Savings Tips for Your Summer Trips This Year
Today’s vacation prep should coincide with budget planning – at least for the majority of Americans who are struggling to afford out-of-town trips. More people are inclined to stay home this summer than in previous years, possibly for a fun, planned-out staycation. Less than half of people in the U.S. plan to take a vacation at all due to money concerns.
If you will have some days off of work and want to take advantage of that free time, you should find a way to do so! If you have school-age kids who will be on summer break, as well, then why not make some memories together?
1. Go Where Accommodations Are Free
If times are tight, a better approach than heading to your fantasy destination is to plan around cheap accommodations. If the two things align naturally – great! But chances are you will be planning to take your sibling in Wisconsin up on their offer to house you for a weekend. This is where planning ahead can help.
No one wants to be a “burden,” and contacting folks to say you may be in town in a few months buys you time. Who responds with an enthusiastic offer to stay in their spare bedroom? That can become your accommodations, as long as it is close enough to some destinations you’d like to explore. Here in the Midwest, there are countless state and local parks as well as natural habitats to check out. Plus, you get some quality time with a friend or relative you haven’t seen in a while! Offer to bring groceries and cook for them, and your presence will surely be welcome.
2. Casually Explore Cheap Hotels, Motels and Campsites
Have you ever noticed that you are able to find the best prices when you are browsing casually – as opposed to shopping under the gun? This same rule of thumb applies to vacation lodging, which can vary a lot in cost.
Spend a few weeks swiping through the cheaper listings on sites like Booking.com, which groups deals by location. Check out different camping sites if that’s your idea of a good time. You will quickly get a sense of where a weekend getaway is more feasible, leaving you enough extra cash for food, gas and entertainment.
3. Set a Travel Budget for Debit Card and App Purchases
Budgeting tools can be a helpful way to manage one’s travel expenses during economic uncertainty. To be sure, recent spikes in the cost of food and utilities are why some families are opting to pitch a tent in their backyards instead of hitting the roads or airports.
A few different tools can help you budget even as you spend so you’re more on top of your expenses this summer:
- Prepaid debit cards: Using one on the road helps you avoid the fees and overspending associated with credit cards. Keep an eye on the amount that remains on your card as you go and you will make smarter purchasing decisions.
- Travel budgeting apps: Thanks to a whole bunch of options, savvy travelers can find the budgeting app that works best for them. We’ve listed a few here (along with other tips on cheap traveling). Decide what budgeting features to use before hitting the road.
- Shopping apps: Some big name shopping apps offer sales on goods you may need for your trip. Just be sure to stick to your budget and only use these apps for absolute necessities. Easy mobile access can lead to untracked, excessive spending. Use budgeting tools or spending caps to control how much you spend.
- Miles and points programs: Some people really know how to plan ahead. Maybe this is the summer to finally use those points that have accrued on your miles program. If you happen to have access to these types of loyalty savings, go ahead and take advantage of them!
4. Use Smart Money Services at Your Nearest CCEA Currency Exchange
Preparing to save some extra dollars will make your summer vacation all the more special, since you will be focused on fun in the sun instead of money woes. Currency Exchanges (CCEAs) in Illinois and Wisconsin have lots of ways to help vacationers stay on track of their auto needs, pay bills promptly, and access their money quickly when they need it.
Head to your nearest CCEA location so your finances will be in order all summer long.
With over 350 locations, many open nights, weekends, and holidays (and several stores with 24/7 availability), you can rest easy knowing your financial needs can be taken care of when you need them most. We’re in the heart of every community. Don’t believe us? See for yourself.