You are not alone if you want to hit the road of adventure this summer. After last summer’s COVID-19 shutdown, many families are itching to get back out there and explore the country. Unfortunately, all of this fun often comes at a high price if you are not watching your spending. Here are five ways that you can save money on your domestic travel this summer.
Book Ahead of Time
One of the ideal ways to save money on travel is to shop around and book ahead of time. This applies to nearly every element of travel ranging from airfare to hotels to special activities. While it is true that you may score a last-minute deal, this is not as common during the busy summer travel season.
Not only will you enjoy the best deals if you research and book in advance, but you also run into fewer issues with availability. Have your heart set on a certain restaurant? Want to take the family on a river rafting trip during the peak season? It’s a wise move to make plans ahead and book your reservations as soon as your travel plans are set.
Head to the Great Outdoors
One of the biggest budget-busters of any trip is the hotel. You will save loads of money if you make camping the centerpiece of your summer vacation plans. For example, by camping in Michigan, you will put yourself in touch with the beauty of Mother Nature instead of being beholden to a costly hotel room.
As a bonus, camping is entertainment in itself, helping you to save money on both lodging and activities. Once you have your campsite reserved, you will have hiking, biking, water sports, and more right at your fingertips. This will eliminate the need to spend money on additional activities to keep your family happy.
Look for Freebies
All of the freebies that you score will add up over the duration of your trip, potentially saving you a significant amount of money on the total cost. This makes it worth your effort to spend some time on the internet looking for deals. If you know you need to stay in a hotel, look for a place that offers free breakfast.
Know that you will be dining out while out and about? Try to find restaurants that offer coupons or free menu items if you sign up for their email list. You should also spend some time researching community events at your destination. You never know what free events you will find if you think outside of the box. The internet is a wealth of information for helping you to find these freebies.
Limit Dining Out
Another huge money suck will inevitably be your food budget. You can lower these costs by brainstorming ways that you can avoid eating out for every meal. Choosing a lodging accommodation such as a campsite or a condo with a kitchen will help you to avoid spending money on restaurant food every time you need to eat.
Consider making lunch your big meal of the day instead of dinner. Many restaurants offer less expensive menu items during the lunch hour. Farmer’s markets and small local cafes are also good places to enjoy great meals without breaking the budget. These places will also give you a taste of the local flavor and people, enhancing your travel experience.
Hit the Road
Savvy budget travelers look to drive to their destination whenever possible. It has never been cheap to fly and it seems as if the return of travel after COVID-19 has made it even more expensive. If you are able to drive to your destination, you will be able to put aside more of your travel budget for other fun activities and experiences. This is especially true if you are traveling in a large group.
Additionally, driving to your destination means that you will already have your transportation. This eliminates the need for renting a vehicle or relying on ride-shares or taxis to get around.
You do not have to limit your travel dreams just because you do not have a fat wallet. These five tips will help you save a substantial amount of money on your summer vacation.
2018 ·
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