How to Save Big on Your Summer Staycation

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You might think rising inflation will ruin your summer vacation plans. Fortunately, an enjoyable family vacation is possible at a reasonable price point. Known as a “staycation,” it can be a great way to save money and have a fun and memorable time with your loved ones. Here are some tips to help you plan a budget-friendly staycation this summer.

What Is a Staycation?

Family vacations are where memories are made. But when inflation begins to nip at your family’s finances, can you save your vacation while saving money? The answer is an emphatic “yes” – thanks to staycations.

A staycation is a type of vacation spent at home or nearby rather than traveling afar. It usually involves engaging in local activities, exploring nearby attractions, or simply relaxing at home. Staycations are often seen as a more cost-effective and convenient alternative to traditional vacations, as they eliminate the need for expensive travel and accommodations.

Staycations have numerous benefits, including:

Save money Explore your region You time instead of travel time
Improve work/life balance No airports No passport of visa needed
Try local spots you haven't been More time with family Don't have to leave pets at home

Tips for Planning Your Next Staycation

How can you save money while exploring your local region? Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be well on your way!

Plan Ahead

Planning is a great tip, no matter the topic. Planning a staycation isn’t unlike planning a trip to the Maldives, Spain, or Alberta. Make a list of activities you want to do and places you want to visit. Museums, local markets, and theme parks are great ways to enjoy the excitement of a place like Disney – without the exorbitant hotel costs.

Parks and beaches are a great way to escape the city’s hustle – substituting crashing waves for the loud din of taxis and busses. Research discounts and coupons for local attractions and events. Also, check out free or low-cost options like parks, beaches, and museums.

Set a Budget

Set a budget for your staycation – and stick to it. Calculate how much money you can realistically spend on food, activities, and transportation. Since a regional trip likely won’t involve airfare, plan to spend on things like ga. Make sure to factor in any special events or activities that may cost more than your typical monthly budget.

If you live in a popular tourist destination, like Miami, Las Vegas, or NYC, plan your trip around quieter times when tourism is at its lowest point. Planning to do this can significantly lower the costs of things like hotels, gas, attraction prices, and even food.

Take a Road Trip

Road trips are a great way to get out and explore. Even better, road trips give you the flexibility to follow the twists, turns, and interesting roadside attractions that dot the American landscape. Before you hit the road, choose a destination within driving distance, and plan a route that includes fun stops.

To stick to the budget, consider packing a picnic lunch and snacks to save money on meals. Picnics and road trips are also ideal for camping – another great way to enjoy all America offers. Go for a hike, ride bikes, or picnic in the park. Spending time in nature can be a great way to recharge and connect with your family.

Summing it Up

A staycation is a great way to save money while still enjoying quality family time. Before starting your staycation make sure to follow a few simple steps. First, create a manageable budget, then work around that budget to create a local or regional getaway that helps your family bond – and recharge – at the same time. A rewards credit card is a great way to stretch a thin budget or to provide protections like purchase protection, travel insurance, and zero fraud liability. Cash back is a versatile rewards system, offering easy redemption and easy-to-understand savings.

And if you need a handy quick guide to surviving – and thriving – with a credit card on your next summer staycation, here you go:

Plan Ahead Take the time to carefully consider all aspects of your summer trip. One smart idea is to discover locations typically considered "winter" spots. Going to the mountains in the off-season can not only save you money, but can help avoid large crowds
Avoid Cash ATMs sometimes fall victim to skimming devices that can steal your banking details without you even noticing. Credit cards or debit cards are a great way to avoid carrying huge amounts of cash, and can help you escape the danger of a skimming device.
Use Credit While debit cards provide some protections , credit cards are especially designed to help keep you safe from fraud charges. All major credit cards offer $0 fraud liability and the ability to make a chargeback. Chargebacks allow credit cardholders to regain their money from an unscrupulous or dishonest merchant.
Contact Your Bank Even if your summer plans involve a staycation, it's always best to let your bank know if you plan to take (and use) your credit card out of state (or country). Alerting your card issuer about travel plans can help them monitor your charges for fraud while not automatically denying any suspicious, distant purchases.
Check Your Perks Before you hit the rad make sure to double check that you know everything your credit card offers. Perks aren't just from banks or major looyalty programs. Your Visa, mastercard, Amex, or Discover credit card might come with special beenfits, like hotel discounts, rental car savings, and more. Always read the fine print of your card beenfits guide - you never know what you might find!

Related Article: Best Road Trip Credit Cards

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About: Cory Santos
Cory Santos

Cory is the senior credit card editor at BestCards, specializing in everything credit card-related. He’s worked extensively with credit cards and other personal finance topics, including nearly five years at BestCards. Cory’s extensive knowledge is an essential part of the BestCards experience, helping readers to live their best financial lives with up-to-date insights and comprehensive coverage of all facets of the credit card space, including market trends, rewards guides, credit advice, and comprehensive credit card reviews.

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