How to Travel on a Budget (6 Smart Money Travel Tips)

Planning a vacation? We’re sharing six smart money tips to help you make the most of your vacation budget. See how to save money on vacation and stay in control of your travel budget so you can enjoy a relaxing vacation that won’t put stress on your bank account.

How to Save Money on Vacation

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your vacation to the fullest. It just requires a plan. Here are some tips to help you plan your retreat at the best price.

1. Start planning early

Give yourself plenty of time to plan, research and find the best deal. Start planning anywhere from six to 12 months for big trips, like international travel. Give yourself two to three months to plan shorter or local trips.

Added bonus? Planning your vacation early means you have time to save for the trip. Use our five tips to get your finances in order and reach savings goals faster.

If you’ve already started saving for that dream vacation, you can make the most of it by putting that money in a 12-month CD, which typically offers higher rates than other types of savings options. Remember that the funds in a CD mature over time, and penalties apply if you withdraw money early so make sure your trip is at least 12 months away. Learn more about CD accounts, how they work, and the benefits of opening one.

2. Check different dates to fly

If you’re flying to your vacation destination, this tip can save you hundreds of dollars on the cost of airfare. According to Nerdwallet, Tuesday and Wednesday are the cheapest days of the week to fly, while Friday and Sunday are the most expensive. Compare and see what you can save before booking.

3. Book your hotel, car rental, and flight together

Bundling your hotel, car rental and flight isn’t just convenient; it can save you money. Bundling can unlock special, lower-priced rates on travel sites that can save you a hundred dollars or more, even if you’re just bundling your flight and hotel. When booking online, compare package prices between competitors and watch out for fees that can undercut potential savings.

4. Use credit card travel reward points

Have a credit card with travel rewards points? Cash in to book your vacation. Most travel rewards cards fall into one of three categories: airline miles, hotel points, or travel points.

Contact your card provider to determine what you’re entitled to and how you can redeem rewards. Even if you can’t use your points to book your accommodations completely, you may be able to offset costs or enjoy free perks like room upgrades and other hotel amenities.

5. Travel during the off-season

Visiting a destination during its off-season can help you save money and avoid crowds. Travel to a warm-weather location, like Florida, the Caribbean, or the Mediterranean, in the fall, or visit a traditional winter destination, like Finland or Iceland, in the summer or fall.

Avoid booking during holidays and school breaks whenever possible; these dates will have price spikes even in the off-season.

6. Pack what you need

Packing properly means you don’t have to waste money or time shopping for things you already have at home. It’s always wise to bring a pair of jeans, a hoodie, a waterproof jacket, and sunscreen wherever you go. Research the location’s weather for the time of year you’ll be visiting and the activities you’re planning, and pack accordingly.

How to Save Money for Vacation

Setting up a dedicated account for your vacation fund is a good idea. You can open a separate savings account and contribute to it weekly or biweekly. For example, if you plan one year in advance of your trip and save $50 a week, you’ll have $2,600 for your trip.

BrioDirect’s High-Yield Savings account makes saving for your vacation easy. All you need is $25 to open an account, and there are no minimum balance requirements and no monthly maintenance fees – so you can grow your vacation fund faster.

Your BrioDirect account comes with free access to the Mobile Banking App, which allows you to set up recurring transfers to automate savings. Download it in the App Store or Google Play, or learn more about the Mobile Banking App and its features.

BrioDirect is ready to help you save for the vacation of your dreams—and everything else you want to do. Learn more about opening a High-Yield Savings Account.

Want more savings tips? Check out our tips on setting and reaching financial goals.