Going on a vacation in the summer is a great thing to do.
Many people feel they can’t afford to go on vacation, so they either don’t or go into debt to do so.
But going on a vacation can be really important for most people, and just because you are on a tight budget doesn’t mean you can’t afford one.
At the same time, just because you’re dying to get some sun in the fun doesn’t mean you need to burn your financial goals to a crisp!
Here are eight ways to vacation like all you’ve ever wanted without overspending.
1. Try a Staycation
A staycation is a valid way to spend your summer. Spend time re-discovering your favorite spots or find some new favorites to add to your list! Eliminating the cost of travel and lodging means that you’re spending less overall, giving you more room to do what you want while you paint the town red!
2. Cash In Reward Points
If you’ve been hoarding those miles or reward points for years, waiting for a rainy day, then maybe now’s the time to use them. Doing so can save you a veritable fortune on things you might need for your travels, like car rentals or flight tickets.
3. Plan Your Itinerary Around Freebies
While exploring the place you’re visiting, don’t forget to research what you can do for low or no cost and plan your itinerary around them. Stuffing your schedule with mostly free stuff ensures you’ll have the cash to do whatever else you’d like. It can make some travel options seem significantly more affordable.
4. Book Vacations in Advance
We hate to say hindsight is 20/20, but there’s no reason you can’t start shopping now for next summer if you feel it’s too late! And booking anything for your vacation in advance always comes highly recommended; set up alerts for flight and hotel prices so you’ll get the best deals directly to your inbox and strike while the iron is hot, even if it’s in February for a trip in December.
5. Use Apps to Your Advantage
Many apps are explicitly geared toward finding last-minute deals on hotels and flights. So, if you aren’t much of a planner but still want to save, never fear—there are many options that can help you nab some fantastic prices, even on short notice.
6. Go for Budget Accommodations
If the plan is to experience the unseen vista you’re traveling to, then your accommodations likely won’t need to be super fancy. Cut back on costs by opting for an “it’ll do” type of hotel; all you really need is a place to rest your head, and you can spend the rest of your time (and money) making memories outside the hotel.
7. Travel in the Off-Peak Season
We realize we’re talking about summer in general here, but there are still off-peak times within the few months summer lasts. Traveling earlier or later in the summer is generally cheaper, especially if you plan your trip around when school is getting back into session. The bonus of enjoying your trip with fewer crowds is also a nice perk!
8. Travel With Loved Ones
Traveling with family and friends can help ease some of the burden surrounding food, transportation, and hotel expenses. It’ll make your vacation more affordable and fun — provided the people you invite are actually good travel companions. Traveling with certain friends can backfire if they aren’t on the same frugal journey you are, so keep that in mind when selecting your crew.
