Summer is the perfect time for a break—school’s out, the weather is beautiful and many families look forward to getting away for a much-needed vacation. But with travel costs, dining out and extra activities, summer fun can quickly turn into a financial headache.

Staying on budget doesn’t mean skipping the trip; it just means being intentional with your spending and finding cheaper ways to travel. We’re here to help you enjoy your summer vacation without draining your wallet. Here are some practical tips to help you stay on budget while on vacation.

 

Plan Ahead and Set a Realistic Budget

Start with a vacation budget that covers everything—transportation, lodging, food, entertainment, souvenirs and even tips. Be realistic about what you can afford and what you want to spend. Try breaking down your budget into daily spending limits. This helps prevent going overboard on the first day and scrambling to save money by the end of your trip.

 

Choose Budget-Friendly Destinations

You don’t have to fly across the world to enjoy a great summer vacation. Look for destinations within driving distance to save on airfare. National parks and state parks often offer affordable lodging and free or low-cost activities. Even a well-planned staycation can be just as rewarding—local attractions, museums or outdoor adventures offer fun without the travel expenses.

If you do plan to fly, compare prices across airlines, use travel rewards points if you have them and be flexible with your travel dates to get lower fares.

 

Use Rewards or Cash Back

If you’ve been saving up points on a rewards credit card or earning cash back, this is the perfect time to redeem those benefits. You may be able to score deals on flights or hotel stays. Just be sure to pay off any card balances in full to avoid interest charges that can cancel out your savings.

 

Book in Advance and Look for Deals

Booking early often means lower prices and more availability. Use travel comparison sites to shop for the best deals on flights, hotels and activities. Also, don’t overlook discount sites, member perks (like AAA) or special promo codes. Being flexible with your travel dates can also lead to big savings.

 

Cut Costs on Lodging and Food

Lodging can be one of the biggest vacation expenses, but there are ways to save. Consider renting a vacation home with a kitchen so you can cook meals instead of dining out for every meal. Look into hotel alternatives like Airbnb or VRBO or stay with friends or family if possible.

Pack snacks, refillable water bottles and even a cooler with groceries to reduce the temptation of costly convenience food. Budgeting one or two meals out instead of dining out for every meal can save you hundreds.

 

Use Cash for Daily Expenses

It’s easy to lose track of spending when you swipe a card all day. Consider withdrawing your daily spending limit in cash so you have a physical reminder of how much you have left. If you prefer to use a card, many mobile banking apps allow you to set budget alerts or track your spending in real-time.

 

Skip the Souvenir Overload

Souvenirs can be tempting, especially when you're trying to bring a piece of your vacation home. Set a small budget for mementos and stick to meaningful items like postcards, photos or locally made goods. Sometimes, the best souvenirs are the memories you create—not the things you buy.

 

Avoid Last-Minute Splurges

End-of-trip purchases can throw off your entire budget. Before you commit to that pricey spa treatment or spontaneous event, ask yourself if it’s worth going over budget. Planning a few splurges in advance gives you something to look forward to—without the guilt.

Summer vacations should be relaxing, not stressful. By planning ahead, choosing affordable options and keeping an eye on your spending, you can enjoy a memorable trip without the financial strain.

Still need more money to fund your summer vacation? If you’re a homeowner, our Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) lets you borrow money at a low cost for things like vacation expenses. We also have Signature Loans and Lines of Credit that can help fund your summer vacation.