With this mini heat-wave we’re experiencing right now in Seattle, it finally feels LIKE SUMMER IS HERE!
Let’s talk paying for Summer Travel!
Read below for a few tips on doing Summer Travel right.
As temps keep climbing, you may have noticed so do the prices on everything lately, leaving 69% of people who had planned summer vacations to modify it in some way.
A few things people are doing right now in order to save on travel:
Timing Travel Based on “Non-Peak” or “Shoulder Season” Dates:
Depending on where you’re going, check out the super-crowded vs less-crowded times to visit.
“Shoulder Season” is that time just after peak but before shut down and/or complete ramp up to another season.
For example, I did this in Colorado just passed Summer but before ski-season. Crowds were less but still plenty of activities to be had–and that beautiful early fall foliage and weather too!
Determining Whether to Fly or Drive:
It used to be driving was the “cheap way” to roll, but with today’s gas prices it’s worth calculating your estimated gas expenses by multiplying your car’s average miles per gallon by the total length of the trip.
Compare that to the flight you’re looking at.
Ditching the Rental Car.In the summer of 2021, rental car rates were 75% higher than pre-pandemic and probably even higher now with the inflation we’re experiencing.
Use an online rideshare fare calculator like ride.guru or an estimator within the rideshare app itself to help you estimate your bill vs having a car on stand-by.
One of My Personal Favorite Methods: Use Your Credit Card Points! Many of us have accumulated credit card points during Covid, or may even have unused points we don’t even know about.Check out the credit cards you’ve been using, do they have a rewards system?Most rewards come in the value of points that can be cashed in for travel or other perks. Some give you straight up cash! Note: you have to be in good standing (no late payments) to qualify for rewards.
Baller Side Hustle: Rent Out Your Place or Parking Spot While You’re Away:You could actually make money while on vacation by renting out your living space and/or parking spot (if allowed)! You can list your property and find temporary renters. If you’re a renter yourself, get your landlord’s approval in writing before you list your place. Check out an online vacation rental calculator like evolve.com/blog/homeowner-tips/vacation-rental-income-calculator, which can estimate how much you could make renting. Plan ahead on this one, which includes getting good with your insurance.
Unlocking Abundance 