Plan it Right: Our Top 5 Summer Travel Tips

Everybody loves summer vacation—but few love the increased bills attached. Don’t let summer fun dry up your bank account. If you’re traveling this summer, here are some tips for saving a few bucks.

Pick a location within driving distance

Airfare costs are high—especially during peak travel times like the summer. Choosing a location a few hours from where you live can help you avoid the cost and hassle of flying. There’ll be no need to worry about lost luggage, annoying passengers, or renting a car once you get to your destination. You are in control and will save money in the process!

Find free entertainment

Is your location in an area that requires you to spend extra money on things to do, or is the location itself entertainment enough? Depending on where you visit, you may be able to find free activities that will save you a lot of money. If it’s an area known for natural features like beaches or mountains, plan activities around that. If it’s in a city, try to find free cultural events or exciting areas to visit.

Avoid expensive hotels

Your hotel won’t be the highlight of your trip. A top-notch hotel is nice, but since most of your time won’t be spent there, that money is better put towards something else.

Instead, opt for budget-friendly options, like a Hampton Inn or Best Western. If you want something a bit more unique, you could even check out sites like Airbnb. People rent out their homes for a chunk of time, so you could end up having a whole house to yourself for cheaper than a hotel room would be.

Another alternative is staying with friends or family. You might not have as much privacy, but if you know somebody willing to let you crash at their place for a few days, you could end up saving a few hundred dollars.

Save on food

Eating at the wrong places is the easiest way to spend too much money on vacation. Popular tourist destinations often increase their prices on even the most basic meals. It’s best to find local, lesser known spots to dine. Not only will it give you a better feel for the town, but it will also save you a ton of money.

When it comes to snacks, you could always bring your own from home. Hotels lobbies and other places you’d likely need them charge way more than you’d pay at your local Walmart. Stock up ahead of time to avoid overpaying.

If you really want to save, book a hotel with a kitchenette. That way, you can just buy groceries and put together your own meals.

Be flexible

If you’re not too picky about where you go, just look for the best deal. You could score a great vacation for a low cost, even if the location isn’t your top pick. Websites like Kayak, Travelocity, Expedia, and Travelzoo all are great places to find discounted packages.

If you have the ability, you should also keep an eye out for last-minute sales. While it’s usually best to plan ahead, waiting can be beneficial if there have been cancelations. Flights, hotels, and vacation packages can all be found at discounted rates a day or two before the date.

Win money for your summer getaway!

Fitting a vacation into your summer budget can be tough, especially when dealing with all the other extra costs that summer creates. If you’re an Added Advantage member, you have an opportunity to win up to $1000 to make your summer amazing.

Just call 888.324.3797 to enter. Or, visit the giveaway page for more information.

This giveaway is just one of the many perks our Added Advantage members enjoy. Along with access to special giveaways like this one throughout the year, our Added Advantage member receive specialized support, rewards for everyday banking, and access to lower rates.

If you’re not a member, don’t worry, it’s easy to join! Click here for more information on the program.

Don’t wait. Sign up for the Added Advantage Summer Cash Giveaway today.