A Smarter Way to Use Your Vacation Budget

Vacation costs are up. Airfare is surging. Gas is past $4 a gallon nationally. And with roughly 120 million Americans expected to travel this summer, prices aren't coming down anytime soon. The average traveler will spend nearly $4,000 on a trip this year.

That doesn't mean you have to stay home. With the right moves, you can still travel well for less.

Find a cheaper flight

Use Google Flights or Hopper to track prices and get alerts when fares drop.
Try Skiplagged for "hidden city" ticketing—book a flight with a layover at your destination and get off there (carry-on only).
Travel during shoulder season (just before or after peak) to cut airfare by 20–33%.

Choose your destination

Choosing a lower cost-of-living destination does more than cut your hotel bill — it lowers your food, transport, and activity costs too. Cities like Reno, Nevada, El Paso, Texas, or international spots in South America and Southeast Asia can stretch your dollar significantly.

Save on where you shop

Book early—the best-value properties sell out fast.
Rent a place with a kitchen. For a week-long group trip, cooking even a few meals can save hundreds.
For groups, a vacation rental through Airbnb or VRBO often beats booking multiple hotel rooms.

Pro tip:

For last-minute trips, check hotel prices 48 hours before arrival—that's when many hotels release discounted inventory.

Know what you'll actually spend

A realistic budget for a one-week domestic trip runs $2,000–$2,275 per person, including:

$263/night for lodging
$100+/day for food and activities
Add a 10–15% buffer for resort fees, parking, and other surprises

Build your travel fund without thinking about it. Open a dedicated Club savings account and set up automatic bi-weekly deposits. Small cuts — coffee, takeout — add up fast. Saving $210/month gets you $1,260 in six months.

References: AvantStay, Inc., That Travelista, Nevada Huvenaars