Pick one area to spend less

It makes sense to want to go all-out on vacation. And while you should definitely treat yourself, it can be easy to go over budget if you go wild in every area. But if you choose just one area to save on, you can cut back just a bit. Maybe that means cooking in your Airbnb instead of eating out, or taking public transportation instead of Ubers. But no matter what area you pick, you can still work a few treats or exceptions into your budget. 

Comparison shop for deals

Don’t take the cost of any flight, rental car, or hotel booking at face value. There are just too many deal sites and services out there. Take the time to check a few sources before you book, since you might just be one comparison away from a step discount. Sites like Priceline let you book mystery properties at a discount, or you can juggle a browser window with open tabs for Kayak, Expedia, and Google Flights. 

Don’t be afraid to ask

The art of negotiating isn’t dead. Don’t be afraid to ask for an upgrade when you arrive at the hotel or the airline check-in counter, even when you’ve already booked. When you arrive at the front desk of your accommodation, see if they have a suite or a view room available for a complimentary upgrade. And it never hurts to ask if there’s the possibility to upgrade to first, business, or even premium economy. 

Use travel rewards 

When you take care of your day-to-day spending with a travel rewards credit card, the points rack up quick. And all of those rewards can help you save on your summer travel. Turn a tank of gas, cart full of groceries, or pack of gum at the convenience store into your next plane ticket or hotel room. And if your plans change and travel isn’t on your immediate horizon, cards like the VISA Platinum Rewards Card give you the choice of travel, gift cards, or cash back. You can choose what’s right for you and make the list out of your rewards. 

RMCU Summer skip-a-pay

You can save just as easily by cutting down on your monthly expenses, freeing up more cash for a trip. That’s where RMCU Skip-A-Pay can help. If you have an auto, boat, motorcycle, ATV, share certificate or signature loan with RMCU, you can apply to skip a payment for just a low fee. On approval, you can miss the payment for the month, freeing up some space in your budget for summer travel plans. It’s a lot like getting a mini loan for summer fun. 

Don’t let cost stand in the way of your summer getaway. Save on your trip plans, put extra money in your pocket when you apply for skip-a-pay, and book your vacation stress free.