Strategies to Slash Summer Vacation Costs

Prepare to turn your summer vacation dreams into reality; your wallet will thank you!

1. Be flexible with your travel dates: Travelling midweek or off-season can lead to great savings on flights and accommodations.
2. Use incognito mode when searching for flights: Airlines often use cookies to track searches and may increase prices. Incognito mode can help you avoid this.
3. Sign up for airline and hotel newsletters: You’ll be the first to know about flash sales and exclusive deals.
4. Consider alternative accommodations: Investigate vacation rentals, hostels, or even house-sitting opportunities instead of traditional hotels.
5. Pack light to avoid baggage fees: When possible, stick to carry-on luggage to save on checked bag fees.
6. Use public transportation at your destination: Avoid expensive taxis and rental cars by utilizing local buses, trains, or metro systems.
7. Cook some of your meals: Book accommodations with a kitchen and prepare some meals yourself to save on dining out.
8. Take advantage of free activities: Research free walking tours, museums with free admission days, and local festivals at your destination.
9. Use travel rewards credit cards: Earn points or miles on your everyday spending to pay for your vacation expenses.
10. Book attractions in advance: Many tourist sites offer discounts for booking online.
11. Travel with a group: Splitting costs among friends or family can lead to significant savings on accommodations and activities.
12. Use price comparison websites: Compare prices across multiple booking sites to ensure you get the best deal.
13. Consider all-inclusive resorts: While they may seem pricey upfront, they save you money on food, drinks, and activities.
14. Look for city tourist passes: Many cities offer passes that bundle multiple attractions at a discounted rate.
15. Avoid tourist traps: Research local favourites instead of falling for overpriced tourist hotspots.
16. Use apps to find cheap gas: If you’re road-tripping, use apps like GasBuddy to find the best fuel prices.
17. Pack snacks and a reusable water bottle: Bring snacks and refillable water bottles to avoid overpriced airport and roadside food.
18. Take advantage of credit card travel perks: Many credit cards offer travel insurance, lounge access, or rental car coverage,
19. Use cashback sites for bookings: Websites like Rakuten offer cashback on travel bookings, adding extra savings to your trip.
20. Consider a staycation: Explore local attractions and be a tourist in your city to save on travel costs.
21. Use student, senior, or military discounts: If applicable, always ask if these discounts are available.
22. Travel overnight: Save on a night’s accommodation by taking overnight trains of flights.
23. Use local SIM cards or Wi-Fi: Avoid expensive international roaming charges by using local SIM cards or relying on Wi-Fi.
24. Join loyalty programs: Join hotel and airline loyalty programs to earn points toward future travel.
25. Consider package deals: Sometimes, booking flights and hotels together can lead to significant savings.
26. Use price tracking tools: Set up rice alerts for flights and hotels to catch the best deals.
27. Avoid peak travel times: Skip popular holidays and school break periods for better prices.
28. Volunteer while travelling: Some organizations offer free or discounted accommodations in exchange for volunteer work.
29. Be open to layovers: Direct flights are often more expensive. A layover could save you money and allow you to explore another city.