How to Save Your Summer Vacation

We’re all feeling the inflationary squeeze but we still want (or rather need!) a vacation, right?

According to Bankrate.com, 6 out of 10 Americans plan to take a summer vacation, but 68% of us are changing our plans so that we spend less money.

Here’s the problem. Bargains are hard to find on any kind of travel in 2022. After two years of not traveling, there is a big demand. And that means higher costs even before you factor in inflation and so forth.

*Airfares are up 39% over this time last year.

*Hotel rooms are 40% higher than this time last year.

*Car rental prices are 19% higher than they were last year.

*Vrbo and Airbnb rates are 13% more than last year.

*Gas cost 45% more than this time last year (national average $4.37).

So let’s talk money-saving strategies. Here’s how to save money on summer travel so that you can save your summer vacation!

Be flexible with dates and destinations. If you travel during the week, rates are almost always lower—a lot lower. For example, a hotel room (or rental) that cost $160 on Thursday increases to $260 a night on Friday and Saturday. That’s a big difference! Also, if you travel in September or October rather than July or August, you will save a lot of money. You will also avoid the crowds and heat! After Labor Day, prices drop because you have gone from “peak” season to “shoulder” season. For example, a seven-day Carnival Eastern Caribbean cruise is $1,169pp in July. That same cruise is just $839pp in September. That’s a savings of $660 a couple!
Book a package or bundle travel and/or go all-inclusive to save big bucks.
Use a travel agent. Yes, they still exist (only they’re called travel advisors these days) and they can get you great deals. For example, not only can a travel agent who specializes in Disney vacations save you money, they can score you reservations and upgrades you can’t get yourself. The same is true for resort stays, cruises, and tours.
Buy travel insurance. I should have put this at the top of my list. In this day and age, I recommend it for ALL travel. If you plan to take more than one trip this year, consider buying annual travel insurance rather than per trip. It will save you money.
Be sure to read the fine print for cancellation policies. For example, I recently stayed at a hotel that included a $190 cancellation fee if I cancelled after a certain date and time. I booked last minute and knew I wasn’t going to cancel or I wouldn’t have agreed to this. There are more limited options for fully refundable rooms or rentals, but they are out there. And there may be other things you are agreeing to that you are unaware of if you don’t read the fine print carefully, especially in regards to fees and surcharges.
Use www.carrentalsavers.com if you need a rental car. They search all the sites for you and give you the best prices.
Use the right credit card. Make sure you are earning rewards, such as cash back or points/miles on every single purchase. Other incentives are often offered, such as double points/miles and upgrades. Just be sure it is a low interest rate card. And try to pay off the card as soon as possible. You don’t want the interest rates to outweigh any rewards earned. And it’s good for your budget!
Enroll in loyalty programs to earn free travel. Almost everyone has them, including hotels, airlines, and cruise lines. They are usually free and you can enroll in multiple programs so that you are always saving money on travel.
The best sources for the best deals are Trivago, Skyscanner, Kayak, and Googleflights (not Expedia, Orbitz, or Travelocity). More resources include: Gas Guru, GasBuddy, Waze, and AAA’s TripTik. Also, look for gas stations that give a discount for paying cash (usually 10 cents a gallon), credit cards that have gas percent rebates, and stores or clubs that have their own gas stations and discounts, such as Costco, Sam’s Club, Kroger, and Harris Teeter.
Consider an alternative destination that is cheaper. There’s a great app, Hopper, that will give you suggestions for comparable destinations that are much more affordable.

FYI: Flying early a.m. on international flights typically saves 13% on airfares while flying in the afternoon or evening on domestic flights saves roughly 22% on flights.

More Ways to Save Your Summer Vacation: If you’re on a tight budget, book a rental property so you can eat in rather than dine-in. Food and drinks add up quickly, so stock up on coffee, juice, milk, soup, luncheon meats, pizzas (there are some really good, fresh ‘take and bake’ pizzas at the grocery store), cereal, your favorite alcoholic beverages, and snacks. Be sure to ask about discounts for restaurants and attractions and search online. There is almost always a 10% or $2 off admission offer available and 10% off or a free appetizer or dessert coupon. Museums usually have a free admission day every month and/or free admission after 3 p.m. so be sure to ask. Meals and admissions are usually free or cheap for kids age ten and under.

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