As summer vacation approaches many of us love to travel; whether it be a road trip across the country, flying abroad traveling, or taking a cruise we all need a break after a long semester. Taking a vacation is much needed to reset your mind before your career or summer internship start up. However these vacations can get expenses, especially with the prices of gasoline right now. So, how can one try to spend less on these trips?
Budget Before You Leave
Before you pack your bags add the known expenses up. Identify how much your plane ticket is, the cost per gallon of gas in the states you are traveling through, Airbnb price and fees, food, destination activity prices, (national park fees, museum tickets, amusement parks, etc.). Once these prices are identified this will give you a ballpark idea of the trip expenses, however there will always be variables such as souvenirs, extra meals at restaurants, or emergency expenses, (i.e. flat tires). For these variable expenses you will want to leave a little cushion in your budget. A great way to stick to this budget is to have a prepaid debit card. This way you cannot go over budget.
Make Meals
Instead of spending $20 per meal while on vacation try to make a few meals. This is easier to do if you are staying at an Airbnb, but it can still be done other places. If making meals is too much of a hassle, you are on vacation after all, plan on budgeting more for meals out.
Travel with Friends
Traveling with friends or in bigger groups you will be able to split housing costs, meals at home costs, and some activity costs (if the pricing is per group). While this will not make plane or cruise tickets cheaper it will make road trips cheaper.
Find Things for Free
Free is better! Find activities you can do for free. Many city websites will have a list of events happening in the city area. Some will cost money but many are free. Find events that you find interesting, and have an open mind while attending these events.
Find Alternative Housing:
If you are traveling abroad consider staying at a hostel. For those that are unfamiliar with hostels they are a low-cost, short-term shared sociable living space. Hostels are more popular abroad than in the states, however they can be found in the U.S. as well. Staying with friends or family while on your trip is another great way to save money while traveling. If you know if people living in the area of your destination, try reaching out to see if you are able to stay a night or two with them.
Summer is a great time to take a trip to get away from your daily stressors or to detox after a busy school semester. Just remember that traveling costs can get expenses, especially in today’s climate. Budgeting ahead of time, make meals instead of eating out, traveling with friends, find free activities, and using alternative housing are great ways to save money while traveling.
Powercat Financial is accepting appointments over the summer via the link on our website at www.ksu.edu/powercatfinancial so come in to make a money plan! Enjoy your summer!
Eli McDonald
Graduate Assistant
Powercat Financial
302 K-State Student Union, Third Floor
918 N. 17th Street
Manhattan, KS 66506-2800
785.532.2889
www.k-state.edu/powercatfinancial
