Everyone loves summer vacation, but when the bills come due, it can be a different story. Even when you create a budget ahead of time, it’s easy to overspend once you reach your destination. One splurge may not be a big deal, but once you get into that vacation mindset, things can get out of control if you’re not careful.
Vacations are important for a healthy work/life balance, but spending more than you can afford will only cause more stress in the long run. Here are some tips for planning a fantastic summer break without breaking the bank.
Plan a Road Trip
Road trips are a great way to save on airfare and take in all the sights while you’re at it. And if life is about the journey, why not start your vacation the minute you pull out of your driveway? Download your favorite music and check a few audio books out from the library to make the trip more enjoyable. If you want to stop at theme parks or other popular attractions, plan to hit them later in the morning so you can stay at a cheaper location a little further away.
To save money on gas, try to use your most fuel-efficient car. Driving at a slower pace will also reduce your fuel costs, and you’ll be able to see more along the way. Or, find destinations that are relatively close to home, so you’re not driving as far.
Hit the Beach
Beach vacations are not only popular, they can also be cost-effective if done right. Try looking for hidden locations ahead of time to get good deals on lodging. If you want a family-friendly spot with lots of activities for kids, try Clearwater Beach. It’s a great alternative to the more expensive beaches in South Florida, and it offers lots of family excursions, like dolphin watching and fishing on the pier. If you prefer something more laid-back, try Siesta Key.
Whatever location you choose, renting a small condo or vacation home where you can cook your own meals can also help you save. Having a washer and dryer available where you’re staying can make life easier, and you won’t have to cram as much into your suitcase. You could also consider vacationing with another family and sharing a bigger rental to save a little more.
Visit a National Park
When visiting a national park, you can often save money by camping inside the park. If camping isn’t your thing, staying outside the park at a vacation rental can often cost less than staying at one of the hotels inside the park. And since you’ll be spending most of your day out in the park, it may not be worth the extra expense to get a room with a view.
Military members are allowed free admission and can bring three additional adults into any park with them at no charge. Seniors also get discounted lifetime passes, and 4th graders are eligible for free access to all federal public lands and waters, thanks to the Every Kid Outdoors initiative. If you plan to visit more than one park this year, see if it makes sense to get annual pass.
More Ways to Save
Now that you have some travel ideas to inspire you, here are a few general tips for saving on summer travel:
Always look at a few different travel dates before you decide to make sure your trip doesn’t fall on pricier peak days.
Many membership programs, like AAA and Costco, offer travel discounts for members.
If you have a VyStar Visa® Signature Rewards card, you can redeem your credit card rewards points for travel discounts.
Bon Voyage!