5 tips to make traveling more cost-effective this summer

Dreaming about faraway, exotic locales for your summer vacation? Or maybe getting lost in museums and enjoying good food in new-to-you places is more your speed. Either way, your summer travel bucket list could come with a pretty (not really) price tag. May through September is peak travel season for many destinations, and that makes the summertime an expensive time to travel. Here are five tips to help you keep costs down and stay within your budget on vacation.

1. Look for free fun 

No matter where you travel, there are free and low-cost activities to help you enjoy the sights and get a taste of the local attractions. Poke through local listings, travel sites, and apps for free museum days, hiking trails, nature preserves, and points of interest that are free to the public. 

During the summer, there might be street festivals, free concerts or movies in the park, and community yoga or exercise classes. For example, when I traveled to Hawaii last year, the boutique hotel offered free admission to Honolulu art museums and cultural attractions. 

Related: Fun summer vacation ideas to try on a tight budget

2. Pass on airline frills

Baggage fees and airline seat selection costs add up quickly. Beat the airlines at their own game by passing on those perks and saving the money for fun at your destination instead. You could easily save $100 per person or more by saying “No, thank you” to checking bags and choosing seats. 

If someone walked up and offered you and your travel partner cash to sit apart, would you take it? What if it was enough money to cover dinner at your destination? If you’re traveling solo or with other adults, consider saving money by allowing the airline to assign your seat at check-in. 

Avoid a checked baggage fee by traveling lighter. Challenge yourself to pack light and do laundry mid-trip. Pack neutral mix-and-match pieces in light, wrinkle-free fabrics. Plan to wear layers. 

Don’t forget to leave room in your bag for those souvenirs and special finds you’ll spot on your travels. 

3. Consider travel insurance 

Travel insurance could cover related expenses should you need to make last-minute changes, experience a snag in your travel plans, suffer an illness during the trip, or lose your luggage.

Travel insurance doesn't always cost money. Some travel credit cards offer perks such as lost baggage reimbursement, travel delay coverage, and trip cancellation and interruption insurance for travel that’s purchased with the card. 

Likewise, your credit card or car insurance provider might cover you in a rental car.

4. Cook if you can 

Consider cooking some of your meals if your accommodations have a small kitchen. (This is a  great reason to try to book vacation homes instead of hotel rooms.) Exploring local grocery stores or farmers markets can be an adventure in itself, and you could save a significant chunk of cash if you don’t have to eat three meals a day at restaurants. For example, prepare your own breakfast and snacks to tide you over throughout the day, and limit your restaurant meals to one per day.

5. Enjoy happy hours and lunches 

Skip the evening crowds and enjoy comparable menus by dining during lunch. You may get smaller portions, but you may also shell out less dough. Check out happy hour menus, too, which could replace a full dinner and help you spend less on food throughout your travels. 

This doesn't mean you can’t  enjoy a nice dinner out. Wherever you decide to dine, be selective and make it memorable. Choose a few spots that feature standout offerings or breathtaking views. 

Summer vacations don't have to be a budget buster. Avoid putting everything on credit and digging a debt hole by being resourceful, planning ahead, and using out-of-the-box tactics that help you have a great (and cost-effective) time.