A dramatic summer of canceled flights, rental car shortages and inflationary woes played a role.
Butinflation is still affecting the average Americans budget, and flights are still more expensive than pre-pandemic levels.
So how can you get out and explore the world without breaking the bank?
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If youre looking to boost your income this month, weve got just the thing for you.
Here are some ways you might keep costs down:
1.
Have a Staycation
Staycationsdont mean you have to stay in your home all week.
Visit Friends and Family
Have loved ones who live in another part of the country or world?
See if theyd be interested in hosting you.
Is Your Paycheck Not Going As Far As It Used To?
We get it.Everythingis more expensive than it used to be, but your paycheck hasnt kept up.
When money is tight,these resourceswill help nearly everyone.
Save on Lodging
Lodging is a major expense when traveling anywhere.
Here are a few tips for saving money on lodging during your summer vacation:
4.
The closer you get to your trip, the more the lodging might cost.
The same applies with vacation rental sites likeAirbnbandVRBO.
Toggle the Total Price Option on Airbnb
Airbnb can lure you into a false sense of savings.
and book it anyway.
Last year, Airbnb enabled a new feature that you have to toggle on.
poke the Display total price toggle before searching for stays.
Consider a Hostel
Hostels arent for everyone, especially families with children.
For instance, you might have to pack your own towel.
And you just may make some friends.
All Smart Credit Card Users:
Debt can get out of control fast.
(Inflation, amiright?)
That doesnt mean you have to let your debt run your life.
Save on Air Travel
Saving money on air travel during the summer is easier said than done.
Here are a few tips for keeping costs lower if youre taking to the skies this summer.
Avoid Weekends
Research shows that the cheapest day to fly is Wednesday.
If your plans are flexible, leave in the middle of the week, rather than on the weekend.
Of course, findingcheap flightsis more nuanced than just avoiding weekends.
Consider how holidays might affect your costs, as well as the on and off seasons of your destination.
(Flights will cost more at peak tourist season for specific destinations.)
When prices drop, act fast and purchase your tickets.
Book a Flight With Layovers
Direct flights are convenient and less stressful, but theyre also more expensive.
If youre not in a rush, choose a flight with a layover to yield lower ticket prices.
Allow time for delays as well.
Use a Rewards Credit Card
The cost of airfare makes travel prohibitive to some families.
Dont Check a Bag
The cost to check a bag can add up.
Airlines charge anywhere from $30 to $90 per bag, one way.
Save on Ground Transportation
Air travel may cost more, but driving can still be expensive.
Here are some ways to save behind the wheel this summer:
13.
Ask for a Hybrid
If renting a car is your only option, prioritize fuel efficiency.
That might mean a sportier sedan or a massive SUV.
Drive a Manual
Traveling abroad?
Many countries outside the U.S. are more proficient in driving stick shifts.
If you know how to drive a manual, select a stick shift abroad.
Understand Your Insurance Needs
Rental car insurance can be a tricky subject.
Thats where your credit card comes in.
Some travel credit cards specifically may offer car insurance coverage if you book the rental car using that card.
However, the coverage may not be as comprehensive as your car insurance back home.
Make notes of what coverage you have, either through your rental booking or a third-party insurance company.
Before renting a car for an international trip, research the countrys train, bus and even ferry internet.
Join a Fuel Rewards Program
Whether youre driving your own car or renting one, join agas rewards program.
Upside keeps track of all your cash back earnings.
Youll get your money in two days or less which could mean extra cash for souvenirs.
Purchase some groceries and make a few meals at your lodging to avoid dining out for every meal.
Even a hotel with counter space and a mini fridge is enough for making sandwiches or salads.
Have a picnic during a hike, or eat some fruits and veggies while people-watching from a town square.
in major tourist areas.
Think Times Square in New York, Fishermans Wharf in San Francisco or the main piazzas in Italian cities.
Instead, venture off the beaten path even just a few blocks away for more reasonably priced meals.
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Ever wondered how millionaires get to be… millionaires?
So we looked into it.
What we found aresimple, millionaire-approved tipsthat anyone can use to manage their money.
But these experiences add up.
Here are some ways to save money on entertainment during your summer vacation:
25.
Search for Free Activities
There are plenty of free things to do in new places.
you’re able to often find free audio guides and podcasts to help you navigate.
Get Outside
Parks are a great way to get to know a city, and theyre often free.
These are more affordable than buying individual tickets at each attraction.
Contributor Timothy Moore has written about personal finance with specialities in banking, taxes and insurance since 2012.
His work has appeared in publications such as Forbes, USA Today and WDW Magazine.
