How to Have a Great Summer Without Breaking the Bank

Summer trips undoubtedly add up. With all the camping trips, beach or lake days, and road trips to the mountains – it's essential to know all the best practices for budget traveling.

I've had the good fortune to travel extensively throughout the years. Although it may sound luxurious, my experiences have been anything but. In fact, I've had some of my best trips when I've spent the least money. There are ways to travel without breaking the bank!

Here are some money-saving tips I’ve gathered from my trips and top advice from a local bank in Nevada.

Travel local

Find new activities nearby! You don't need to travel far to experience new cultures and environments. Go camping in a local park, book new attractions in your hometown or take a day trip to another city. Weekend getaways to a nearby destination can be just as rejuvenating as a more extended international excursion.

Pack your own meals or cook at the Airbnb

Bring snacks on the road! You can save money packing food for trips instead of eating out every meal. You can also consider booking a place with a built-in kitchenette to avoid dining out at expensive restaurants.

Book inexpensive accommodations

Spend less on accommodation on your travels! Another way to save is by renting apartments, staying in hostels, and even camping instead of booking hotels.

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Travel during the off-season

Visiting during the off-season is another way to save some cash. Rates for hotels and B&Bs are much lower when there are fewer crowds. Plus, there are amazing deals on flight tickets!

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Do your research

According to leisure traveler and EVP/marketing director of Nevada State Bank, Micah Phillips, knowing about ATM and credit card fees is vital before you leave home, especially if you're traveling internationally. Many cards offer free withdrawals from ATMs if that ATM is in a bank's sister network. Research and familiarize yourself with exchange rates and know how much things cost in USD to prep your budget.

Find cheap or free activities

Don't spend your budget on overpriced attractions, admission tickets, or events. Most major cities offer free museums, walking tours, and events. All you have to do is look! Consider borrowing a friend’s inflatable kayaks or other fun camping accessories for a day at the lake!

I hope these travel budgeting tips were helpful! Check out the rest of my travel guides here for more tricks.