Summer travel is officially on: 53% of Americans say they’re taking a trip, and they’re budgeting a cool $4,606 to do it, according to a recent Deloitte study. But, news flash: you don’t need five grand to have a good time, whether you’re heading on a major vacay or just road tripping for the weekend.
That’s where this guide comes in: it’s packed with smart spending hacks, low-stress planning tips, and high-reward fun. Whether you’ve got a solid vacation fund saved up or you’re piecing together summer plans on a tighter travel budget, we’ve got you covered with ways to make the most of every hard-earned dollar. Grab your sunscreen and let’s go!
Need access to cash to cover summer travel expenses without taking out a loan? Instacash® lets you access up to $500 of your paycheck early—perfect for helping with booking that flight deal or covering last-minute trip costs.
And consider other Earned Wage Access providers with help from MoneyLion:
1. Save in advance: Building your vacation fund
The secret to stress-free summer travel isn’t just in the planning; it’s also in the budgeting for travel long before you ever hit “book now” and start dreaming of beachside mojitos 🍹.
Set it and forget it: Automate transfers into a travel fund. Just $50 a week = $1,000+ in five months. That’s enough to cover flights and a few fancy cocktails.
Map out your travel budget: Transportation, lodging, food, activities, emergency tacos — plan for it all.
Trim the fluff: Skip the daily latte for a month, and you’ve earned yourself a beachfront Airbnb (well, at least a parking spot near it).
Want more tips on how to save for a vacation without losing your mind? We’ve got lots of ‘em.
Look into MoneyLion for help tracking your everyday spending — future you will thank present you for this power move:
2. Destinations and travel: Where will your summer story unfold?
Choosing the right summer travel destinations is half the battle. (The other half? Making sure you actually packed your charger.)
Need some inspo? Check out these travel guides:
👉 Summer Travel Trends 2025: 10 Ways Smart Travelers Are Avoiding Crowds: From hidden gems to “calmcations,” these insider tips will help you get space to breathe and enjoy your well-deserved vacay.
👉 20 Best Cheapest Places to Travel in the U.S.: Whether your vibe is small town, busy city or somewhere in between, these wallet-friendly gems will stretch your dollar further.
👉 25 Fun Vacation Spots for Young Adults in the U.S.: Feeling beachy? Placid? Lively? Clubby? We’ve got a hot list that’ll satisfy any type.
👉 21 Best Places to Travel on a Budget in 2025: Yes, you can stretch your funds without sacrificing fun.
👉 21 Best Travel Dupes in 2025: Experience More for Less: Iconic vibes without the sticker shock: These destinations are as compelling in many ways as their more famous counterparts.
👉 21 Best Cheap Vacations for Couples in 2025: You can get the best of all worlds when it comes to adventure, romance, and allowing your dollars to work smarter.
Pro tip: Want to lower your travel costs fast? Pick a destination within driving distance, or sub in a lesser-known town near a big-name destination. Your wallet (and your feed) will thank you.
3. Getting there: Transportation that won’t break the bank
Travel smarter, not pricier. Whether you’re hopping on a flight or going full road warrior, here’s how to help cut the cost:
For flights: Use fare comparison tools and set price alerts. Tuesday afternoons and Wednesday mornings often reveal the best deals for summer travel.
👉 18 Tips for How to Save Money On Flights
👉 How to Travel for Free in 2025
Road tripping? Calculate fuel costs in advance with apps like GasBuddy, and factor in overnight stays for longer journeys.
👉 How to Road Trip Without Going Broke
Consider TSA PreCheck: Highly recommended if you fly frequently — skipping those long security lines is the ultimate power move.
Travel mid-week when possible: flying Tuesday through Thursday can save you hundreds compared to weekend departures.
Check credit card offers: Oftentimes, travel insurance or points that can be converted to miles, you might be sitting on free flights without even knowing it.
👉 Explore Best Travel Credit Cards
👉 How Do Miles Work on Credit Cards?
Flexibility is your secret weapon: Being able to shift your travel dates by just a day or two can unlock serious savings.
👉 Travel Must-Haves: 7 Travel Essentials in 2025 for When You’re on the Go
4. Hack it up: Maximize fun, minimize spending
Once you’ve figured out where to go this summer, learn how to go there on a budget without cutting out the fun. Here’s how:
Budget Travel Tips: Use them all, from public transit to off-season booking hacks.
How to Travel Europe on a Budget: The Euro’s not cheap, but your trip can be.
How to Save Money on Holiday Travel: On-vacation spending often isn’t factored into the budget, and it can be dizzying when the bill comes.
Best Budget Travel Insurance: Don’t skip insurance. Just make sure it covers what you actually need it to, and not 900 other things.
Free Summer Activities: Vacay or staycay, make summer memorable without paying for every second.
Summer Bucket List Ideas: Affordable fun, one check-off at a time.
More budget travel hacks
You don’t have to spend big to live large on vacation. These small shifts make a big impact:
Use hotel rooms for sleeping: Don’t blow your travel budget on thread count and marble tubs if you’re spending most of your day out exploring. Book simple, clean accommodations and put the savings toward memorable experiences.
👉 Explore the 12 Best Airbnb Alternatives for Your Next Vacation Rental
Hit up grocery stores for breakfast and lunch: Skip the overpriced hotel buffet and pick up local snacks, fruit, or sandwich fixings instead. You’ll spend less and get a more authentic taste of the destination. Save your cash for that splurge-worthy dinner you’ll be dreaming about later.
Seek out free attractions: From national parks and beaches to art walks and museums with free admission days, every city has something incredible that costs absolutely nothing. Bonus: they’re often less crowded and more unique than the big-ticket spots.
Buy city passes that bundle experiences: Planning to hit multiple attractions? Many cities offer passes that cover museums, tours, transit, and more at a deep discount. Do the math—it usually pays off after just two or three stops.
Pack a reusable water bottle and snacks: Airport pretzels and theme park sodas add up fast. Stay hydrated and hangry-free by packing your own water bottle and some high-protein snacks. It’s an easy win for your wallet and your mood.
Use public transportation like a local: Cabs and rideshares can drain your travel budget in a flash. Trains, buses, and even bike shares are cheaper, better for the planet, and give you a local’s view of the city. Bonus: you’ll see places you might have missed otherwise.
Go Big on Memories, Not Expenses
Summer getaways don’t have to wreck your finances. With a little planning, a few travel hacks, and the right tools in your pocket (ahem, MoneyLion), you can jet off into the sunset while your savings stay intact.
Whether you’re planning the best summer destinations on a shoestring or just figuring out how to travel on a budget and still live your best life, now’s the time to start. Smart travel is the new luxury.
FAQs
When should I start planning my summer travel?
The earlier, the better. Ideally 4 to 6 months in advance if you want the best deals on flights, hotels, and experiences.
What are the cheapest months for summer travel?
Late August and early June tend to have the best prices, but that’s just a very general guideline. Prices vary heavily based on destination and demand. Here’s a sure bet, though: Avoid peak holiday times like Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day if you want to save.
How much should I budget for a week-long summer travel vacation?
It varies widely by destination, budget, and tons of other factors, but figure $1,500 to $2,000 for two people on a typical domestic one-week trip. Then use our travel budget tips to reduce that number bigtime.
