Many Americans are already eagerly planning their summer vacations. Unfortunately, the peak travel season often begets soaring airfares and hotel rates, which will lead almost one-third of prospective travelers to take on debt just to fund their dream trip, according to a survey conducted by Bankrate earlier this year.
The financial comparison service also found that nearly one-quarter of Americans have decided to forgo vacationing altogether, with the vast majority citing an inability to afford it.
The good news is that you don’t have to miss out on that much-needed getaway, and you certainly don’t have to rack up credit card bills just to enjoy some time away. With a little careful planning and a bit of budgeting, experts say, affordable travel is possible.
“Budget isn’t a dirty word; it’s a smart one,” LaDell Carter, founder of Royal Expression Travels, told The Epoch Times. “It’s not always about spending less; it’s about spending smarter.”
Here are seven easy ways you can get started doing just that.
Be Flexible About Where You Go
Most people pick their destination before sitting down to iron out their budget. However, Bryce Collins, a marketing executive with Intro Travel, said you should be planning your trip the other way around.
“Pick your destination based on the deal, not the dream,” he said. “Too many people choose a place first and then try to back into a budget—that’s how you blow past your spending cap before you’ve even booked.”
Instead, check global airfare and hotel accommodation prices and then see what fits within your budget.
“You don’t pick the house before knowing the ZIP code—same with travel,” Carter said.
For example, if you’re dreaming of a European getaway to Italy’s Amalfi Coast but can’t afford it, a destination such as the resort town of Marbella in southern Spain would make an equally beautiful—and far more affordable—alternative.
“Same vibes, smarter spend,” Carter said.
Pick Your Travel Day Wisely
It’s no secret that you can easily skirt ghastly summer travel prices by vacationing during the shoulder season, which usually falls in the spring and fall, depending on your destination. However, for those keen on embarking on a warm-weather excursion, there’s still hope for your bank account.
Collins said opting to travel right in between the off-season and peak season may help you save. Early June or late August is the sweet spot, he said.
“It’s quieter, cheaper, and still great weather in most places,” he said. “You’ll lose the crowds without losing the sunshine.”
Expedia also recommends traveling in August. The online travel agency’s 2025 Air Hacks Report, published in January, found the month to be the cheapest time of year to jet-set, both domestically and internationally, with February and March being the most expensive.
Don’t Procrastinate
The early bird really does get the worm—and apparently cheaper flights and accommodations. Airlines and hotels often rely on dynamic pricing to maximize revenue, which entails adjusting daily rates based on demand and other real-time market factors. To avoid these costly price fluctuations, the travel booking app Hopper recommends booking domestic flights and lodging 30 to 60 days ahead of your trip. If you’re traveling internationally, aim to buy tickets three to six months before your departure date.
Carolina Martínez, a communications manager with the free walking tour platform GuruWalk, told The Epoch Times that booking attractions and activities ahead of time is equally as important.
“Many travelers plan their flights and hotels, but leave activities for ‘once we get there,’” Martínez said.
This mistake may come at a high price during the peak summer months, she said.
“Booking in advance not only ensures availability—it also lets you compare options, find better prices, and keep your budget under control,” Martínez said.
Go Beyond the Hotels
Another way to avoid high hotel rates is to avoid staying in a hotel altogether. Instead of getting a room at a prominent hospitality chain such as Hilton, Marriott, or Hyatt, Mercedes Zach, a travel agent with ASAP Tickets, recommended booking alternative accommodations such as hostels, vacation rentals, and Airbnbs, instead.
“Even house-sitting opportunities can significantly reduce costs,” she said.
Membership-based platforms such as Trusted Housesitters, Nomador, and HouseCarers connect homeowners with those who are willing to look after their homes (and sometimes pets) while they’re away, allowing you to score room and board at a fraction of the cost.
Be Savvy With Your Itinerary
Want to have more fun while paying less? Opting for all-inclusive travel packages may help you minimize your overall travel costs, especially if you’re traveling with family or a large group of friends.
“It might seem like a more expensive choice at first, but if you combine all the meals, entertainment, and transportation costs, this option will help you save quite a lot of money at the end of your trip,” Zach said.
Martínez also recommended looking for bundled experiences or combined activity deals so you can get more bang for your buck.
“You’ll often find packages like a city tour plus a wine tasting, or a guided visit followed by a cultural show, for a lower price than booking separately,” she said, noting that this approach can help travelers save both time and money—talk about a win-win.
Do as the Locals Do
Big attractions often come with big crowds—and big fees. To save money, Martínez recommended going beyond the popular tourist traps by connecting with the locals, who’ll likely know the best—and most affordable—hidden gems to explore while you’re on vacation.
“And here’s the bonus: By spending time with local guides, you’ll usually get insider tips on where to eat well for cheap, which museums are free on certain days, and how to get around the city without overspending,” she said.
Always Do Your Research
When it comes to planning your summer vacation, the importance of good research goes without saying. But it’s easy to overlook one important factor while figuring out your budget: currency exchange rates. If you’re traveling internationally, this is an incredibly crucial step for managing your travel expenses wisely, Zach said.
“Understanding the current rate allows travelers to budget more accurately, evaluate local prices, and avoid being overcharged or falling for tourist traps with inflated rates,” she said.
Airport currency exchange kiosks may be convenient, but they can be overpriced and come with hidden fees, sometimes upward of 15 percent.
“I recommend either bringing the ‘right’ currency from back home or going to a local bank branch or a currency exchange counter in town instead, which will end up being a lot cheaper,” Zach said.
How’s that for spending smarter?
