Key Takeaways

• • • Careful planning, including setting a budget, can make your summer vacation worry-free.
    • Determining the timing for your vacation can help save money.
    • Planning activities ahead of time and keeping your travel companions’ preferences in mind help avoid disappointment.
    • Consider a staycation as an alternative to traveling.

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    It’s summer, and that means vacation time! Whether you prefer relaxing by the pool, going on a road trip to explore national parks, or jetting off to points unknown for adventure, having a plan in place makes all the difference.

    When you plan your vacation (and your vacation budget), you’re much more likely to enjoy all the fun things you want to do without worrying about the cost. Knowing you can afford your plans makes your vacation less stressful.

    What Comes First, the Budget or the Destination? It Depends.

    The amount you’re able to budget for a vacation will likely dictate your destination. On the other hand, if a trip to Egypt to see the pyramids, an African safari or two weeks in Europe are on your dream list, you may set your budget based on that dream vacation.

    Either way, thoughtful planning is essential. Start by deciding what’s most important to you. If you’re a foodie who wants to explore local cuisine, budget for restaurants rather than groceries. Or if you’re staying in an Airbnb, you could make a few meals yourself and use that savings to take a fun cooking class at your destination.

    According to a 2024 Bankrate article, a one-week vacation in the U.S. for one person costs about $1,991; that number jumps to $3,982 for two people. Including summer vacation in your yearly budget means you’ll have money set aside when you’re ready to go.

    One great tool to help you save for a vacation is Goals*, part of Lake City Bank Digital. Simply enter the amount you need to save and the date you need to save it by and Goals helps you set up automatic transfers to make sure it happens.

    Flying? Consider Timing.

    Thinking about when you travel can save you a lot of money, especially when flying. Here are some tips that can help you spend less:

    • Choose the right time: Flying during the week is often cheaper than flying on weekends. This can make a big difference in how much your tickets cost.
    • Shop around: Look at reputable websites like Expedia, Google Flights, and Kayak to compare prices and find the best deal for your flight.
    • Travel light: Try to bring only what the airline lets you carry on, like a small bag and a personal item. This saves you money on checked bags and time waiting for luggage when you land.
    • Plan ahead: Booking your ticket early is usually cheaper than waiting until the last minute. It’s a good way to save money for your trip.

    Road Trip!

    If flying is too expensive, a road trip might be a better choice. Traveling by car also gives you the freedom to stop and explore fun places along the way and take scenic routes. Making the journey part of your adventure can make your trip really memorable!

    Consider your accommodation options.

    Thinking about where you’ll stay on your trip is just as important as when you book your flights. Here are some tips to help you save money and have a great time:

    • Hotels: Like plane tickets, hotels can be cheaper during the week. Sometimes you can save even more by booking a package deal that includes both your flight and hotel.
    • Renting a house or apartment: Websites like Airbnb offer places to stay that are often cheaper than hotels. Plus, you can save money by cooking your own meals instead of eating out every meal.
    • Camping: If you enjoy the outdoors, camping can be a fun and less expensive option. You might even be able to borrow or rent camping gear if you don’t have your own.

    Don’t Forget the Fun Part!

    Once you’ve picked where to stay, it’s time to plan what you’ll do when you get there. Here’s how to make the most of your vacation:

    • Plan activities: Research the hours and days attractions are open before you make your schedule. Some places might be closed on certain days.
    • Get a pass: In many cities, you can buy a pass that gets you into multiple attractions for less money than paying for each one separately.
    • Try free stuff: Look for free activities to do. They can be just as fun and memorable as expensive attractions. For example, you could do a self-guided walking tour to explore a new city at your own pace.

    Planning is crucial.

    It’s exciting to plan a vacation, but it’s important to remember not to pack your schedule too full! Here are some tips to make sure you have a great time without getting overwhelmed:

    • Take time to relax: Make sure to schedule some downtime during your trip. It’s nice to come back home feeling rested and refreshed.
    • Consider everyone’s preferences: Plan activities that everyone in your group will enjoy. If you love visiting museums but those you’re traveling with want to relax by the pool, find a balance that works for everyone.
    • Be flexible: Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and that’s okay! Be ready to switch up your plans if needed, especially if traveling as a family or large group – which can be challenging to keep everyone on schedule.

    Too late to plan a getaway? Consider a staycation!

    If you missed your chance to plan a vacation this year, here’s why staying home can be just as fun:

    • Treat your hometown like a vacation spot! Take time to discover new things like heading to the farmer’s market or hitting the trails nearby.
    • Kick back and relax—maybe dive into that new book you haven’t had the chance to get to or try a new recipe that sounds amazing.
    • Rediscover a hobby you love and haven’t had time for. You’ll love it even more when you actually have time to enjoy it.
    • As a bonus, the money you save from staying home can go toward your next big adventure!

    What’s Next?

    Planning and budgeting for your vacation can make it even more enjoyable. Check out the tools, like Goals*, available in Lake City Bank Digital, to help you manage your money and focus on planning your perfect trip.

    Happy travels!

     

    *Goals, as referred to herein, constitute the Goals Account described in Section E Investment Accounts of the Personal Account Terms and Conditions.