Summer is the perfect time to take a vacation, but it’s also one of the most expensive times of year to travel. The rise in airfare and hotel costs during the summer makes it harder for budget-conscious families to travel, however, those that are flexible with their travel plans can still find many ways to save on a summer vacation. Here are three easy ways to save on travel this summer.
Stay Grounded
Even the cheapest of airfare can add up to break the bank, especially when the whole family is flying roundtrip. Choosing a summer vacation destination that is reachable by car can save you money. Consider a getaway to a neighboring state, pack the car for a road trip, or get back to nature with a camping trip.
If your destination requires airfare, consider flying on the cheapest days of the week, usually Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Avoid flying on Saturdays and Sundays when fares are most expensive.
Avoid Hotels
Luxury linens and room service may sound divine, but they’re not easy on your wallet. Instead of booking expensive hotel rooms, consider a vacation rental instead. You can find rooms, studios, and entire houses to rent on websites like Airbnb and VRBO. Vacation rentals are often cheaper than booking hotel rooms, and sharing a large enough house with family or friends is an easy way to save even more money on accommodations.
Vacation rentals also provide other money-saving opportunities. Having a kitchen at your disposal means you can prepare most of your meals at “home”, instead of eating out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Many vacation rentals have pools, game rooms, and other forms of activities onsite, providing the family with free entertainment.
Look for Deals
Travel sites like Travelocity and Expedia are great places to find cheaper hotels and flights, but you can also score even better discounts by purchasing a travel bundle. Booking your flight and your hotel at the same time through sites like these can potentially save you hundreds of dollars.
Deal sites like Groupon and Living Social also offer a wide variety of travel deals and bundles. Destinations range from domestic to international. Some packages include airfare, car rental, and even food/beverage credit. You can find anything from all-inclusive resorts in Mexico to airfare and lodging in Ireland. Just make sure you research each individual component of the trip to ensure you really are getting a deal.
Vacationing on a budget doesn’t have to be mediocre. If you’re willing to think outside of the box, you can still have a fabulous summer vacation without going into debt.