The national unemployment rate increased slightly to 8.3 percent in July from 8.2 percent the previous month, according to the Department of Labor. Despite this occurrence, 44 percent of Americans claim this will not impact their upcoming travel plans, a survey conducted by The Harris Poll found.
This was an increase from 2021, when 40 percent of respondents shared a similar sentiment, but a decrease from 2022 when 46 percent felt the same way.
Specifically, 60 percent of respondents said they plan to take one leisure vacation this summer, even though these trips often come with much higher price tags. Meanwhile, 15 percent of respondents said they are going to take at least three trips that fall under this category.
As a result, the average household plans to spend a whopping $3,136 on leisure travel this summer, up from just $1,627 in 2022, the survey found.
However, you should remember that you don’t have to break the bank to go on vacation. Further, if these plans don’t fit with your overall budget, you might want to put these plans on hold until you have the funds needed. But by being financially savvy, this could be much sooner than expected.
Don’t Rule Out Flying
Driving is arguably the most popular transportation mode for travelers, but with the rising price of gasoline, it may not longer be the cheapest.
To stay competitive, many airlines now offer affordable fares that can actually be much cheaper than driving to a destination. While this is subject to your car model, distance to the destination and gas prices in the area, some simple math can help you find the most affordable option.
Book Midweek Flights
Flying on a weekend of holiday can be much more expensive than traveling on off days, says Money Talks News. Not only are tickets sometimes more affordable if the departure date is in the middle of a week, many airlines offer sales and discounts if you also purchase tickets midweek.
Ditch The Checked Baggage
Although some airlines allow you to check bags for free, many still charge a fee. While this can be relatively affordable for someone traveling alone, if you have multiple people in your party, this can be an expensive added cost.
Instead, try to pack light, especially if you’re only going away for a few days. Downgrade your suitcase to a carry-on. Not only will this be more affordable, it will be much easier to transport and you won’t run the risk of the airline losing your baggage.
Make Your Own Meals
One of the biggest vacation expenses that some people forget is the cost of dining out. Eating every meal at a restaurant can add up to hundreds of additional dollars and do a number of your vacation budget. To prevent this from happening, try to book a hotel room that has an in-room kitchen, rent a vacation home or consider a house swap so you have the amenities to make your own meals.…