Johnny Monroe
July 31, 2023
• 6 Minute Read
As the warm breezes of summer begin to recede, seize the moment for one last memory-making adventure. Regardless of whether you're the parent of lively toddlers, part of a fun-loving family of six, or a budget-conscious couple, travel doesn't have to put a strain on your finances. Let's explore five ways to extract the most joy from the summer's twilight without leaving a dent in your bank account.
1. Plan a Staycation
Travel isn't just about covering vast distances; it's about exploring new experiences. Instead of booking flights or planning a detailed itinerary, why not take a fresh look at your own town or city? Play tourist for a day or two. Rediscover that local museum you've always walked past, savor a latte at the new corner café, or immerse yourself in a historical walking tour. If an indoor retreat is more your style, transform your living room into a spa sanctuary with aromatic candles, soft melodies, and pampering treatments like DIY face masks. And as night falls, recreate a cinematic ambiance right at home. Dim the lights, grab some popcorn, and let the movie marathon begin!
Stay at a Hotel: Why not play tourist in your city? Hotels often offer off-peak discounts or staycation packages that give you access to all amenities, making even a weekend stay feel like a well-deserved luxury. It's a chance to experience your hometown from a different perspective and unearth hidden gems tucked away in familiar streets.
Go on a Camping Trip: Unleashing your inner adventurer doesn't require a hefty budget. A camping trip, whether it's to a national park or a well-equipped campground, offers a fusion of adventure and learning. From pitching a tent to cooking over a campfire, every activity is a fun lesson for kids and adults alike. Plus, the beauty of the great outdoors can be therapeutic.
Plan a Backyard Getaway: Get creative at home for an unbeatable budget vacation. Convert your backyard into an exotic escape – maybe a tropical beach or a safari adventure. Arrange outdoor games, set up a barbecue station, and as the night falls, screen a family-favorite movie under the stars.
2. Take a Budget Family Trip
An affordable family getaway doesn’t mean skimping on fun. Think about destinations during their off-peak times, when the crowds are sparse, and businesses are vying to attract visitors with tempting deals. When you're there, forego the convenience (and often the expense) of car rentals by embracing the local public transport system. And speaking of authentic experiences, rather than dining at mainstream, touristy restaurants, let local eateries tantalize your taste buds with authentic flavors. It’s a delightful way to dive deep into the region’s culture while staying well within your budget.
Average Cost of a Family of 4 Vacation:
A typical weekend trip for a family of four, including meals, accommodation, and attractions, can cost anywhere between $600 to $1200, depending on the destination. Traveling during shoulder seasons and availing family packages can drastically reduce the cost.
Best Budget-Friendly Family Travel Destinations in the US:
The Great Smoky Mountains: With lush green trails, diverse wildlife, and stunning vistas, the Smokies promise a memorable retreat into nature without hefty fees.
Washington, D.C.: A treasure trove of free museums, zoos, and historic sites await you in the nation's capital. Plus, the city's affordable public transportation system eases travel woes.
Beach towns like Myrtle Beach, SC: Here, affordable beachfront accommodations, exciting water sports, and family-friendly attractions combine for a fun-filled beach vacation.
3. Book a Trip through a Travel Deal App
The digital age has revolutionized travel planning. Gone are the days of tirelessly seeking the best deals through multiple sources. Today's travel apps often present real-time deals, sometimes in the form of flash sales or irresistible last-minute offers. Opt for bundled deals that provide comprehensive packages, merging flights, hotels, and even car rentals, ensuring you get the maximum bang for your buck. Moreover, user reviews on these platforms are invaluable. They give you a glimpse of what to expect, steering you clear from deals that might seem too good to be true.
Top 5 Travel Deal Apps:
Hopper: It analyzes billions of prices daily to predict how prices will change, helping you get the best deals on flights and hotels.
Going™ (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights): A subscription-based service, it sends alerts about serious flight discounts right to your inbox.
Kayak: By comparing hundreds of sites at once, Kayak ensures you always get the most cost-effective options for all your travel needs.
HotelTonight: Known for last-minute deals on top-rated hotels, it's perfect for spontaneous weekend trips.
Groupon: It offers a wide variety of discounted experiences, from hotels to tours, allowing you to explore premium experiences on a budget.
4. Take a Road Trip
There's something quintessentially summer-like about a road trip. The open road, with its promise of freedom and unexpected discoveries, is alluring. Instead of a rigid itinerary, let spontaneity be your guide. Detour to that quaint village, spend an afternoon by a picturesque lakeside, or explore a hidden trail. Being on the road doesn't mean frequenting expensive rest stops for refreshments. Pack a cooler filled with homemade sandwiches, fresh fruits, and beverages to keep hunger at bay. As for lodgings, consider the rustic charm of campgrounds or the quirky appeal of roadside motels. Platforms like Airbnb can also offer both budget-friendly and unique stays.
Average Cost of a Road Trip:
A week-long road trip might cost between $800 to $1600, accounting for gas, lodging, and food. Cooking meals, choosing less expensive lodging options like campsites, and carpooling can trim down these expenses significantly.
Top Budget-Friendly Road Trip Destinations in the US:
The Pacific Coast Highway in California: This road takes you along stunning coastal cliffs, through quaint seaside villages, and past iconic landmarks like Big Sur and Hearst Castle.
Route 66: Travel back in time along America's "Main Street," where vintage motels, historical landmarks, and old-school diners abound.
The Blue Ridge Parkway: With cascading waterfalls, blooming wildflowers, and panoramic views, this scenic drive is a nature lover's paradise.
5. Use a Travel Card or Loan to Fund a Trip
Financing a trip might initially sound counter-intuitive for a budget travel guide, but with strategic planning, it can be a boon. Many travel credit cards, apart from offering reward points, also present sizable sign-up bonuses, sometimes sufficient to cover significant aspects of your trip. If you're considering a travel loan, the advantage lies in distributing the cost over a period, making the financial load more digestible. Furthermore, some of these financial products provide added travel protections – think insurances for trip cancellations, baggage losses, or rental car damages – which can save unforeseen expenses down the line.
Benefits of Using a Loan to Fund Your Vacation:
Travel loans can help secure funds for your dream vacation without waiting years to save up. With fixed monthly payments and defined loan periods, you can manage your expenses better. Plus, you get to leverage low-interest rates and quick application processes.
Top Travel Credit Cards:
Chase Sapphire Preferred: Its attractive sign-up bonus and double points on travel and dining make it a crowd favorite.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: Earn 2 EarlyBird Check-In®'s each year and 3,000 points on your card anniversary each year.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards for Good Credit: With a flat rewards rate on every purchase, this card takes the complication out of earning and redeeming miles.
While budget travel requires a bit of creativity and planning, it certainly doesn't mean compromising on fun or memorable experiences. With these strategies, you can savor the last bits of summer, create enduring memories, and keep your financial health intact. Remember, the best adventures are often about the stories you create, the people you're with, and the moments you cherish. So, here's to the journey and the joy of discovery that lies in budget-friendly travel!
Safe travels, and remember, adventure doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag!