You're Probably Paying Too Much for Summer Travel -- Here Are 3 Ways To Save
If you feel like the only place you can afford to go this summer is to bed, worry not, because you may have more options than you realize. Sometimes, that means finding a more budget-friendly way to hit the road. Other times, it means reshaping the image you have of what that dream vacation looks like, and finding that your newer version is actually more fun.
On his pioneering travel blog, budget travel expert Matthew Kepnes, aka Nomadic Matt, emphasizes, “Budget travel is not solely about spending less; it’s about getting the best value for your money.”
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It's true; don’t need a huge budget to take a great trip. With a few strategies that are outside the box, you can find ways to travel with a wallet that is thin enough to be bathing suit-ready. The key is knowing where the hidden savings are. Here are a few little‑known ways to make summer travel way more affordable.
Find a Hidden Gem of a Destination for Much Much Less
One of the biggest travel myths is that booking as early as possible guarantees the best deal. In reality, timing matters more than speed. According to travel data from Dollar Flight Club, booking domestic flights one to three months in advance and flying midweek can significantly reduce costs.
But that’s just booking. Before you join everyone who wants to go to Disney World or that poppin' beach during the summer, do some research. You can find lesser-known destinations that offer a unique experience at a far better price. Booking shoulder season travel doesn’t hurt either.
For example, if you want a week at the beach, you might skip over that tourist destination for a town a few miles over. You might find that, for a few extra minutes' drive to the beach, you'll get cheaper hotel rates and food prices that don't give you indigestion, while also enjoying fewer crowds and more local charm. Or if your kids are clamoring for a day at a theme park, you could find one that is a shorter drive, closer to home.
Stack Your Savings by Building Out Your Vacation From One Spot
Travel influencer Deryn Russell of Inside the Upgrade shared, “Even a basic travel rewards card can help you book flights worth thousands of dollars,” thanks to points and perks. Stack your savings in one place like this:
Credit card points plus sale fares
Cashback plus discounted gift cards
Rewards plus promo codes
In other words, if you pick a central hub, like one booking platform, city or town, based around the destinations surrounding, you can save a buck or several. Using all of your travel perks and picking a central location for your adventures allows you to skip the airfare and save money by renting a car or even using your vehicle. You'll also get to stay in one hotel, which means you won't be playing hopscotch with nightly rates.
Take a Staycation
Summer travel is one of the best parts of the year, but it can get expensive fast. Between soaring airfare prices, higher hotel rates, and overall travel costs in 2026, even a short trip can feel like a major financial commitment.
In fact, Going.com says there has been a pretty big uptick in price thanks to travel being high in demand, with flights and accommodations often costing significantly more during peak summer months. Not to mention, the ever-rising cost of gas and issues with airlines losing funding.
If you really want to reduce your travel costs, you can always forgo them entirely to take a staycation. Now, a staycation doesn't mean you stay holed up in your home, binging your favorite shows (though there's no shame in that). It can be a prime opportunity to get out and explore your own city.
Are there destinations you haven't had a chance to see yet? Hit 'em up now. Do you want to splurge on the gourmet restaurant that earned a rave review in your local paper? Since you're saving on all other costs, why not make a fun night of it?
Laura Bogart contributed to the reporting for this article.
To help Americans navigate the added cost of summer, MoneyLion is giving away $1,000 every day through July 4. Enter the Summer Break Giveaway here (No pur. nec. Ends 7/4/26. See Official Rules at mlion.info/summerbreakofficialrules)
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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