How to travel and SAVE money this summer!

Something about summertime gets everyone’s feet feeling itchy – the clock was set in grade school and now every year the craving for summer vacation goes off inside of us like an alarm. Maybe you plan your big trip all year and save up to splurge on a dream vacay…or maybe you’re like the rest of us and are dying to just get out of town without breaking the bank. Here are a few ways to enjoy a getaway and still pay rent!

1. Set a flexible travel date and set a flight alert.
Sites and apps like Airfare Watchdog or Hopper make finding affordable flights a breeze; sometimes they’re even too good to be true! If your travel dates are flexible (and sometimes even if they’re not) you can search for the least expensive days to fly in and out or set up an email alert to shoot you a message whenever fares go down. As soon as you see that too-good-to-be-true fare don’t hesitate, just book it!
2. Pack lightly.
Easier said than done? Not really. Search efficient packing techniques to master the t-shirt roll that saves SO MUCH space. Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane. Bring easy layers that can make several different outfits using different combinations of the same clothing. If you can fit everything into your carry-on you’re saving the cash to check a bag, plus the potential disaster of lost luggage!
3. Drive!
Destination not too far? Traveling with a small group? Road trip it! With everyone pitching in for gas the cost will be exponentially less than flying, plus you can take shifts driving to make sure no one gets burned out (and you get there faster).
4. Camp instead of getting a hotel.
Seriously, what says summertime more than s’mores over a campfire? Get in tune with the outdoors and save beaucoup bucks by grabbing a campsite along the way to your destination – or better yet, make it your destination! National parks make for incredible getaways and almost always host campgrounds.
5. Get an Airbnb or hotel room with a kitchen.
Last but possibly most important: You will save so much money by hitting the market and cooking a few meals rather than going out. Also, bring your own spirits! The cost of a glass of wine or cocktail at a restaurant is basically the price of a whole bottle that could provide multiple drinks in the coziness of your rented lodging. Cheers!