TRAVELING ON A BUDGET
Summer vacation is all about enjoying the beautiful weather, sunshine, and great times! Thinking about getting away but have a budget in mind? Vacations don’t have to leave your wallet empty. There are many affordable options to enjoy a summer vacation while being budget-conscious.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
What is your main goal for this vacation? To go to a beach, a theme park, go sightseeing, or relax in a cabin?
Figuring out what you and your family want to do will help determine your travel destination. From there, you’ll be able to plan your travel - where you’ll stay, your meals each day, and the locations you’ll visit and frequent.
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL IN ADVANCE
Sign up for newsletters with your favorite airline to stay updated on the latest travel deals. Places like Southwest Airlines will have deals periodically for airline travel if you book out in advance or, within a specific timeframe.
BOOKING FLIGHTS
If you are interested in nonstop flights and want to still get a deal, drive to a larger airport. Do some comparison shopping. Look at the pricing to your destination and be willing to change the airport.
Some nearby airports:
· Cincinnati (CVG)
· Columbus (CMH)
· Indianapolis (IND)
· Louisville (SDF)
· Nashville (BNA)
Nonstop flights from Cincinnati to Orlando or other major destinations can be very affordable if you keep your eyes open.
Depending on your destination's, great deals can be found flying out of Cincinnati, Indianapolis, or Nashville.
BOOK LODGING
There are wonderful alternatives to hotels depending on the number of people in your group, budgets, and personal preferences. Look into booking your stay with Airbnb or VRBO.
SPLIT THE COST
Invite friends or other relatives to come along and split the cost of lodging with you. If you can all get together and split the cost of the stay, you can rent a nicer vacation home for less money. Try looking into places like Airbnb, VRBO, or other alternatives.
For example, if you are going to Florida and have relatives or friends coming along, rent a vacation home. If you are splitting your time between the beach and theme parks, consider a vacation rental outside of Orlando. You can reserve a 5 bedroom, 4.5 bathrooms home in a gated community for much less than traditional hotel room accommodations. Plus, commuting to the beach costs less than staying on the beach.
PLAN YOUR MEALS
If you are traveling by car, get snacks at the grocery before leaving for your trip. Snacks at gas stations or convenience marts are marked up higher for convenience. Consider packing bottles of water and other beverages in a cooler to help save funds when traveling as well.
Save on funds by planning your meals for the vacation. Pack quick foods like donuts, fruit, and cereal for breakfast. Have sandwiches, chips, or salad for lunch. Maybe some fast food for lunch or dinner on other days. Or if you have a vacation home, cook when you’re able to. Save on what you can, to enjoy your vacation the way you want to.
VISITING THEME PARKS
Theme park tickets are often less expensive during their non-peak season when schools have reopened, or throughout the week.
If you are going to a certain magical theme park this summer, bring a reusable water bottle. There are water refill stations throughout the park. They also allow snacks and other lite foods to be brought in when you enter the park as well.
BUDGET FOR FUEL
If you are traveling by car, be sure to budget for your fuel. Download some helpful apps like GasBuddy. It can help locate gas stations in your area and shows the current fuel price.
TRAVEL DURING THE NON-PEAK SEASON
Depending on where you are going, research when the slower season is. You can get great deals for traveling during the winter.
