4 Ways To Spend Less and Save More on Summer Vacation

For families, a little planning can go a long way in stretching your vacation budget. If you’re wondering how to save money while on vacation, small choices — like timing meals, checking credit card perks, and booking free or low-cost activities ahead of time — can add up to real savings without cutting into the fun.

Summer’s here! For many families, that means vacation time. For plenty of households, a tax refund helps make those trips happen, covering flights, booking a beach rental, or finally saying yes to that theme park visit.

But here’s the thing: If you know ways to save money while on vacation, you don’t have to spend your whole refund to have a great trip. You can still do the getaway — camping, visiting family, theme parks, beach days — and keep more of that money for savings, emergencies, or whatever’s next.

With a few smart choices, you can soak up the fun and still have some of that refund waiting for you when you get home.

Get the hotel that’s right for your family

Many families get nickel-and-dimed because they chose the wrong type of hotel. Sure, a place might advertise rooms at 25% off, but if it doesn’t include basics like breakfast or Wi-Fi, are you really saving money? Add in resort fees, parking, or daily internet charges, and that “deal” can quickly turn into a money pit.

It may have already happened to you, where you think you’re getting a great deal with a nice hotel, but it doesn’t include breakfast or the internet (unless you are willing to pay extra). While breakfast may not have been expensive, the lack of free Wi-Fi can get old fast. 

Not planning ahead can cost money that could’ve been used on other parts of your trip. It’s important to compare the total cost (not just the nightly rate) before booking.

Plan your meals

Most of us love eating out and trying new things on vacation–but nobody wants to go broke doing it. If you’re wondering how to save money on food while on vacation, there are a few easy ways to make it work. 

Besides taking advantage of hotel breakfasts, having a simple plan for your meals can help you save money and still expand your palate. Dinner is usually more expensive at restaurants, even when they’re serving the same dishes as lunch. If your family is willing to catch the tail end of the lunch menu, you can enjoy an early dinner around 4 p.m. at a lower price. You can also split entrees or look for local lunch specials; portions are often big enough to share and cost less than dinner pricing. Heading somewhere else for dessert later can also be a fun way to explore the area.

If your hotel has a kitchenette or even a full kitchen, you might even be able to cook a meal or two and save some money while eating healthy at the same time!

Think twice about travel and rental insurance

Before you buy travel insurance or take up the car rental company’s insurance “deal,” call your credit card and car insurance company to see if you already have some protection. There’s no need to pay twice for coverage you may already have.

Many credit cards (especially travel or rewards cards) come with built-in perks that can cover parts of your trip. For example, some offer rental car insurance (often called collision damage waiver), which can cover damage or theft of the vehicle when you use the card to pay. Others include trip cancellation or interruption coverage, which may reimburse you if your plans change due to certain covered reasons. You might also have baggage protection for lost or delayed luggage, or even travel accident insurance.

Coverage varies by card, so it’s worth checking your benefits guide or calling the number on the back of your card before you travel. A quick call could save you money and give you peace of mind without paying for extras you don’t need.

Save on souvenirs

Many people like bringing home souvenirs for family during trips, and finding deals can mean big savings. Not every place has that option, but you can still look beyond the tourist zone for better prices. At many beach spots, going just a few miles outside the main area can help you find great gifts at a much lower cost. Local grocery stores, pharmacies, and retail stores often carry similar items without the tourist markup. Many times, you can also find the option to buy 2 items for the price of 1, saving you quite a bit of money on bigger-ticket items. This can add up to big savings when you’re buying items for a lot of people in your life.

Take advantage of all of these tips, and you might find yourself with a little extra cash after your family vacation is over.