Budget Friendly Travel Tips

Traveling on a Budget: Local Getaways and Money-Saving Tips

The sun is shining, the weather looks ideal and the thought of a vacation sounds too good to pass up. Did you save enough to make it happen?

When it comes to vacations, it seems like there is never enough time to budget for all the activities you want to do. Whether you have money set aside or have a way to go before you meet your savings goal, we can help! In this article we will explore budget-friendly travel tips for both local and far-away trips without sacrificing fun.

Let’s discover new ways to save money, plan smart and maximize your vacation budget with common financial tools!

Plan Ahead for Budget-Friendly Travel 

Planning for your vacation is crucial. When it comes to cost, every expense matters. That means you should consider every purchase from big to small while planning. Start by listing out your major travel expenses like lodging, transportation, meals and activities, and then building a budget around them. Considering each of these can help reduce stress and unexpected costs down the road.

Need help creating a personal budget before the vacation even begins? We can help with that too. Check out our article A Complete Guide to Budgeting for more information.

Best Time to Travel

While it may be fun to take a trip on a holiday weekend or during a big event, chances are prices around that time will skyrocket. Consider planning your visit during the offseason or the week after the busy season.

Travel Hack: Door County, Wisconsin 

Door County is a summer favorite, especially during the month of July. But July brings high prices and big crowds. Instead, try visiting in late August or early fall. You’ll enjoy beautiful weather, fewer tourists and lower prices on lodging and attractions.

Local Weather

Before you book, research typical weather for your destination. Unexpected storms or extreme heat can put a damper on your plans and lead to extra costs for last-minute gear.

To stay ahead of surprise expenses, pack smart with versatile clothing, and always prepare for the forecast.

Travel Insurance

Things happen on vacation like lost luggage, injuries, medical emergencies and flight cancelations. This is where travel insurance comes in handy. While it may not be an immediate savings, it can save you a lot of money in the long run if something happens during your trip.

If you’re planning a family trip, look into low-cost coverage that can protect your vacation plans!

Transportation Options 

Remember to weigh your transportation options. A 24-hour drive may end up costing more than a quick flight, or a train ticket could be much cheaper than flying.  

Additionally, think about how you’ll get around when you arrive at your destination. A rental car, bus tickets or ride shares can add up fast.

Budget Tip! It’s always a good idea to budget solely for the cost of getting there first.

Local Culture and Events 

Take some time to look up local or cultural events in the area that you’re visiting. You may be able to enjoy some free festivals, get cheap food at a local market or see something incredibly unique! These are great ways to enhance your trip without adding additional costs.

Explore Affordable Wisconsin Getaways 

Looking for something local? Wisconsin is packed with hidden gems and affordable vacation spots that are right in your backyard. Try visiting one of these locations.

• Devil’s Lake State Park
• Lake Geneva
• Door County
• New Glarus
• Wisconsin Dells
• The Apostle Islands
• Copper Falls State Park

These spots make for great short family-friendly trips, solo travels or quick couples retreats.

Choose Destinations That Fit Your Lifestyle 

When it comes to affordable getaways, double-check that they work with your travel budget and situation. Consider your lifestyle when planning a trip to get the most bang for your buck.

Family Trips: 

• Camp midweek to avoid the weekend rush and prices
• Consider vacation rentals with kitchens to reduce food costs 

Solo Travel:  

• Look into State Park hikes, audio tours, budget hostels or Airbnb rooms
• Find group classes or community events to join

Couples Getaways:  

• Try weekend staycations in your nearby city or a two-night getaway in a low-tourist area
• Look into package deals designed for couples

Make the Most of Credit Card Rewards

If you have a Landmark Rewards Credit Card, now’s the time to use it! If you don’t already know, every time you make a purchase with a Rewards Card you earn points. You can redeem your points to save on travel costs.

Use your travel point for:

• Airfare
• Hotel Stays
• Cruises
• Gas
• Car Rentals
• Vacation Packages

Budget Tip! You can combine points with Rewards Checking to score rewards even faster.

Hotel and Flight Savings Tips

Lodging and airfare are often the two biggest vacation expenses. Here's how you can keep those costs in check. Knowing the best time to book a flight or hotel is just as important as shopping for the best price. To get you started, here are a few common tips to help you save in the long run.

Hotel Savings Tips

• Third-party websites may tack on fees, call a hotel and book directly to avoid them
• Avoid Fridays for check-in and Sundays for check out
• Booking your vacation on a Monday or Tuesday is usually cheaper 
• Taking the risk of booking the day before on a short trip often has reduced prices

Flight Saving Tips

• Departing on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday is usually cheaper than weekends
• Consider a flight with a layover, they can be as much as 20% cheaper
• Price shop by looking at other airports for the same destination
• Use Hopper or Google Flights as a price tracker to get the best deals
• Use your rewards points or travel card to get discounted or free tickets

Set a Daily Travel Budget 

When you arrive at your destination, sit down, lounge and relax as much as possible. But always remember to keep a budget in the back of your mind as you do. If you can stick to a daily budget, you won’t overspend or impulse buy (as much). The last thing you want to do is run out of vacation money halfway through the trip.

A great way to keep a consistent budget in your head is to prepare a simple spreadsheet at home before you leave. Break things out into simple categories like food, entertainment, transportation etc.

Then, try to remember your daily budget for each category. That way you won’t have to carry the spreadsheet with you on the trip. This kind of detailed planning can help eliminate guesswork and the potential of going over budget.

Meal Saving Tips 

• Stick to eating out for one big meal a day rather than breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Meal prep before your trip or when you arrive
• Go to a local grocery store or market for cheap snacks
• Bring a reusable water bottle
• Take advantage of complimentary breakfasts at hotels

Entertainment Saving Tips 

• Look for free museum days, city passes or walking tours 
• Plan one splurge activity and fill the rest with budget-friendly options 
• Look for local outdoor events like live bands, art shows or festivals

Use Digital Tools to Stay on Track  

So how do you stay on top of all these travel hacks? By tracking your spending of course! Check out Track Spending in Digital Banking to get a clear picture of your cashflow during vacation. It’s a great tool that can help you track expense categories like food, gas and entertainment.

You can also use it for budget check-ins, setting spending limits and a post-trip budget review. Learn more about Track Spending and all the other benefits that Digital Banking has to offer!

CTA: Explore Now

The Bottom Line

You don’t need to spend big to enjoy a memorable trip. With a few budget-friendly travel tips, like smart planning or taking advantage of your credit card rewards, you can create unforgettable experiences that match your lifestyle.

Whether you’re exploring affordable Wisconsin getaways or looking for ways to travel on a budget across the country, these strategies can help you make the most of your travel goals without missing out on the fun!