It’s clear that people are thinking about travel this year, and as you’re reading this article, you’re probably one of them. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a staycation, a cruise, or an excursion, travel is in the plans (and/or hopes) for many Americans. According to an IPX1031 survey of 1,000 participants, over 90% of Americans are planning to travel in 2023. The majority (86%) plan to travel out of state, and about 30% plan to travel internationally.
When RetailMeNot asked 1,000 U.S. consumers about their spring and summer travel plans, it found that 96 percent plan to take at least one trip between March and May. The survey also revealed that price is the most important factor when deciding on vacation experiences and activities. Two-thirds of respondents agreed that inflation, especially the rising cost of transportation, is impacting where and how they travel.
Even if your budget is a concern, traveling is still possible. Getting away from your daily routine, even for a short time, can bring relaxation, fun, fulfillment and health benefits. To help you make these travel plans a reality, we’ve collected some budget vacation ideas from travel and finance experts.
How to plan a trip on a budget
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“Don’t be fooled by Instagram influencers into thinking you can’t travel on a budget, and don’t think traveling isn’t worth it just because you don’t have a lot of money,” Samantha Brown, travel expert and host of the PBS Emmy Award-winning series “Loved Places with Samantha Brown,” told Travel & Leisure.
Along with her encouragement, Brown offered a few suggestions: “Since much of the anxiety of traveling comes from airports and airlines, road trips save both money and stress,” she continued. “Take more road trips in your own vehicle and explore your own state. Travelers rarely think about their own backyards, but they should.”
Along those lines, Brown suggested looking at the National Wildlife Refuge System, which has more than 560 refuges, including 100 urban national wildlife refuges near major metropolitan areas with access to hiking and biking trails, wetlands and thriving animal populations.
Brown added: “Think the opposite way: if it’s summer and everyone is going to the beach, go into town and enjoy free events like outdoor concerts.”
Courtney Areb, consumer finance advocate at Credit Karma, echoed Brown’s suggestion to avoid popular spots during peak season, when prices are sure to be higher. Instead, look for alternative destinations that are similar. Areb added, “A fun trip doesn’t necessarily have to involve flying. Look for destinations within driving distance of your home and find places you can get to nearby.”
Jonathan Alder, A-List Advisor at T+L, agrees that travelers should choose off-season or low-peak times when costs are lower. He suggests considering destinations outside the U.S.: “Many people may think it’s cheaper and better to travel within the U.S., but that hasn’t been the case in recent years. There are so many great countries out there, so consider destinations that might not be the first to come to mind.”
Save on Air Travel
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Christine McGrath, shopping expert at RetailMeNot, suggests signing up for email alerts from tools like Expedia, Travelocity, and Google Flights to be the first to get coupon codes. “Try different travel dates,” she says. “If you have flexibility in your travel plans, check out different flight dates to see if you can find a cheaper fare. Changing your dates by just one day might help you shave off the price of your flight.”
Areb added: “Finding cheap flights is usually easy if you have flexibility in your travel plans. You can often find the best deals by traveling during the week, having a long layover, or taking an overnight flight. Also, book a little early to avoid paying last-minute prices.”
According to travel trend reports from Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo, Sunday is the best day to book and Wednesday is the best day to depart. They recommend allowing one month for domestic bookings and six months for international bookings. Of course, advice on this topic varies, but it’s best to compare and learn as much information as possible before booking.
Save on hotel bills
“There’s no charge for accommodation. Consider house swapping or house sitting, where you can get accommodation for free anywhere in the world,” Brown told T+L, recommending two sites: TrustedHousesitters and Home Exchange.
Meanwhile, McGrath advises, “When it comes to vacation rentals, book as far in advance as possible. Whether you’ve been dreaming of a tropical getaway or are planning to return home for a specific holiday or event, book early. Rates on Vrbo, Airbnb and other vacation rentals tend to be cheaper if you book months, or even weeks, in advance.”
McGrath also suggests booking a vacation package that includes your flight, hotel, and rental car. Not only will you save money, but you’ll know the full cost of your trip when you book, so you won’t be surprised by hotel and rental car prices after buying a bargain flight.
Expedia’s travel trends report notes that there has been a surge in stays at more affordable three-star hotels: “Fewer stars doesn’t mean lower standards – many properties still offer great amenities, stylish interiors and unique ambience – they’re just cheaper.” The report adds: “With almost a quarter of global travellers planning to save money in 2023, it’s important to add value without sacrificing quality.”
Budget travel without debt
According to a survey by Accrue Savings, one in five consumers have borrowed money to travel, with 81 percent owing more than $500. Instead of facing payments for past vacations, the company recommends saving up in advance for a trip.
Areb recommended setting up a separate savings account to give your money a purpose: “Dedicating an account to specific trips will help you see how your savings grow over time and prevent you from accidentally spending money on other things,” and also suggested setting up automatic deductions from your checking account or having a portion of your paycheck automatically deposited into your savings account.
Kristen Gal, retail and shopping expert at Rakuten, understands it’s hard not to buy something to bring home with you: “But it’s important to remember that you don’t need every souvenir that catches your eye. We recommend only buying items that you definitely can’t get at home or that are small enough that they won’t affect the weight of your luggage.”
With these expert suggestions and a creative approach to your own budgeting, now might be the time to start planning a well-deserved vacation.
