Summertime is a great time for a family vacation! For years, friends have asked me to share my cheap travel secrets…so I have decided to finally spill all of my secret tips to help your family lower your travel costs! So whether you are planning a trip to the old country or just a stay-cation in Central Florida, you’ll have fun and save some cash!
Join Tyler and me on Wednesdays at 7:15 through June and July for some weekly vacation advice.
– Ellis
Z88.3 Mornings with Ellis and Tyler
Week One:
One smart travel tip that I learned the hard way, is to always keep backup copies of all your important travel details. That includes things like your hotel reservation, flight info, rental car confirmation, and passport. Keep a printed copy tucked safely in your bag and a digital version on your phone, either saved in your email or as photos. It’s also a good idea to take pictures of your passport and driver’s license in case your wallet gets lost or stolen. Having those images can make it easier to get help or prove your identity. You never expect something to go wrong, but being prepared with backup info can save you a lot of stress and keep your trip on track.
Week Two:
One of my favorite travel tips is simple, but it can make a big impact on your trip: try to go where others aren’t. Since COVID, some of the most popular travel spots, especially national parks and beaches, have become more crowded than ever. Places like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone, and well-known beaches like Daytona and Clearwater are stunning, but they’re often packed with tourists.
Instead, consider taking the road less traveled. There are plenty of underrated national parks that offer breathtaking views without the crowds. For example, North Cascades National Park in Washington is nicknamed the “American Alps” and it’s absolutely gorgeous, yet hardly anyone visits. Great Basin National Park in Nevada is home to the state’s last surviving glacier and gets very little foot traffic. Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado has dramatic cliffs and deep canyons that are just as impressive as more famous parks.
The same idea works for beach trips. Rather than heading to the usual hot spots, try places like Santa Rosa Beach near Destin, Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin, or the peaceful shores of Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys. These beaches are beautiful and much less crowded, which makes for a more relaxing escape.
With a little research and a sense of adventure, you can find quiet, beautiful places that many people overlook. If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway, try going where others aren’t. You just might discover your new favorite destination.
Week Three:
If you’re planning a road trip this summer, here’s a tip that can change the whole experience: make the road trip part of the adventure, not just a way to get from point A to point B. For years, I was the type of person who focused only on “making good time.” It wasn’t much fun for my passengers, and honestly, I missed out on a lot.
Over time, I’ve learned that the journey itself can be just as memorable as the destination. Try planning stops along the way that give everyone something to enjoy. There are so many quirky, unexpected places you might never visit otherwise. The Roadside America app is a great tool for discovering fun roadside attractions. That’s how I ended up exploring the Royal Ghost Town in Nevada and visiting the Longaberger basket building in Ohio. One of my favorite surprises was the Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho, which ended up being more memorable than the final stop in Seattle.
Food is another great way to make your road trip special. The website roadfood.com helps you find local favorites along your route. It led me to a date milkshake in Palm Springs, a garbage plate in western New York, and some classic diners in New Jersey. If you’re headed through Georgia, you might want to try a Stuckey’s pecan log roll.
A little planning can turn a long drive into a trip full of discoveries and stories to tell. Make the road trip the destination, and your family will thank you for it.
Week Four:
Trying local food is one of the best parts of traveling, but eating out for every meal can get expensive fast, especially with a family. One of the best ways to enjoy local flavor without blowing your budget is to plan a few picnics along the way.
For around $25, you can feed the whole family by stopping at a local grocery store or market. Grab some bread, lunch meat, fresh fruit, maybe something fun from the deli or prepared foods section, and you’re set. All you need is a nice view. I’ve had memorable picnics overlooking Niagara Falls, along the Blue Ridge Parkway, on the Pacific Coast, and even on the grass near the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just pack a reusable lunch bag, some paper plates, and utensils, and you’re good to go.
Picnics turn an ordinary lunch into part of the adventure. You’ll save money, try something new, and make memories you’ll talk about long after the trip is over.
