Are you ready for a vacation? Summer is just a few short months away, and despite the current economic conditions, millions of Americans are still planning to pack their bags for a getaway. A new survey from NerdWallet finds that two in five plan to take a vacation this summer that involves flying or staying in a hotel, and they expect to spend almost $4-thousand on the trip.
That’s more than a lot of us can afford to put toward a vacation right now, as many Americans are trying to cut down on spending. But there are budget-friendly ways to travel this summer without breaking the bank. Here’s how to save on your seasonal trip.
- Book early - If you’re leaving the country, experts recommend booking international flights at least 90 days ahead to find the best rates and travel times. Flying in August may help you save, as it’s the cheapest month for travel, and flying in the U.S. on Saturday is 17% less than flying on Sunday, according to Expedia’s Air Hacks Report. Sometimes you can find last-minute deals, but the options may be limited and you’ll need to be flexible with dates.
- Shop around for destinations - Thinking of jetting off to a popular destination you saw on social media or in a favorite show, like “The White Lotus?” So are lots of other travelers, so you may find a better deal on unique, off-the-beaten-path destinations.
- Make it a work trip - If you can work remotely, you can bring your work with you and turn it into a “workcation.” Checking emails poolside may not sound like fun, but if you clock some business hours on your trip, it could help you save by allowing you to avoid peak travel days, or even expensing work-related activities.
- Know your travel goals - Deciding what kind of summer trip you want is important, so you can plan for rest or adventure. Once you know how you’d like to spend your vacation, you can look for free or low-cost options that match your goals, like free museum days, local parks, and farmer’s markets.
- Set a travel budget and stick to it - It’s tempting to put your whole trip on a credit card to pay off later, but it’s so much smarter to save up before you go. Look at the big picture, then break it down, starting with essentials, like lodging, transportation and food. Use the rest of the budget for your wants and make sure to build in a buffer, because surprise expenses always come up.
Source: Newsweek