Traveling is a great way to see the world, gain a fresh perspective, and spend time with your family too. The memories you make on your travels, whether you're going to a popular amusement park or camping in the woods, will last a lifetime. As you start planning your next trip, keep these tips in mind to save money on food, lodging, and more.
Pick a destination in advance so you can give yourself time to save up for the trip. Decide on a few things you want to do while you're there, so you have an idea of how much you'll need to budget for.
If you're flying, buy your plane tickets around 8 weeks in advance to get the best price. For shorter trips, consider choosing bus or train tickets. Sometimes it’s cheaper than filling up your tank on long car rides.
Break out your bike or hiking shoes and find a nearby trail1 to explore. Our beautiful Michigan state parks are a great place to start. You can usually trek through natural terrain all day for free or a small fee, plus you'll get a great workout.
If you want to have some fun in the water, try renting a kayak or canoe. Pack a few snacks and make a day of it.
When you’re traveling in an unfamiliar area, the people around you can be the best tour guides. Ask residents for restaurant recommendations or ideas for fun things to do. These people will know the ins and outs of where to get good food and a good deal. All it takes is a little courage to ask.
In many tourist towns, you'll find the price of food hiked up at restaurants and local grocery stores. Before leaving on a road trip, take advantage of your local grocery store deals to stock up on your favorite snacks. Buy a case of water, get stuff to make sandwiches, and pick up some breakfast food. You'll save tons of money in dining costs.
Hotels are expensive and the prices only go up during busy vacation seasons. See what other lodging options are available near your destination. For those brave souls who like to sleep in nature, go camping or rent a cottage. Look into vacation rental websites for better deals and more unique accommodations. If you stay at a local bed and breakfast, you'll usually get a free meal with your stay too.
If you're going to a big tourist attraction, chances are there's a hidden price reduction somewhere. Do a little research, or ask, if there are discounts for families, children under a certain age, group rates, or any discounts for credit union members.
Avoid the temptation of overspending and buy a Visa® gift card before you go on your trip. This way you'll stay on budget, and you won't have to carry around large amounts of cash. When the balance on the card is low, you'll know it's time to head home.
When everyone has a long weekend, they tend to have the same idea: Get out of town. Food, transportation, and lodging costs all soar during holiday weekends, especially if you're traveling to a popular destination. Enjoy the long weekend at home and plan a cookout with friends and family. As a bonus, you'll avoid the potential hours wasted in traffic.
Talk to your friends and family and see if they, or anyone they know, has a vacation home. It never hurts to ask if you can use their place for a weekend. Even if they charge you a fee, it'll still be cheaper than a hotel and you'll get to enjoy all the comforts of home.
Remember to add us to your travel checklist. Give us a call at 888.267.7200 or stop by a branch and let us know that you're heading out of town so we can make a note on your account.
It's possible to take a break from your day-to-day and explore something new when you get creative with your budget and travel plans. Enjoy seeing the world and making new memories with your family.
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