Summer of 2022 is winding down in some areas, but many might be hoping to squeeze in a vacation and hoping to keep gas and flights in budget. We have seen huge increases in inflation this year, the highest we have seen in 40 years. With this inflation, we have also seen the price for gas sky rocket. With all this, vacations might seem out of reach! How can we vacation without going bankrupt?
Discount Apps
There are many discount apps that make things like gas, hotels, and flights cheaper. Some of them give bigger discounts the longer you use them, or if you bundle different purchases using the app.
I have saved over thirty dollars using the app, Upside, just for gas. This app has discounts for certain restaurants and grocery stores. I live in a rural area and find only the gas is helpful for me. You can choose to have the amount saved transferred to your bank account or a gift card for a number of different businesses.
I have always waited until I have $15 for the transfer to be without any charges to my account. That’s the down side to the app. It is totally free though and a number of gas stations participate. On average I save over .10 cents per gallon.
I like to use Priceline for hotels and airlines. I was able to fly Frontier for 4 of us to fly from Las Vegas, NV to Tampa, FL for less that $400. I have also found excellent hotel prices using their app. When you have a certain number of purchases per year, you are bumped to their higher VIP rank which has more perks.
Grocery Apps
Many grocery stores also have gas stations these days. Some stores, like the Kroger chain, allows you to have a discount just for having their grocery store card.
When you spend money at their stores you also earn points toward gas discounts. In the case of Kroger, their store Smith’s will also give you points for filling out a store survey online. Since these chains are so large, it is really helpful to be able to find a qualifying gas station.
Their apps will also have maps to show where grocery stores and gas stations are along your way.
Shop Sales
It often pays to be flexible in your travel days. Keep your eye out for deals that the airlines are having. I was able to find tickets 40% off through Southwest and 70% off through Frontier. Obviously there are restrictions like which airport you can fly in or out of or the dates, but it can save you a bundle in airfare.
If you plan ahead and have the funds sitting in your account, you can jump on sales whenever you see them pop up. Also, if you are flying cheap airlines like Frontier consider sending your luggage via UPS or USPS. It very well might be cheaper than the checked baggage price for those kind of airlines. I was able to do that going to Florida and had the luggage waiting for me.
Conclusion
This year has seen incredible inflation rate hikes. The price at the pump as also surged to all time highs here in the states. If we are wanting to go on vacation with a budget we have to be creative in how to save money on gas, lodging, and airfare. When it comes to finding deals, make sure you make the most of the apps that are available.
How about you, what have you found to be helpful for vacationing on a budget this year?
Good information. I normally buy by airline tickets when the airline has offers and that saves me quite a bit. I use discount apps and get free meals, discounts on clothing etc.. I have not really used grocery store cards and may inquire if they can save money.
Sending bags and luggage via UPS versus paying for checked ones is actually a brilliant idea !
Never thought of it !
Especially if the weight is low as in a bag with personal items, couple bags of popcorn, intimate apparel, etc, this might be a big money saving tip.