Let’s be honest. Sometimes the hardest part of a trip is just getting there. Flights get delayed, cars break down, plans fall apart, and it can all get frustrating very quickly. But there’s one thing that can make a huge difference in how you handle those moments: patience.
Things will go wrong now and then, and often there’s nothing you can do to fix it right away. Getting upset doesn’t help, but patience can. It helps you stay calm, think clearly, and adjust to whatever comes your way. I’ve seen travelers yelling at gate agents, but that only makes things worse. The person you are speaking to is often the one who can help you, so being kind and respectful can make a big difference.
Patience also helps us show empathy, not just to the people trying to help us, but to other travelers who are likely dealing with their own stress. If more of us made patience part of our travel plans, we might all enjoy the journey a little more, even when things go off track.
Week Six:
People often ask me what apps I use to help plan and enjoy my trips. There are a ton out there, but these five are my go-to every time.
- TripAdvisor is a must. It gives you reviews, photos, and tips for things to do at your destination. It also helps you spot places to avoid, and it makes it easier to figure out what’s worth your time. Plus, it compares prices from different sites so you can find the best hotel rates.
- Trivago is another great option for comparing hotel prices quickly. It helps you see which sites have the best deals without bouncing between apps.
- Google Translate comes in handy if you’re traveling internationally, or even to places where English isn’t always the first language. Just speak into your phone, and it translates instantly. It’s a lifesaver when you’re trying to communicate on the go.
- Rome2Rio is all about getting from point A to point B. Whether you’re figuring out how to get from the airport to your hotel or planning a multi-city trip, it shows you all the transportation options, along with cost and time estimates.
- Atlas Obscura is a fun one. It helps you find unusual, off-the-beaten-path attractions wherever you’re going. If you’re looking for something quirky or different, this is the app to check.
These five apps have made my travels smoother, more affordable, and a lot more interesting. Give them a try on your next trip.
Week Seven:
One of the best things you can do to make your trip easier is to pack light. I’ve seen people dragging around oversized suitcases through airports, and honestly, it’s just not worth it. Over the years, I’ve learned to travel with only a carry-on and a small personal bag.
I roll my clothes tightly to save space and sometimes even use a bungee cord to compress everything. It all fits in a 21-inch carry-on suitcase, and I bring a backpack or day bag as my personal item. That’s it.
It helps to pack a limited wardrobe and not worry about repeating outfits. People won’t notice, and you’ll appreciate the simplicity. Plan to do laundry while you travel. That might mean using a local laundromat, dropping your clothes off at a wash-and-fold service, or just washing a few things in the sink and hanging them to dry in the shower. It’s all part of the adventure.
Also, resist the urge to pack for every “just in case” situation. Bring travel-size toiletries, and remember that unless you’re heading deep into the jungle, there will probably be a store nearby if you really need something. Keep it simple and pack smart.
Week Eight:
Back-to-school season is right around the corner, but there’s still time to squeeze in one more summer getaway, and you might even save money while doing it. Late summer often means lower rates for flights, hotels, and cruises as companies try to fill remaining vacancies. If you can be flexible and spontaneous, you can score some great deals.
When it comes to flights, timing your searches can make a difference. Checking airline prices early in the morning, around 4 a.m., can sometimes reveal seats that were released overnight. It also helps to fly midweek (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays). Don’t forget to check multiple times a day, as prices fluctuate.
Flexibility with destinations can save you money too. Instead of heading to the most popular beaches or cities, consider exploring lesser-known spots or smaller national parks. You might be surprised by how much fun you can have in places that aren’t as crowded.
If cruising is on your mind, now is the time for last-minute deals. Booking 60 to 15 days before departure can offer significant savings, even if you don’t get the best cabin. Looking at alternate ports beyond the big names like Port Canaveral or Tampa can also help you save.
With just a little flexibility and smart timing, you can enjoy a final burst of summer fun without overspending.