Chris O'Shea
It’s almost vacation time, and that means you should already be in planning mode. That’s because the best way to avoid overspending on a vacation is to strategize before the trip arrives. Here are some ways to stay out of debt when planning a summer vacation.
Start Saving
To prevent going into debt for your vacation, you’ll need to start saving for this summer trip.
- Find a high-yield savings account.
- Look at online banks, credit unions, or banks to find the best rates.
- Open a separate account, dedicated to your “vacation fund.”
- Set up automatic deposits to make saving easier.
Find a Place
This proactive approach to debt-free vacation planning requires a little prep work.
- Do some research on affordable places to stay.
- If you want to hit the beach, search for popular beaches and then find one close by.
- They will not only be less crowded but also cheaper.
Think “Off-Peak”
Another way to save money on a summer vacation is to go during off-peak times. Once you find your destination:
- Research the “most popular times” for that destination.
- Pick an “off-peak” time to go.
- Doing this will allow you to prevent going into more debt, and you’ll save a bundle.
Look for Deals
Now that you have your destination and time frame locked down, search for deals and discounts. That means looking for deals, rewards, and discounts on everything from hotels, flights, restaurants, and activities near where you’re staying.
Do One Thing: Plan your summer trip in detail so that you can avoid going into debt.
Jean Chatzky
