Summer Vacation on a Budget

Harsh winter months may have you wishing it were summer, or that you could jet set to a tropical paradise. With savvy money and travel planning, your island getaway can become a reality!

Set up a vacation fund

Landmark Credit Union savings accounts can be a fantastic way to set aside money for your summer vacation. All you have to do is set up the account and contribute to it. By using direct deposit or payroll deduction, your vacation fund will grow even faster as you’ll be contributing to it regularly!

Plan, plan and plan some more

Planning for your vacation is crucial, from the big expenses to the small ones. Once you have your destination set, figure out when you’ll be vacationing there. Once you have the dates finalized, the next step is to arrange for your transportation. Whether you’re traveling by plane, train or rental car, it is important that you have your tickets or rentals booked sooner rather than later. For international flights, many travel agencies recommend booking your trip 90 days in advance for better prices, or traveling on a Tuesday or Saturday. Booking your tickets early saves you money in the long run. The same goes for where you’ll be staying while on vacation. When you’re booking, trying to bundle your transportation and accommodations, via a reputable travel website, to save even more on your travel expenses. Whether it’s a hotel, Airbnb or a rental, having those details set up ahead of time will save you time and money.

Create a budget

Before you leave, create a list of things you’ll purchase while on vacation and decide how much money you want to spend on each item on your list. When on vacation, people often spend money on:

• Food
• Souvenirs
• Entertainment

Before leaving for your trip, see if you can find deals and coupons for the various things you would like to spend money on. Whether it’s a day at a waterpark or dinner and a show, it’s always a good idea to investigate ways you can save money on these expenses.

Use a card with travel benefits

Make sure to bring your Landmark credit card with you. You can earn rewards points or cash back on all purchases while traveling. With our Rewards Visa card, you can earn double points on all gas and restaurant purchases, while our Cash Back Visa card allows you to take advantage of exclusive cardholder benefit, such as roadside assistance and lost luggage reimbursement.

Traveling is a great experience that every person should be able to partake in. With smart planning and savvy money saving skills, your dreams of travel could become a reality!