by Those Traveling Petersons
Let’s face it—summer travel can drain your bank account faster than your kids can yell “Are we there yet?” But here at Those Traveling Petersons, we believe in soaking up all the sunshine, memories, and adventure without burning through your entire savings.
So, we put our sandals together and came up with our favorite tried-and-true ways to make summer travel more affordable (and just as awesome).
✈️ 1. Be Date-Flexible (Your Wallet Will Thank You)
Airfare and hotel prices are like moody teenagers—they fluctuate a lot. Use tools like Google Flights or Hopper to spot the cheapest travel days. Mid-week flights and late August trips often cost way less than peak July weekends,
🏨 2. Skip the Hotel—Try Vacation Rentals or Family Suites
Traveling with kids? Hotels can get cramped fast. Vacation rentals not only give you more space to breathe, but many come with kitchens (hello, savings on eating out!). And don’t overlook family suites at budget chains—they’re often cheaper than booking two rooms. We have had a ton of success booking houses for large family trips using Vrbo. Using their filters helps you really find a place that suits you best. ***Tip: you don’t get the exact address for the property until close to your stay, so use the time before booking (or before the date of stay) to research the neighborhood. Reach out to friends you might know in the area, or people who have traveled there, to get a better idea of where you’re going to visit.
🍽️ 3. Cook (or Picnic!) Like a Local
Yes, we love trying the local food scene too—but eating out every meal adds up fast. Pick up groceries for simple breakfasts, picnic lunches, or even dinner on the beach. Bonus: kids think PB&J tastes better on a picnic blanket. Booking houses or rooms with kitchens saves us a ton of money now that our kids no longer get the kids menu prices!
🚗 4. Drive Instead of Fly (When It Makes Sense)
If your destination is within a reasonable drive, pack up the car and hit the road! You’ll save on airfare, airport snacks, and baggage fees—and road trip playlists are basically a core memory waiting to happen.
🎟️ 5. Look for Free Attractions (They’re Often the Best Anyway)
Museums with free days, local festivals, splash pads, hikes, beaches, national parks—there’s a treasure trove of fun that doesn’t cost a dime. A little pre-trip research goes a long way. A lot of places offer free options for teachers, first responders, military, and more. Do your research see which ways you can save.
💰 6. Use Credit Card Points or Rewards
If you’ve got travel rewards just sitting there, now’s the time to use them! Flights, hotels, even rental cars can often be booked with points. Just remember to check expiration dates. We have booked a ton of flights using our Southwest points that we wouldn’t have been able to do had we been paying cash. Using our Southwest credit card has helped us rack up points that we can then turn into free flights.
🛒 7. Pack Smart & Avoid Buying Essentials on the Go
Ever paid $6 for sunscreen at a hotel gift shop? Yeah, us too. Make a packing list and double check it. Packing reusable water bottles, snacks, and even small toys can save serious cash.
🏖️ 8. Travel with Friends or Family (and Split Costs!)
Vacationing with others means shared Airbnbs, group meals, and built-in babysitters. It’s a win-win… unless someone doesn’t take their turn doing the dishes.
🎢 9. Check for Bundled Deals and Passes
City tourism passes, bundled attraction tickets, and discount combo packages are lifesavers. You’ll often get access to multiple attractions for the price of one or two. Score!
🌍 10. Think Outside the Tourist Box
Instead of heading to the most popular (read: expensive) destinations, look for hidden gems! State parks, small towns, and underrated beach towns can give you all the fun—without the crowds or price tag.
Bottom Line:
You can have an unforgettable summer adventure without going broke. It just takes a little planning, a lot of creativity, and maybe one less $8 airport smoothie. 😉
Got your own favorite money-saving tip? Drop it in the comments—sharing is caring, especially when it comes to travel hacks!
Until the next adventure,
✈️🚗🌎
Those Traveling Petersons
Those Traveling Petersons 