Dodge Flight Price Hikes: Cheapest Travel Days & 6 Summer Savings

Smart Strategies for Affordable Summer Travel

As summer approaches, many Americans are planning their vacations, but rising travel costs can be a concern. According to a Deloitte survey, the average American expects to spend over $3,400 on their longest summer trip, with airfare and lodging being the biggest expenses. However, there are several practical ways to travel better and save money this season.

Travel on Cheaper Days and Save

One of the most effective ways to cut down on travel costs is by choosing the right days to fly. According to Skiplagged, a travel site that specializes in finding airfare deals, Tuesday departures are often the cheapest during the summer months, while Fridays tend to be the most expensive. Shifting your trip by just a day or two, especially avoiding peak weekends, can help you save hundreds of dollars.

Avoid Peak Season for Lower Prices

Traveling outside the midsummer rush can lead to significant savings. Jiayi Wang, a travel expert and founder of The Diary Of A Nomad, suggests that flights and hotels are much cheaper in late May or early September compared to the busiest months. She also recommends flying midweek or using less popular airports to find additional deals.

Use Precision Shopping to Stretch Your Dollars

Strategizing your travel bookings like an experienced shopper can make a big difference. Stephanie Carls, a retail insights expert at RetailMeNot, advises watching for seasonal sales, stacking savings with loyalty programs, and comparing prices across booking sites. Investing a bit of extra effort upfront can lower the total cost of your vacation.

Try Alternative Booking Tactics

Exploring alternative routes can offer even more ways to save. Aktarer Zaman, CEO of Skiplagged, explains how some travelers book a flight with a layover and finish their journey at the layover city—a technique called hidden-city ticketing. While this method can reduce airfare by up to half, most airlines warn against using it too frequently. MarketWatch also suggests checking fares from nearby, smaller airports for potential discounts.

Plan Your Savings Well Ahead

Starting your vacation fund early makes saving easier. Andrew Lokenauth, CEO and founder of TheFinanceNewsletter.com, recommends setting aside a small amount automatically from each paycheck months before summer. He also keeps a separate fun fund for spontaneous activities, allowing you to enjoy both planned trips and unexpected outings with less financial stress.

Put Everyday Purchases to Work for You

It’s possible to turn routine expenses into travel rewards. Paul Carlson, CPA and managing partner at Law Firm Velocity, recommends using a travel rewards credit card for all your regular shopping, from groceries to gas. Carlson emphasizes the importance of paying off the card in full each month; otherwise, interest charges can easily wipe out any gains you make from points or miles.

Make Vacation Saving a Family Goal

Bringing the whole household into vacation planning can make saving easier and more enjoyable. Jennifer Seitz, a certified financial education instructor and Director of Education at Greenlight, suggests setting the trip budget together and encouraging everyone to brainstorm small ways to save. Including children helps everyone stay motivated and teaches lifelong money skills.

Being Flexible Pays Off

Consistently affordable summer travel isn’t magic; it’s about making intelligent, flexible choices. Experts say those who reap the biggest savings are open to traveling outside peak windows, willing to search for creative routes, and ready to plan ahead and work together as a family. With these strategies, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy your next getaway without overspending.

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