10 Tips for a Budgeting Your Summer Getaway - under $500 USD

Listen, I get it…

between inflation and weather causing cancellations...taking a vacation can seem out of reach. But you don't need to blow your savings to getaway. Here are 10 budget-friendly tips from Fidelity at the cost of under $500 per person:

1. Score Free Lodging:

• Pet or Plant Sitting: Use services like TrustedHousesitters to get free accommodations in exchange for feeding and snuggling someone’s pet.

• Home Swapping: Platforms like HomeExchange let you trade houses with other families, giving you access to full homes (and kitchens) for just the cost of an annual membership.

2. Embrace the Great Outdoors:

Nature is the ultimate budget entertainer. Focus your itinerary on hiking, biking, fishing, or catching a sunrise. You can find completely free campsites using national databases, keeping your lodging costs at zero. Or just take a day for yourself - grab a blanket, a couple of snacks and your favorite book/magazine. Have you ever considered camping with friends? 

3. Smart Car Rentals

Don’t settle for retail prices. Check to see if your job offers corporate discount codes for traditional rentals. Alternatively, use peer-to-peer car-sharing apps (like Turo) to find wheels for a fraction of the cost.

4. Track Flights & Gas

Use free tracking apps to map out your journey. Set alerts for flights to catch rock-bottom fares, and use gas-tracking apps to find the cheapest fuel along your road trip route.

5. Pack Light (and Ship Ahead)

Avoid hefty checked-bag and carry-on fees by traveling with just a personal item. Pro tip: Order heavy or bulky essentials (like snacks and drinks) online and ship them directly to your destination if they offer free shipping.

6. Maximize Hotel Perks

Look for hotels that offer more than just a bed. 

Free breakfast saves a massive chunk of change daily. Also, look out for properties with free airport shuttles, loyalty reward perks, or great pool scenes that keep the kids entertained for free.

7. Stay Near the Action

While staying on the outskirts seems cheaper, the cost of ride-shares and gas can quickly wipe out those savings. Stay close to public transit or within walking distance of the sights you actually want to see.

8. Time It Right

Avoid peak travel seasons and weekends. Traveling mid-week (like Tuesday to Friday) often unlocks dramatically lower rates for both flights and local boutique hotels.

9. Skip Traditional Restaurants

You don't need a sit-down dinner every night. Hit up local grocery stores for lunch and snack supplies, cook at your campsite, or lean into local street food. It’s usually cheaper, faster, and way more authentic.

10. Play the Points Game

If you can pay off your balance immediately, put your daily expenses on a travel rewards credit card. Loyalty points can easily translate into free flights and complimentary hotel nights.

Learn Why - Your Money is Now Safe Fidelity | Visit Now

It has a reputation for being more tech-forward than some of its legacy competitors. 

User Friendly - great for family financial planning. Fidelity is a massive player in the financial space, managing roughly $7 trillion in discretionary assets and overseeing over $17 trillion in total assets under administration.