How to save money on summer travel

You don't have to cancel your travel plans because you're worried they'll cost too much!

Worried about the cost of traveling this summer? You're not alone. Prices are up, and everyone's feeling it. But here's the thing: you don't have to cancel your plans or white-knuckle your way through a trip that's over budget before you even leave. You just need a few smarter moves. Here are my favorites.

Tip 1: Don't book the cheapest flights

Waiting for flights to magically drop is a gamble that usually doesn't pay off. I've watched clients wait weeks for a fare to fall, only to watch it climb $600 instead. My advice: book when the price feels reasonable, and always choose standard economy over basic economy, so you have the flexibility to rebook if prices do fall later. If prices drop after you've booked, you get to keep the overpayment as a flight credit. If they go up instead, you get to feel smug. Win-win.

Tip 2: Be flexible

Shifting a departure from a Friday departure to Tuesday recently saved one couple enough to upgrade their hotel. They took the same trip, just two days later, with a nicer pillow at the end of it. Small changes like checking at nearby airports, or being willing to take early morning or redeye flights, can add up to real savings without feeling like a sacrifice.

Tip 3: Stay closer to home

High fuel costs hit hardest on long-haul flights, so this year is a great time to rediscover what's closer. Take A US river cruise instead of European (it will still be magical!). Visit a Mexican Caribbean resort instead of the Caribbean: same great beach, lower price tag. A beautiful lake a few states away instead of an ocean across the country. You still get the sunset, you just don't have to pay transatlantic airfare to see it.

Tip 4: Be intentional with your upgrades

You don't have to splurge every single night to have a trip that feels luxurious. A couple who had their hearts set on an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora saved significantly by taking my suggestion to split up their stay. They spent their first few nights in a beachfront room on the neighboring island of Moorea. It's the same South Pacific magic, with a different price tag. Then they finished their trip in the overwater bungalow just like they wanted. By the time they got to the bungalow, they appreciated it even more.

Tip 5: Try "one splurge, one save"

Pick one thing to elevate — a nonstop flight, a better room, a special excursion — and keep everything else simple. Your trip still feels intentional and special. Your credit card bill doesn't make you cry.

Tip 6: Time your road trip right

If you're renting a car, Friday departures are expensive and weekend traffic can be miserable. Hotel stays on the weekend are often higher-priced as well. Leaving on a Monday instead recently got one family a lower rental rate, a smoother drive, and cheaper weekday hotel prices the whole trip. Also worth doing: map your fuel stops in advance, because rural towns often charge noticeably more at the pump, and surprises at the gas station are never fun.

Tip 7: More focused trips

More countries doesn't always mean a better trip. I changed a packed 10-day Scotland-and-Ireland itinerary into a single, more relaxed 10-day trip through just Ireland. The clients loved it so much that friends have since duplicated the exact itinerary. Fewer hotels, less rushing, lower cost, better memories. Ireland for the win.

Or, sometimes a more focused trip means fewer nights, if you're staying in just one location the whole time. Just cutting the number of nights can make the price tag a lot more manageable!

Tip 8: Expect flight changes

Flight schedules shift more than they used to. This isn't anyone's favorite news, but being prepared is better than being blindsided at the gate. Avoid tight connections, check your itinerary periodically before you travel, and know that the most common window for schedule changes is around 90 days before departure. If you book your flights through me, I can handle all of that for you.

Tip 9: Don't skip travel insurance

I know, I'm advocating an EXTRA expense here! But hear me out. Trip insurance is not just about possible cancellation before you go. Travel insurance covers delays, unexpected overnight stays, baggage snafus, medical situations abroad, and often car rental coverage that's cheaper than what the rental agency will offer you at the counter. One bad delay can cost more than the policy itself, but getting reimbursed for it? That's definitely worth it!

Tip 10: Book experiences earlier than you think

Popular tours, private guides, and skip-the-line tickets fill up faster than you'd expect. A client recently missed out on her first-choice Louvre tour simply because she had me wait to book it, and the backup option cost more. If you know you want it, book it now. Future you will be relieved.

Summer travel is absolutely still on the table. A little planning goes a long way, and honestly, a well-planned trip at a smart price feels even better than an overpriced one. Reach out if you'd like help making it happen!