How To Save Money on Travel This Summer

Summer vacation is just around the corner, and if you’re looking to save some money and make the most out of your trip, here are some travel hacks you can use.

1. Book Flights Early

Airlines sell flights at least 11 months in advance, so booking flights 11-plus months in advance is a great way to get value for your flight expenses. Doing this before you book hotels and other plans at your destination can help provide you with the greatest flexibility in finding the cheapest flights. It may also be a good idea to do a little thinking and comparing to find the best deals on both flights and hotels, but you can’t do that unless you have plenty of time in advance to map your trip!^[1]

2. Use Credit Card Rewards

Using credit card rewards can be a great way to save money on your summer vacation. Many credit cards offer rewards in the form of points that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, rental cars, and other travel-related expenses. If you have a travel credit card, make sure to check your rewards balance and see if you have enough points to cover any of your vacation expenses.^[2]

3. Go Off the Beaten Path

One of the best ways to save money on your summer vacation is to go off the beaten path. Popular tourist destinations can be expensive, but there are many hidden gems that are just as beautiful and much more affordable. Do some research and find out about lesser-known destinations that are still worth visiting.^[3]

4. Travel Off-Peak

Traveling off-peak can also save you a lot of money. Summer is peak travel season, and prices for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses are often higher during this time. If you can be flexible with your travel dates, consider traveling during the shoulder season or even during the off-season.^[4]

5. Save Money in Advance

Finally, one of the best travel hacks for summer vacation is to save money in advance. Set a budget for your trip and start saving money as early as possible. This will give you more flexibility when booking flights, hotels, and other travel expenses, allowing you to enjoy your vacation without worrying about overspending.

If travel is something you want to focus on as you approach your retirement, reach out to our professionals for a complimentary review of your finances. We can help you think more about where you’re going and less about how you’re going to afford it.