5 Tips for Summer Vacation on a Budget

For most families, summertime usually means vacations. There’s no better time to get away than during the summer – kids are out of school, the sun shines its brightest and work slows down a bit. But with so many vacationing during the same few months of the year, popular spots get crowded and prices go up. How can you get away and still get the most bang for your buck on a family trip? Here are five tips for doing summer vacation on a budget.

Take a staycation. Most of us don’t take the time to enjoy our everyday surroundings or to see our hometown as a visitor might. If you haven’t taken the time to visit museums, see live entertainment or visit the sights in your hometown, this is a perfect opportunity. You’ll have a great time and save a bundle sleeping in your own bed at night and avoiding the costs of air or car travel. If you want a real change of scenery, try taking the kids on a campout – even if it’s in your own backyard.

Book last minute and be flexible. When you have your heart set on a specific location, you will typically book early to get the hotel and travel options you desire on the dates you’re free. On the other hand, keeping an open mind on a destination could provide an opportunity for savings. Keep tabs on airfare and hotel prices right before your vacation begins. You might find a great deal on a place you never considered.

Pick the road less traveled. See that list of hot vacation spots this summer? Use it as your guide for places to avoid. Many locations are worth visiting, even if it’s not the trendy pick this year. If Paris is this year’s popular destination, why not pick Chicago or New York? Flights and hotels are often cheaper for destinations with less demand. That’s money in your pocket for more family fun.

Cook or bring your own food. Eating out for every meal gets expensive quickly, and in addition, it’s not the healthiest option. If possible, try limiting yourself to one or two meals out per day. If there is a refrigerator where you are staying, consider making a grocery run to stock up on ready-to-eat breakfast foods, fruit, and sandwich items. If a kitchen is included in your accommodations, consider cooking a few big meals per week. Not only is staying in and cooking more affordable, but checking out the local markets can really make you feel more connected to a new place.

Rent a room or a house. Short-term rentals are often more affordable than hotel rooms, especially when it comes to comfort level, and they’re a great way to see how locals live. While hotels are typically in tourist or highly traveled areas, room rentals in homes provide a quieter environment that allows another level of relaxation.

At Origin, we like to help people reach goals that are important to them. If you have a question about making your money work better for you, contact the Origin team here.