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.