A summer vacation should be a fun-filled time of new experiences and re-energizing, but often these vacations can feel tiring and stressful. This can be due to lack of planning, messy itineraries, and overspending. Reduce your summer vacation stress by taking the time to plan ahead and budget. Follow these eight simple steps to make for a better summer vacation!
1. Set Your Budget & Stick to It
When planning your summer vacation, you must first plan your trip’s budget. Take everything into account, consider transportation, lodging, entertainment, attractions, food, and shopping. The best part about planning your budget ahead of time is that it gives you time to save up! So determine how much you’re comfortable spending overall and per category based on your grand total.
2. Choose Your Dates Wisely
Can you plan your trip for the very end or the very beginning of the summer? You will encounter lower demand for hotels, restaurants, and entertainment, and with lower demand comes lower pricing. Avoid going during holidays, many people vacation on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day, so you will face lots of competition to book accommodations and prices will surge.
3. Finalize Your Destination and Transportation Plans
With your budget set, you can decide on your destination. Transportation will be a main factor to consider. Flying across the country may cost you more than driving a couple states over. You also don’t want to forget about ground travel in your destination city. A big city compared to a small city will have different transportation needs, like renting a car versus taking the bus or walking.
4. Find Affordable Accommodations
The massive resorts and expensive hotels will often be the most visible, but unless you’re planning a spa getaway, your lodgings might not be the most important part of your trip. Some alternative options are bed and breakfasts, motels, campgrounds, and short-term rentals. Rental homes or apartments are great because they also give you the opportunity to cook a lot of your own food, which can help you save.
5. Take Advantage of Discounts and Deals
Did you spend time in the military? Are you over 50? Are you an organization member? Depending on your age and background, you may qualify for demographic-specific discounts. Every time you book a night at a hotel or resort, pay for dinner at a fancy restaurant or make a purchase, be sure to ask the establishment if they offer these discounts.
6. Save On Food
One of the best parts of any vacation is the new and interesting food options you'll encounter along the way. But these can really add up! Before your trip, limit eating out and cook your own meals to save for your food expenses while traveling. Find low-cost restaurants and food options while vacationing. Certain nights of the week, some restaurants offer free kid’s meals when their parents purchase a full-price entrée. Stay somewhere with a fridge and microwave so you can make your own meals and enjoy leftovers from when you do eat out. Plus, never pass up the free continental breakfast at any hotels you stay in!
7. Find Free or Cheap Local Activities
Make sure to check local websites just before your visit to see what’s going on that could be of interest to you and your travel companions. Many local museums offer free days, and free-admission festivals and street fairs are big in the summer months. Look for parks or other minimal cost activities like hiking and beachgoing. Don't forget to look for coupons and discounts if you do book entertainment that costs money.
8. Be Flexible
Flexibility is key to planning a successful summer vacation. Whether this means choosing a less expensive destination, sacrificing a fancy hotel, or traveling during the “shoulder season,”. Going with the flow can help you to relax and enjoy your vacation regardless of whether the circumstances are perfect or not.
Wherever your travels take you, Credit Union of Denver is here to help you save for your journey. Begin saving for your next vacation with one of our interest-earning savings options. For help with budgeting or other financial planning questions, schedule an appointment with one of our Financial Coaches.