Last Minute Deals

Hitlist is shaking up the last minute travel deal scene. This relative newcomer scans over 1,000 sites to uncover discounted fares about to take off in the next 3 days or less. We're talking spontaneous weekend getaways and impulse trip deals up to 50% off.

As the name suggests, Hitlist curates flights that align with your personalized "hitlist" of dream destinations you'd love to visit someday. Simply add cities like Paris, Tokyo, or Sydney to your list. Hitlist's algorithm will monitor airfare 24/7 and alert you when discounts pop up.

Many reviewers rave about the irresistible impulse deals Hitlist uncovers. As Cheryl describes, "I had 48 hours to decide if I wanted to spend the weekend in Costa Rica for only $260 roundtrip. It was meant to be - I booked it immediately!"

Similarly, Vijay explains "Hitlist found me a $499 deal from LA to Honolulu leaving the very next morning. I took a sudden 4 day vacation and stayed at the Hyatt for cheap through points. Couldn't pass it up!"

Beyond last minute getaways, Hitlist also helps budget-focused travelers be opportunistic. For instance, Max reveals "I'm a teacher with summers off. Hitlist lets me spontaneously grab bargains to Europe during peak season when the timing works."

Hitlist can also prevent remorse from missed deals. Have you ever seen an unbelievable fare only to discover it's sold out by the time you book? With Hitlist's instant alerts, you can pounce before seats disappear.

As Liam emphasizes, "I missed out on too many deals that vanished as I sat on the fence. Now Hitlist sends me impulse flight deals the moment they pop up. I can book them on the spot."

While Hitlist won't replace monitoring specific trip plans, it's a rewarding tool for deal-motivated travelers. Or as Sophie sums up, "I love letting Hitlist surprise me with irresistible last minute trips I'd never thought to take. It satisfies my deal-chasing appetite and sense of adventure in one!"

2024 Travel Hacks: The Top 8 Apps and Sites For Scoring Award Flights and Hotels - Maximize Credit Card Points with AwardWallet

Juggling multiple travel rewards credit cards? Struggling to keep track of all those scattered airline miles and hotel points? AwardWallet helps maximize your earnings by centralizing everything in one dashboard.

This free service links all your loyalty programs so you can monitor balances and activity across accounts. No more logging into each airline website separately. Your entire portfolio is summarized on one screen showing points earned, recent transactions, expiring miles and more.

AwardWallet also makes it easy to identify the best card for everyday purchases. For example, the dashboard highlights when you’re close to hitting a sign-up bonus threshold. This lets you strategically switch between cards as you work towards bonuses.

Many users praise how AwardWallet helps optimize their credit card habits. As Kristin explains, “I used to lose track of mileage balances and miss bonus milestones. AwardWallet keeps me focused on my next big-ticket award.”

AwardWallet also provides valuable warnings when your points are set to expire. The dashboard flags any miles expiring in the next 6 months and sends expiration alerts via email. This gives you time to take action and avoid forfeiting hard-earned rewards.

For instance, Max reveals “AwardWallet let me know I had 35,000 American Airlines miles expiring soon. I quickly booked a flight home to see my folks and put those miles to use.”

Beyond the desktop view, AwardWallet offers a handy mobile app. This lets you monitor your points, book award travel and more on the go. The mobile experience makes it easy to capitalize on limited-time deals no matter where you are.

For example, Liam describes “I used AwardWallet’s app to jump on an incredible award flight that popped up. Being able to book instantly before the seats were gone was amazing.”

Similarly, Rahul says “I booked a spontaneous Maldives trip from my phone after the app notified me of a mileage sale. Couldn’t have done it without AwardWallet’s real-time mobile access.”

2024 Travel Hacks: The Top 8 Apps and Sites For Scoring Award Flights and Hotels - HotelTonight Still Reigns For Last Minute Stays

When you decide on a last-minute getaway, scoring a discounted hotel rate can be challenging. Most lodging requires advance booking to lock in lower fares. That’s where HotelTonight shines. This app specializes in unloading unused hotel inventory at deep discounts when same-day booking is your only option.

HotelTonight partners with quality hotels to release discounted last minute rates not advertised elsewhere. The deals offered can get absurdly cheap - we’re talking suites at five star properties for half off. As Cheryl describes, “I booked a gorgeous corner room at the Intercontinental in Chicago 3 hours before arrival for only $112. Unheard of!”

The app is perfect for capitalizing on sudden travel whims. For example, Max reveals “My friends planned an impromptu weekend in Miami. HotelTonight got me a swanky room at the Shore Club for $170 with 12 hours notice. Way better than the normal $550+ rate when planning ahead.”

Similarly, Liam explains “I unexpectedly got called out of town on business with just a few hours notice. HotelTonight let me book a nice Hyatt near the airport for only $80 last minute. Saved my neck in a pinch.”

HotelTonight also appeals to procrastinators. As Chris admits, “I’m terrible at planning ahead. With HotelTonight I can put off booking until the very last moment and still land amazing deals the day of.”

The app is extremely user friendly. You simply enter your destination, travel dates and budget preferences. HotelTonight will populate discounted last minute rates in your area. The discounts get deeper the closer you book to the stay date.

Easy on-the-go filtering lets you find deals meeting your needs. For instance, Rahul says “I just plug in my location, toggle to airport hotels, and filter for free breakfast. Takes one minute to book an affordable room wherever I’m at.”

If sleeping on your decision isn’t an option, HotelTonight also offers flash sales that disappear fast. As Vijay explains, “I travel a lot for work on short notice. When I see a flash deal pop up, I book it immediately so I don’t miss out.”

While best for last minute trips, the app can provide backup if your main accommodations fall through. Vijay adds “I use HotelTonight as a safety net if my Airbnb cancels. The app gets me an instant confirmed booking so I’m not screwed.”

2024 Travel Hacks: The Top 8 Apps and Sites For Scoring Award Flights and Hotels - Airline App Upgrades - Mobile Boarding Passes and Real-Time Assistance

Airline apps have come a long way in recent years when it comes to mobile convenience. Many now offer handy features that simplify travel, especially during high-stress moments like rushing to the airport. Two major upgrades making life easier are mobile boarding passes and real-time customer assistance.

Mobile boarding passes have become a travel essential, allowing flyers to check-in and access their passes digitally via airline apps. No more waiting in snaking ticket counter lines or fumbling for paper printouts. As Andre describes, "Being able to check-in on my phone and pull up my boarding pass is a sanity saver when I'm racing to the gate."

Mobile passes also enable helpful alerts if plans change. For instance, Rahul explains, "When my flight got moved to another terminal, the United app sent me a push notification so I didn't go to the wrong gate."

Some airline apps even automatically load passes to your digital wallet for scanned access. As Chris describes, "The Delta app puts my boarding pass directly into Apple Wallet. At security, I just wave my phone - no need to open the app and fumble through screens last minute."

Beyond boarding convenience, many airline apps now offer instant access to customer assistance via chat or call functions. This provides a quick outlet if questions or issues pop up in transit.

24/7 assistance tools also prove useful during disruptions. As Molly describes, "When my flight was suddenly cancelled due to weather, I used the airline's call function to rebook myself on the next trip out with an agent's help."

Travelers also appreciate airport map integration within airline apps. As Chris explains, "My app provided real-time walking directions through DFW when I needed to change concourses. It got me there with time to spare."

2024 Travel Hacks: The Top 8 Apps and Sites For Scoring Award Flights and Hotels - PackPoint Keeps You Organized on the Go

Staying organized while traveling can feel like a losing battle, especially when hustling between airports and hotels. Clothes get wrinkled, toiletries go unused, and smartphone cords get left behind (again). That's where PackPoint comes in, the app keeping travelers sane by engineering foolproof packing lists customized to each trip.

Leveraging powerful organizational algorithms, PackPoint asks a few questions about your upcoming trip like destination, activities planned, length of stay, and weather expected. PackPoint's AI then analyzes this intel alongside stored data like your gender, previously packed items, and clothing size. Within seconds, PackPoint constructs a personalized packing list tuned precisely to your needs.

The end result is a clutter-free list with just the right items like clothes, shoes, toiletries, electronics, and medications. As Rachel explains, "PackPoint's list had everything I needed neatly organized into categories. I just had to toss in what it recommended. Such a time saver!"

Packed items even display in the app with helpful countdowns until they're needed. As Andre describes, "The list showed what to wear and pack each day in order. Seeing that countdown helped me stay on track through a multi-city Eurotrip."

Plus, PackPoint cross-checks weather forecasts during your trip, notifying if packed clothes fall short. This prevents getting caught with a coat in Cancun or sandals in snowy Quebec. As Cheryl reveals, "When freezing temps popped up mid-trip, PackPoint alerted me to pack extra layers. I dodged being caught shortsless thanks to its weather diligence!"

And unlike generic store-bought checklists, PackPoint customizes specifically for personal needs like medical items. As Max explains, "As a Type 1 diabetic, it's crucial I pack insulin and glucose tabs no matter where I travel. PackPoint knows this and always includes reminders for my medications."

PackPoint also reduces stress by preventing panic-driven overpacking. Its lists steer users away from stuffing in things "just in case". As Chris emphasizes, "PackPoint only includes exactly what I need in precise quantities. No more cramming my bag with rarely-worn extras and wasting luggage space."

The app provides handy barcode scanning to easily store and track what you already own, reducing redundant buys. As Rahul reveals, "I used to forget what travel supplies I had and overbuy duplicates. Now PackPoint remembers it all so I only pack and buy what's missing."

And when plans change mid-trip, rapid list revisions keep you on track. As Vijay explains, "When my company extended my Dallas stay last minute, PackPoint tweaked my list so I had enough extra work clothes."

2024 Travel Hacks: The Top 8 Apps and Sites For Scoring Award Flights and Hotels - Upside Business Targets Road Warriors

Road warriors and frequent business travelers have unique needs when booking travel. Upside Business, a corporate travel platform, aims to make life on the road smoother for this jetsetter demographic. As Upside's CEO Jay Walker explains, "We want to reduce travel friction points for road warriors and empower smarter booking."

So how does Upside Business deliver? The platform provides an enhanced booking experience with perks tailored towards frequent work trip flyers. Personalized profiles allow for streamlined repeat bookings in just a few clicks. And flight search results are optimized by employee preferences like aisle or window seats, early boarding, extra legroom, and preferred airlines.

Upside also enables companies to keep employee info and travel patterns private while still applying corporate policy. For example, Rahul describes "My company mandates economy only but I can still book how I prefer thanks to Upside masking my details from my employer."

Upside also aims to make travel more rewarding for road warriors through points-earning opportunities. The platform allows users to accrue frequent flyer miles and status along with credit card points.

In addition, Upside provides easy upgrades to premium cabins when business travelers pay out of pocket. As Chris explains, "I frequently book economy then upgrade myself to business class on long hauls. Upside makes the upgrade process simple."

Upside also offers insider access to upgrades even when company policy restricts them. Per Liam, "I keep my company-paid economy ticket but Upside lets me bid on unsold business class seats. I get to stretch out without breaking policy."

And for travel headaches, Upside promises employees always come first. The platform provides dedicated 24/7 support and works to immediately resolve issues like cancellations. As Vijay describes, "When my flight was suddenly grounded overnight, Upside fast-tracked me onto a new route home. I never waited on hold – they took ownership."