How to Save Money When Booking Tours with Rakuten Travel Experiences

Traveling is one of life’s greatest joys, but let’s be real—it can get pricey, especially when you’re booking tours and experiences. Enter Rakuten Travel Experiences, your new best friend for saving money while exploring the world. Whether you're looking to soak in the sights of Japan, cruise the canals of Venice, or wander ancient temples in Bali, Rakuten Travel Experiences has options for every kind of traveler—and plenty of ways to save.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to make the most of Rakuten Travel Experiences while keeping more cash in your wallet.

1. Sign Up for Rakuten Rewards

If you’re not already a Rakuten member, sign up ASAP. Rakuten Rewards offers cashback on tons of purchases, including travel bookings.

How It Works:

  1. Create a free Rakuten account.
  2. Search for Rakuten Travel Experiences through the Rewards portal.
  3. Earn cashback on every booking.

Pro Tip: Link your Rakuten account to your credit card for even more rewards if your card offers travel perks. Double savings, anyone?

2. Check Out Seasonal Promotions

Rakuten Travel Experiences frequently runs seasonal promotions that offer discounts on popular tours. These deals often align with major holidays or travel seasons.

How to Find Them:

  • Visit the “Deals” or “Special Offers” section on the website.
  • Follow Rakuten Travel Experiences on social media for real-time updates on flash sales.
  • Look for promo banners when browsing the site.

Example: A cherry blossom walking tour in Kyoto might have a special discount during sakura season.

3. Look for Promo Codes

Before finalizing your booking, always search for Rakuten Travel Experiences promo codes. These codes can give you a percentage off or even a flat discount on your total.

Where to Find Codes:

  • Rakuten’s official newsletter (sign up to stay in the loop!).
  • Coupon websites like RetailMeNot or Honey.
  • Travel blogs that share current offers.

How to Use Them:

  1. Select your tour or experience and proceed to checkout.
  2. Enter the promo code in the designated box.
  3. Hit apply and watch your total drop!

4. Book in Advance

Booking tours early often comes with early-bird discounts. Plus, it saves you the stress of last-minute planning.

Why It’s Worth It:

  • Many tours offer reduced rates for early bookings, especially in high-demand destinations like Tokyo or Paris.
  • You’ll have a better chance of securing your preferred time slot or date.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to visit during peak travel times, like holidays, booking in advance is a must.

5. Leverage Rakuten Super Points

Rakuten Super Points are a game-changer for saving money. You earn these points on every booking, which can be redeemed for future purchases.

How It Works:

  1. Make a booking and earn points (usually 1 point per ¥100 spent, though promotions can boost this rate).
  2. Use the points to offset costs on your next tour or activity.

Bonus Tip: Save up your points for a big-ticket experience, like a Mount Fuji day tour or a luxury dinner cruise.

6. Choose Bundled Packages

Rakuten Travel Experiences offers bundle deals that combine multiple activities into one package. For example, you might find a combo that includes a Tokyo city tour and admission to teamLab Borderless.

Why Bundles Save Money:

  • They’re often priced lower than booking each activity separately.
  • You’ll save time by having everything planned in one go.

How to Find Them: Search for “combo deals” or “packages” in your destination of choice.

7. Filter for Free Extras

Some tours and experiences come with free add-ons, like hotel pick-up, meals, or equipment rental. These little perks can save you from spending extra later.

What to Look For:

  • “Lunch included” or “Free drink” in food tours.
  • “Pick-up service included” in guided tours.
  • “No additional fees for equipment” in adventure activities like snorkeling or skiing.

8. Pay in Local Currency

When booking with Rakuten Travel Experiences, choose to pay in the local currency of the destination. This can often help you avoid unfavorable exchange rates or hidden conversion fees.

How to Do It:

  1. At checkout, look for the currency selection option.
  2. Switch to the destination’s currency (e.g., JPY for Japan or EUR for Europe).
  3. Confirm the new total before paying.

Pro Tip: Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees for maximum savings.

9. Travel in Groups

Many tours offer group discounts, so if you’re traveling with family or friends, you can all save by booking together.

Example: A private Kyoto tea ceremony might have a flat rate for up to 5 people, making it cheaper per person.

How to Find Group Deals:
Check the “Pricing” section of the tour description for group rates or discounts.

10. Download the Rakuten Travel Experiences App

The app often has exclusive app-only promotions and discounts. Plus, it makes managing your bookings and finding nearby activities super convenient while you’re on the go.

Bonus Feature: You’ll get push notifications about flash sales or last-minute deals happening in your destination.

Final Thoughts

Rakuten Travel Experiences is a fantastic platform for booking tours and activities while keeping your travel budget intact. By using these tips—signing up for rewards, hunting down promo codes, and taking advantage of bundles—you can explore the world’s best destinations without overspending.

So, whether you’re dreaming of a sushi-making class in Tokyo, a gondola ride in Venice, or an island-hopping adventure in Bali, Rakuten Travel Experiences has something for everyone—and plenty of ways to save. Happy travels! 🌍✨

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