By Andrea Woroch, Consumer Savings Expert
Summer is the perfect time to get away with your family and spend quality time together. As an alternative to shelling out for a week long vacation, taking off for a few weekend trips from June to August will allow you to enjoy different experiences throughout the season while creating lasting memories for less. Tacking on an additional day to the weekend is also smart since it provides that extra bit of time for travel. This way can truly enjoy the destination and feel more refreshed.
With some flexibility and thoughtful planning, you can save big bucks on even the smallest trips.
Avoid holiday weekends.
Traveling over peak weekends like the Fourth of July and Labor Day aren’t just busier, they’re more expensive too. Everything from airfare to car rentals to a place to sleep cost more during popular holidays, so you’re better off avoiding the crowds and cutting costs by planning your trip for less popular weekends.
Choose a close by destination.
AAA just reported gas prices are lower than they’ve been in years, and airfares spike during the summer, especially over the weekend. Not only will choosing a destination you can drive to save you money, but you’ll avoid potential airport delays and long security lines. Check AAA’s Fuel Calculator to estimate your fuel use, and tap into the GasBuddy app to find the cheapest gas prices along your route.
Rent a vacation home.
Hotels aren’t your only option when it comes to accommodation. Renting a home is a great alternative since you get double the space for half the cost with a lot more privacy too. HomeAway offers over a million rental homes worldwide so you can always find a place that meets your needs and budget. Plus, they offer a Book with Confidence Guarantee and 24/7 customer service, so you get the protection and assurance a hotel offers while saving money.
Prepare your own meals.
Eating out for every meal will take a huge bite out of your travel budget. When you HomeAway, you’re already saving money because you will have access to a kitchen so you can prepare your own meals. Get creative by hosting a backyard barbecue or clam bake to cut costs without cutting the fun.
Bring Fido along.
Pet owners often overlook the additional costs that come with hiring a sitter or boarding their furry friends while they’re away, but this extra expense adds up quickly. Since your dog or cat is more like a family member, bring him or her along with you! HomeAway offers many comfortable rental homes that allow pets. Select “pet-friendly” in the search criteria and review the many options available at your desired destination to find the perfect home away from home with your best friend.
Plan activities in advance.
While you don’t want to jam pack your weekend schedule with too many activities and come home more tired than relaxed, winging it can also backfire. Going away without a plan could cause you to waste time trying to decide what to do and see. Some tour companies will even offer discounts to travelers who pre-book online.
Get the most of your getaway by planning things to do in advance. Speak directly with the vacation rental homeowner who can provide you with some ideas. As a HomeAway homeowner myself, I am always excited to suggest activities or restaurant recommendations with my guests. You can also use the FieldTrip app to find cool spots to visit and shops to explore while you’re on-the-go.
Happy travels!