Smart Ways to Save on Summer Travel

Did summer sneak up on you? You’re not alone. Life moves fast, and vacation planning often gets pushed aside. But it’s not too late to enjoy a fun trip—without overspending. To help you save, consider the following five questions and discover practical travel budgeting tips

How much can I realistically afford? 
When you’re planning at the last minute, it’s easy to pay more than necessary. But taking just a few minutes to define your budget can make all the difference. Look honestly at what you can spend—and set a goal that you’ll stick to. With a little foresight, you can experience a memorable getaway without financial regret.

💡 Try this: If you have a credit card with travel rewards, use it for all trip expenses so you can earn points—but pay it off in full to stay debt-free. 

What is my vacation priority? 
Defining your top priority—whether it’s adventure, relaxation, or quality time with your family—can guide how you budget your money. If new experiences matter most, look for off-the-beaten-path activities. If connecting with your kids is key, check out great places for family vacations. Focus your spending on what will make the trip meaningful to you.

💡 Try this: Use filters on travel booking sites to find options that match your priorities. Look for terms like “family-friendly,” “near hiking trails,” or “unique stays.”

• Your destination: Being open to alternative locations can help you find similar experiences for a lower cost. For instance, instead of a getaway to the Caribbean, consider a beach vacation in California or North Carolina.
• Your trip dates: Flights and hotels are often cheaper midweek—especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
• Your mode of travel: Driving can save you hundreds of dollars—compared to a last-minute flight—plus you get the freedom to explore along the way.
  
  

💡 Try this: Use a flexible flight search tool that lets you compare destinations and dates based on price. You might uncover a fantastic deal on a place you hadn’t considered. 

• Stay just outside major tourist areas. Vacation rentals, motels, or hostels on the edge of a city are usually far cheaper—but still close enough to explore the area easily.
• Book a place with a kitchenette. Making your own breakfast and packing snacks can save a significant amount over your trip.
• Use public transportation. It’s often cheaper than taxis or ride-shares and lets you experience the local vibe.
  
  

💡 Try this: Check local deal sites or coupon apps for discounts on dining, tours, and attractions at your destination.

• Search YouTube and social media. Travel content creators often spotlight lesser-known destinations and provide reviews that you won’t find in traditional guidebooks.
• Explore last-minute travel platforms. Some apps and websites specialize in steep discounts for last-minute vacation deals on hotels, flights, or vacation packages when time is short and inventory is high.
• Set fare alerts. Many travel search engines let you track specific routes or dates and get notified if prices drop.

💡 Try this: Use a private or incognito browser when searching for flights or hotels. Some sites track your repeated searches and may raise prices. Browsing privately helps avoid dynamic pricing tricks.

• Make a vacation savings plan, and set aside a little each month—it adds up fast. Use Excite’s How Much Can You Save? calculator to see how your savings can grow with interest.
• Take advantage of all the outstanding features of Excite’s Visa® Travel Rewards card, which gives you one point for every dollar you spend and the opportunity to earn up to 3,000 bonus points in the first 60 days. Check it out!
  
  

At Excite Credit Union, we want you to enjoy every moment of your vacation and give yourself a head start on the next one.