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 the biggest travel expenses for families is food, but a little planning can help you save quite a bit of money. If possible, book a hotel that includes breakfast or has a small kitchen, microwave, or refrigerator so you can prepare some meals yourself. When you’re on the road, consider stopping at local grocery stores for prepared foods or fresh snacks instead of eating every meal at restaurants. It can also pay to venture away from the main tourist areas, where prices are often higher, and ask locals for affordable dining recommendations. Before your trip, check deal sites for restaurant discounts, and if you’re a AAA member, look into dining card savings. These simple steps can help stretch your vacation budget while still allowing your family to enjoy great food along the way.
Week Three:
Airfare prices have been higher than usual lately, but there are still ways to save money if you’re planning a trip. One of the best strategies is to stay flexible. Instead of focusing on just one destination, keep a list of several places you’d like to visit and watch for deals. Flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays is often cheaper than traveling on weekends, and sometimes booking two separate one-way tickets can cost less than a traditional round-trip fare. It’s also worth checking nearby airports, which may offer lower prices than larger, busier hubs.
Another easy way to cut travel costs is to pack light. Checked bag fees can add up quickly, especially for families, so consider sticking to carry-on luggage if possible. Before heading to the airport, stock up on snacks and drinks since airport food and in-flight purchases can be surprisingly expensive. A little flexibility and planning can go a long way toward helping your travel budget stretch further this summer.
Week Four:
One thing I’ve learned from years of traveling is that a few simple hotel hacks can make your stay easier and even save you some money. Before booking, it’s worth checking the hotel’s own website to compare rates and joining their loyalty program, since members often get perks like free Wi-Fi or discounts. When you first get to your room, leave your luggage in the bathroom and take a quick look around the mattress for signs of bed bugs before unpacking. It only takes a minute and can save you a major headache later. If your room has a coffee maker, you can also use the hot water for things like oatmeal, tea, or instant noodles.
Another tip is to make sure you don’t forget valuables in the room safe. One easy trick is to leave something you know you’ll need, like your socks, inside the safe so you won’t forget to check it before leaving. And perhaps the most valuable travel tip of all is to be kind to hotel employees. A friendly attitude goes a long way, especially when problems arise, and sometimes that kindness can even lead to perks like a late checkout or an upgraded room. A little courtesy and preparation can help make your travels smoother and more enjoyable.
Week Five:
Sometimes the best way to save money on airfare is to let the deals choose your destination. A great tool for this is Google Flights’ Explore feature, which lets you enter your home airport and browse airfare prices to destinations all over the world. You might discover an incredible deal to a place you hadn’t even considered, whether it’s a quick domestic getaway or an international adventure. Just plug in your home airport, and then check out the best deals to cities around the world! If your travel dates and destination are flexible, you could end up saving hundreds of dollars while still taking an unforgettable trip. Spending just a few minutes exploring flight deals could be the first step toward your next vacation.
Week Six:
One of the best ways to enjoy a relaxing vacation is to avoid the crowds altogether. While popular destinations are popular for a reason, there are often lesser-known parks, beaches, and attractions nearby that offer the same beautiful scenery without the long lines and packed parking lots. A little research before your trip can help you discover hidden gems that are quieter, less expensive, and just as memorable. Sometimes the best vacation isn’t about going where everyone else is. It’s about finding a peaceful place where you can truly slow down, recharge, and enjoy your time away.
Week Seven:
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 Ryolite 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 Eight:
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 Nine:
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.