Check out these money-saving tips before you hit the road or skies this summer.
Nearly half of Americans surveyed say they canāt afford a summer vacation in 2022, according to a recent Bankrate survey. Roughly one-quarter say theyāll at least cut back on travel this summer due to inflationās impact on their finances.
If youāve nixed summer travel plans or shortened planned vacations because travel is expensive, donāt be too quick to resign yourself to another year of āstaycations.ā
Instead, try these six money-saving tips to stretch vacation funds.
1.Ā Book cheaper accommodations
Most people would love to kick back in a beachfront hotel with an ocean view. But most people also canāt afford the high cost of oceanfront vacation rentals and hotels. To save hundreds of dollars, why not book a hotel blocks away or even a few minutesā drive from the beach?
Wherever you want to travel, donāt be so much of a hotel snob that you overlook modest accommodations. Just be sure to check out reviews from former guests to make sure the hotel is safe, clean and in a convenient location.
Find out: Recent Studies Show Americans will Avoid Debt to Vacation this Summer
2. Take advantage of free stuff
To save money on summer travel, research free events, museums, local parks, monuments and other free or nominal-fee attractions before you go.
While youāre at it, donāt forget to check out free music and other festivals taking place on the dates youāll be your destination. That way, you can still have a great time without spending a fortune on entertainment and sightseeing.
Find out: Inflation is Forcing More Americans to Change Summer Travel Plans
3. Mind your gas mileage
With national gas prices averaging around $5 a gallon, the gas pump can suck up a lot of money youād otherwise save or spend on fun things like going out to eat and sightseeing during vacation.
You can improve your carās gas mileage by anywhere from 0.6% to 3% on your summer road trip simply by keeping tires inflated to the proper PSI, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Other ways to save on gas include making sure your engine is tuned and using the manufacturerās recommended grade of motor oil.
If your road trip involves multiple states, look up gas prices for each state at GasBuddy. You may be able to save on gas by just waiting to fill up until after you cross the state line.
Find out: How to Vacation on a Budget as Costs Rise in 2022
4. Cash in credit card rewards
Have you racked up a lot of cash back, airline miles or other rewards on credit cards? Total them up and redeem what you can towards airfare, hotels, gift cards or other ways to pay for vacation travel.
Find out: 5 Things to Look for in a Travel Rewards Credit Card
5. Comparison shop
Were the prices for lodging and airfare the reason you put off or canceled your summer vacation? Maybe look again, this time comparing prices of a number of hotels. Maybe one has a special rate they didnāt have last time you looked.
Go online to hotel sites and compare prices. Do the same with airfare, checking fares for several airlines.
Find out: Practical Ways to Save Money on Hotels During Your Next Vacation
6. Be flexible with dates
If possible, have some wiggle room on vacation travel dates. For example, if the airfare is higher on Saturday, check what the fare would be on a different day the same week. Hotels usually cost more on weekend nights, so you probably save significantly by staying on weeknights.
But the way to really save on vacation is to delay summer travel until the fall. Thatās when hotel and car rental rates drop, potentially saving big money on your trip.
Find out: Don’t Get Burned by These 4 Vacation ScamsĀ
Published by Debt.com, LLC