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Summer might be ending, and for many Americans, that means vacation season is setting like the sun.
Whether or not you went on a vacation recently, there’s no better time to start dreaming about that next holiday. But like any major expense, traveling can become very daunting if you don’t plan on how much it will cost you and your family.
Whether it’s a weekend away or something much bigger, these tips and tricks can not only help you reach your dreams, but also make them a bit more affordable.
Planning your vacation can start any time simply by saving money for your travel expenses. Look at where your money is currently going and see if there are items you can cut, such as subscriptions, entertainment and dining out.
Don’t underestimate the power of credit card points — they can make travel more rewarding and help offset costs. Explore the travel rewards your credit card offers. Travel cards can help you build up miles or rewards points to put toward flights, hotel stays and rental cars by rewarding you for everyday purchases.
If your schedule is flexible, you may also want to consider traveling during the off-season for lower prices. Think about traveling in the month or two on either side of the peak season when tourists are less likely to visit. To get the lowest prices, aim to book plane tickets about two months in advance, and start looking up flights as early as possible.
Sign up for airline price drop alerts and follow airlines via email newsletters and social media to keep atop any deals. Airlines and hotels often offer package deals at a discount to make sure no seats or rooms go empty.
As you make your itinerary, look for discounts at popular destinations. Many museums offer free tickets on certain days or at certain times of the day. Ticket and booking deals are often available for members of certain professions, such as education, health care and the military. Some cities offer museum passes that allow you to visit multiple museums for a flat rate.
Once you’re at your destination, consider passing on expensive guided tours or private transit like taxis or ride shares. Instead, create your own city tour, look online for free or cheaper walking tours or get around on public transportation.
If you’re visiting a popular monument or famous street, pass the “tourist trap” stores and restaurants and do your shopping and dining a few blocks away where prices are likely to be lower.
Sometimes, you can have more fun at a lesser-known destination. Try some smaller towns over big cities, which can offer better prices on your hotel and dining. Additionally, if you’re within driving distance of a big city, you can still go and enjoy it for a day.
If you are staying in a larger area, find a hotel outside of the most expensive part of the city but close enough that you’re not spending much getting to the sights.
If a big trip isn’t in your budget, there are still plenty of ways to get away, even if you stay in the comfort of your own home.
Take a day trip to a nearby town or plan a longer road trip through your state. You’ll still get to see new places and try new hotels. If you’re planning to visit a friend or family member, explore a new venue while you’re in that town. Exploring lesser-known destinations can offer unique charm without the usual crowds and costs.
The U.S. also has extensive state and national park systems with a reasonable per-car entrance price. People over 62 can buy a lifetime senior pass to the national parks and federal lands for $80. Similar offers are available from many state park systems. To save even more money, bring a picnic!
Travel enriches our lives, and with some creative planning, you can enjoy memorable adventures without overspending. Using budget travel tips can help you add adventure to your life without breaking the bank. Have fun finding strategic ways to cut costs while still having an enjoyable and fulfilling trip.
For more financial health tips, visit chase.com/financialgoals.
For informational/educational purposes only: Views and strategies described in this article or provided via links may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any business. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The material is not intended to provide legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. product or service. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions and consult the appropriate professional(s). Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results. JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates are not responsible for, and do not provide or endorse third party products, services, or other content.
Deposit products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.
© 2025 JPMorgan Chase & Co.
This story was written and paid for by JPMorganChase. JPMorganChase is a leading financial services firm and one of the oldest financial institutions in the U.S., serving millions of customers, clients and communities in 100-plus global markets. This feature is part of an ongoing sponsored content series with JPMorganChase through a collaboration with the American Journalism Project and Cityside Journalism Initiative.
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