Retirement Blog

How to Vacation on a Budget

June 1, 2023

summer vacation

It’s hard to believe, but summer is here! For most families, the summer season is much busier and much more expensive than other seasons. Whether you send your kids to a summer camp, take them to a local theme park, or a larger family vacation, those costs add up quickly and can place a strain on your budget.

Here are some helpful and creative ideas to vacation on a budget:

Tour your own city

Try exploring new restaurants, hiking trails, and local attractions in your area! This is an easy way to be thrifty with your budget by cutting down or almost eliminating travel costs.

Go camping

Get out of the house and enjoy the cool summer nights by pitching a tent in the backyard, visiting a nearby state park, or renting a cabin! Camping can fit almost any budget. And, with so many “glamping” sites popping up, you can revel in the great outdoors while still enjoying a good night’s sleep on a real mattress.

Visit a less popular beach

If your summer isn’t complete without a visit to the ocean, but you don’t want to splurge on pricy waterfront hotel rooms or beach rentals, try visiting a beach more off the beaten path! More touristy destinations usually have higher price points for lodging, food, and entertainment than less popular beach areas.

Book travel packages using warehouse stores

It sounds odd at first, but club stores like Costco offer decent deals on vacation packages, which can come in handy if you’re planning a more elaborate vacation. Next time you’re planning to visit the parks in Orlando, be sure to check what deals your local club stores are offering!

Stay with friends or family

It may not feel like vacation, but staying with friends and family is a cheap and easy way to visit a new area while visiting the people you love! This can cut down drastically on lodging and meal costs, but always remember to show your appreciation for your host’s generosity by chipping in on groceries or cooking some meals for them.

Travel during off seasons

Summer is the most obvious time to travel but postponing your vacation for a few more months can help you score less competitive rates. But remember, peak seasons and off-seasons vary depending on where you go, but a great rule of thumb is to avoid traveling during the summer months and the holidays.

Don’t let a costly summer vacation derail your budget for the season! If you travel cleverly and efficiently, you can get the best of both worlds without sacrificing the experience of a vacation or your financial stability. If you have questions about how to save money on your vacations this summer, or just want to chat about your financial standing, contact us to schedule your complimentary consultation.

We look forward to helping you!

Source: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/saving/cheap-vacation-ideas