Wondering how to travel for less this Summer? Summer officially starts in a week, making it time to pack your bags and head to your next vacation.
But vacations can get expensive fast just when you consider the basics – travel, lodging and food. While you want to have fun, you don’t have to go for broke to make that happen.
These are Travelsi’s 7 best tips to travel for less this summer on vacation and still make the most of your trip without digging all the way into your wallet.
7 Ways To Travel For Less This Summer
1- Head to the local grocery instead of the hotel restaurant
Eating out several times a day will add up very quickly. Opt for simple breakfasts like granola bars or fruit that you can keep in your room and pack snacks to eat while you are exploring. Many hotels offer refrigerators and microwaves to take advantage of by stocking some ready to eat meals.
2- Plan for lunches out on the town, instead of dinner
In most cases, you will get a much better price for meals during lunch. Restaurants tend to charge higher prices for dinners with the same portions. It’s a bonus if you can’t finish your meal and take it back to your room to eat later.
3- Rent a house or condominium or better yet go camping for your next vacation
Many hotels charge pricey resort fees and other add ons for amenities that include parking, and other extra fees that can really add up. If you are traveling with several other people, you could save quite a bit of money by splitting the cost.
A house or condo will be a near guarantee that you will have a kitchen to keep groceries and leftovers.
4- Consider off-season locations
Mexico is particularly a budget destination during the summer months with all-inclusive hotels and airlines offering great discounts. While certain parts of Florida are crowded in the Florida panhandle, the southern part of the state tends to be quiet and affordable during summer vacation.
5- Stay in a nearby city to your intended destination if feasible
You almost always pay lower prices for accommodations in smaller communities and that way you’ll have more money to enjoy popular vacation cities. Staying in a nearby city could reduce a lot of costs. It may require a longer commute or some planning ahead to make it work. You may also find some hidden exploration gems in these cities!
6- Find discount deals for things to do
Expedia is a great site to search for deals on experiences when traveling like amusement and water parks for the hot days of summertime. Check out their last-minute deals page for extra discounts!
The offers found there will be much cheaper than the full sticker prices you will pay without planning.
7- Look for free activities
Walking tours, museums, parks, and live local music are all things you may find. TripAdvisor.com and the city tourism websites are good resources to research.