Your Summer Vacation, On a Budget

It seems like everyone we talk to is planning a summer vacation (or maybe a couple of them!). Summer vacations can be the highlight of the year, but sometimes they can also take the rest of the year to pay off. We believe that everyone deserves some good vacation time, so stick to these vacation budget tips below, and you’ll soon be embarking on the summer trip of a lifetime.

Prioritize your preferences

There are so many different types of vacations that it can be overwhelming to even start planning. Talk to your friends or vacation partners and identify what’s important to you and what’s not. Is staying near water important? How about being close to bike trails? Or maybe exploring historic landmarks? Whatever your vacation type, think about what you need and what would be nice to have. We believe in splurging on what’s important and saving in areas that maybe aren’t so important.

Set a budget

Next, set up a budget for your trip. Going on vacation without any sort of budget or any sort of spending plan can be dangerous, especially when traveling as groups. Expenses can sneak up when you don’t realize what’s being spent. Set a budget before you book anything. How much can your pocketbook afford? How much are you willing to pay for this experience? When you’re traveling, you’ll be more at peace spending money when you know it’s in your budget than if you fly blindly.

Think local

You’ve heard us say it over and over again this past year, but it’s worth repeating – think local. Before you book your flight and hotel – think about the vast majority of Minnesota that you’ve maybe not explored yet. If you’re looking for an active vacation, there are hundreds of miles of bike trails throughout Minnesota. If you’re looking for a relaxing weekend, there are thousands of lakes that offer peace and serenity. If you’re looking for scenic options, take a tour of the waterfalls in Northern Minnesota. Or, for a historic vacation, visit famous landmarks throughout the state and make an adventure of it.

There is so much to do in Minnesota (especially in the summer) that you don’t have to hop on a plane for! Plus, all of those small, local businesses would love your support as they work to recover from the pandemic.

Other tips

Now that you’ve identified your priorities, set a budget, and are thinking local, here are some other tips to help you stay on budget during your summer vacation:

• Plan your meals. Eating a late breakfast can mean that you can maybe skip lunch and have an early dinner.
• Use cash. It’s easier to see when your cash is running out than your debit or credit card.
• Travel during the week. You’ll get better rates during the week.

Looking towards a new normal, we couldn’t be more excited to be heading into a summer filled with fun memories, time with loved ones, and overall joyful experiences. We hope you have the chance to vacation this year. We are here to help in any way we can. Remember, we have 13 locations throughout Minnesota, so our staff have plenty of good Minnesota vacation ideas!