5 summer vacation tips that don’t bite your pockets

We all know and have experienced that summer vacations can be the most taxing period to travel. It is that time of the year when rail, road and airfares soar and hotels are on peak tariff.

Whether it’s a small family of four, large family of 7 or even a multigenerational family summer vacation can fail to leave those lasting memories and desired joy without advanced planning and budgeting.

Imagine a vacation where you enjoy every moment from travel to stop overs, bonus new member stay, food, hiking, rafting, sight-seeing and shopping and the list is endless; Where the siblings let their hair down singing, dancing and having weird mix of milkshakes and tea cakes for breakfast while the elders indulge in everything that makes them feel a decade younger. Every individual or family needs to take time off for bonding and renewing the connection. Traveling to new places near and far helps learn new things, rejuvenating our mind and body.

Here are 5 great summer vacation tips that don’t need deep pockets for US parents, adapted from Expedia that will help make the most of your summer travel this year.

  1. Book early

Like I said, don’t wait until the Independence Day streamers are in the supermarket. You can save big bucks by booking ahead. Do your research now. Expedia data shows the best hotel rates are available at least 21-28 days out so the more planning you do, the better! The same is true of flights where booking three weeks out can mean big savings. A recent fare search indicated that an economy ticket between Europe and the United States fetched nearly $2,000 when booked within 21 days before departure, but decreased to less than $1,300 when booked more than three weeks in advance, savings of almost $700 per traveler.

  1. Package and save

Bundling your hotel and flight together can generate significant savings. Booking a package unlocks great rates, which means more spending money to make your family vacation extra special! A family of four can save up to 30 percent off a trip to London, or more than $2,500, or 25 percent off a trip to Mexico, or up to $1,450, just by booking their flight and hotel at the exact same time. Heading to Florida or California? Save more than 15 percent or 20 percent respectively by bundling your flight and hotel when you book.

  1. Book Member Only Deals

The latest trend to hit the travel scene is a concept called Member Only Deals. Just by creating an account or signing into an existing Expedia account before you start searching for a hotel reveals special member only deals on hotels—10 percent off more than 70,000 participating hotels. That’s huge savings just by logging in. 

  1. Stay somewhere different

Keen to take the kids to New York but worried biting off the Big Apple is more than you can chew? Save money by staying in the Financial District rather than Times Square, where hotels charge top dollar. Staying out of the traditional tourist spots is a great chance to experience different neighborhoods, and in places like Battery Park City, there are new cafés and restaurants opening all the time. Plus, it actually feels like the real New York.

  1. Make the most out of deals—and help saving children’s lives

Expedia supports the most magical place, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and with summer travel coupons you’ll have the chance to give back to the hospital through your purchases.

The St. Jude Hospital is a truly amazing place, it looks and feels more like a child’s fantasy elementary school than a medical facility and has helped find cures for everything from pediatric forms of leukemia to sickle cell anemia. We even have them to thank for their work on the flu vaccine! Last year our Dream Adventures program brought the power of travel to kids who need the feeling of getting away most, and with your help we want to continue sharing the joy of travel with these brave children. For more information and coupon terms and conditions, visit expedia.com/summervacation.

Whether your family is big or small, multigenerational or includes the dog and cat, these 5 great summer vacation tips will help you have a memorable summer vacation without biting your pockets.

Let’s know your practical tips for saving on summer vacations?