How to Plan a Last Minute Summer Vacation

If you've put off planning a summer trip, there's still time to have one on a budget if you plan it soon! Check out our tips below on having a last minute summer vacation on a budget. 

Don't Travel Far

If you're able, travel somewhat locally. Is there a national park with cabins and camping, or a tourist location in your home state? If so, start looking for lodging deals as soon as you decide you want to go on a vacation. If you're able to take time off from work, remember that hotel rates are lower during weekdays than they are on weekends. 

Check websites like Kayak or Trivago to find the most competitive travel and lodging rates. Also, if you have hotel/travel rewards saved up, now would be the time to use them.

Plan and Budget in Advance 

Plan your trip and save the money you need in advance. Stick to this budget and find creative ways to stretch your fund the entire trip. You can break down the whole fund into categories, if it helps you keep track of things. 

For example, have one category for food (groceries and eating out), one for lodging, another for paying for attractions or activities, etc. This will tell you how much you have left for each category on your vacation as you spend — and help to cull excess spending. 

Eat Like a Local

Don't spend excess amounts on food and meals priced for tourists. Research and get to know the area you're traveling to in order to spend as little as possible. Grocery stores are prices for tourists, so consider looking at stores a couple of miles away from any tourist centers in order to get necessities at a reasonable price. 

The same logic goes for restaurants. Beyond that, if you're really trying to keep things on a budget, plan to eat only one meal out per day of your vacation. For your other meals, use things from the grocery store that you can make in your hotel room and pack for your day out. 

Use What You Have

Don't buy a brand new camera, suitcase, or outfit for your trip if you don't have to. Use what you have at home, especially if it's a short weekend trip. Some people are tempted to start spending what cash they set aside for their trip before it's even started; avoid this. If you must buy appropriate weather clothing because you're traveling somewhere with a different climate, do so on a set budget that won't take too much away from your vacation fund.