Are you ready for a vacation? According to The Vacationer’s™ 2025 Summer Travel Survey, more than 80% of Americans plan to take a trip this summer.¹ Whether you’re planning the trip of a lifetime or a quick weekend getaway, take some time to consider these five tips for traveling on a budget.

1. Choose your vacation priorities.

Decide where you’re willing to spend more and where you’re open to cutting costs. Do you need to rent a car, or would taking public transit give you more flexibility to visit exceptional restaurants, for example? Would you rather splurge on a luxury hotel or save on accommodations so you can enjoy more experiences? Defining your priorities helps you balance comfort and cost so you get the best value for what matters most to you.

2. Set a budget and start saving.

A vacation should bring you joy, not post-trip stress. Plan out what you expect to spend on transportation, lodging, food, activities and extras. The more detailed your plan, the easier it is to avoid overspending. To stay on track, consider opening a dedicated savings account, like a Club Account, just for travel.² That way, your vacation fund stays separate and secure.

3. Book flights at the right time.

No one has a foolproof solution for getting the absolute rock-bottom rate on flights since rates fluctuate day to day, hour by hour. But there are some best practices for finding the most reasonable rates available. According to CheapAir’s flight shopping guide, the sweet spot for reasonable fares is one to three months before departure for domestic flights and three to six months in advance for international flights. That means you shouldn’t until a couple of weeks before your trip when airlines capitalize on urgent travel needs and raise rates.

Use online tools to compare fares and set price alerts to track changes. When you find a flight within your budget, quickly make a move to book it.

4. Compare before you commit.

Comparison shopping can lead to big savings. Shop around online using travel tools, such as Expedia or Kayak, to find the best rates for your trip.³ Just be sure to factor in any hidden fees. And remember, sometimes booking directly with a hotel can get you the best rate or additional perks.

5. Embrace off-season travel.

If your dates are flexible, traveling during off-peak months can lead to major savings. Destinations that are packed in the summer are often more affordable (and less crowded) during the shoulder seasons. With fewer tourists, you’ll save on flights, accommodations and attractions while enjoying a more relaxed experience.

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean missing out. With a little planning and some savvy saving, you can enjoy the vacation you’ve been dreaming about — without the financial stress. Wherever your journey takes you, we hope these tips help you make it unforgettable.

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