We all need time away from our daily grind to recharge our batteries. But whether you’re traveling with a family or on your own, summer vacation travel can really add up. According to a recent survey by AAA, more than one-third of families surveyed plan to travel 50 or more miles away from home. And this year, Memorial Day travel plans are at their highest level since 2005, according to AAA.
Americans may be spending more on travel this summer, but being financially savvy means that you don’t have to follow the crowd. You can take a great vacation this summer without breaking the bank. Here’s how.
[See: 12 Frugal Ways to Save on Vacation.]
Choose a local destination. Regardless of what you plan to do when you get there, the farther you travel, the more expensive your trip. Airfare, hotel, car rentals, restaurant meals in airports — the incidental expenses of traveling can all add up. If money is tight, but you need a vacation away from home, look into resorts or destinations to which you can drive. These can still make for memorable personal or family vacations but will significantly reduce your transportation costs, potentially saving you thousands of dollars. A staycation is also a great money-saving choice. Sometimes, all you need is a break from work and time with your family. You don’t have to leave home to experience that. A daytrip to a nearby lake or a quiet afternoon with a book in your own yard could be just what you need to relax and re-energize.
Look into national parks. National parks, such as Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Acadia, Great Smoky Mountains and Glacier, are famous around the world for good reason. They offer some of the most amazing scenery anywhere in the world at an affordable price. For example, the cost to enter Yellowstone National Park is just $30 per vehicle. In-park lodgings are also usually less expensive than a stay in a comparable hotel or resort. Most parks also offer camping accommodations. The best part? A visit to a national park is something you can enjoy, even if you don’t have time to take a long trip. With 59 designated national parks and 417 park sites nationwide, there’s probably one within a few hours of where you live.
[See: 12 Habits of Phenomenally Frugal Families.]
Rent a house, skip the hotel. Hotels have their benefits (who doesn’t like a perfectly made bed every night with turn-down service?), but they are the most expensive option for accommodation, especially for families. After all, it’s not just the hotel you’ll be paying for. Hotel restaurants, gift shops — even the pool bar — all charge a significant premium for what they provide. That’s because when you’re staying in a hotel, you are a “captive audience.” Fortunately, hotels are not your only option. With the advent of services such as VRBO or Airbnb , it’s now easier than ever to rent an entire house or condominium at a fraction of what it costs to stay in a hotel in a comparable area. Room fees are just the beginning of the savings you’ll experience. When you rent a house, you can also save money on food because you can cook your own meals. Taxes and occupancy fees may also be lower.
Time your travel. When you travel is almost as important as where you travel. By timing your travel for off-peak seasons or days of the week, you can significantly reduce the cost of your airfare. It’s also important to plan ahead. The best time to buy your tickets is 112 to 21 days in advance of travel, according to CheapAir.com.
[See: 10 Fun, Frugal Ways to Spend Your Free Time.]
Choose a less expensive airport. In many larger cities, you may have multiple airports to choose from when you travel. For instance, if you’re flying to the Bay Area, you can choose between San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose as your airport of choice. Each of these airports charges a fee to airlines to use their facilities. These fees are passed along to you in the form of higher fares. Typically, the larger and busier the airport, the higher the fees. Reduce these costs by choosing a smaller, less expensive airport near your chosen destination. There can be a difference of as much as $100 per ticket, which adds up quickly when booking tickets for a family. An added bonus is that these smaller airports are less likely to experience long waits to land or take off during busy travel times — a big consideration if you’re traveling with young kids.
Taking time off to spend with your family and friends doesn’t have to break the bank. It all comes down to planning and choosing wisely. By following these simple tips, you could cut your summer vacation bill by hundreds of dollars and still be able to say that 2017 was your best summer ever.
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Vacation Ideas That Save You Money originally appeared on usnews.com
