Summer vacation on a budget

May 11, 2023

For business owners, plan sponsors and administrators

Share this “Wellness on a budget” series of articles with your plan members. We can’t control the economy or the rising cost of living, but there are ways to maintain health, wellness, and nutrition during tough economic times.

Ah summertime! The sun is shining, the birds are singing and if you’re on vacation, it’s time to relax. But the high cost of – well just about everything these days – means you may need to rethink your plans. Here are some ideas to help you save money on this year’s vacation.

1. Start saving. Open a special bank account and start putting a little bit away each week. Get the whole family involved. Kids can do age-appropriate jobs (baby sitting, lawn cutting) to help earn their vacation spending money.
2. Make it a staycation. You don’t have to go far to have a good time. Use your time to explore your neighbourhood, city, or the countryside. And staying local doesn’t mean boring. If you have kids, help them plan a week. Pick a theme for the week and then do an activity every day that aligns with your theme. Or pick a new theme every day! Use the theme to plan your meals too! A circus day can mean hot dogs for lunch, a tent in the backyard or a trip to the zoo.
3. Make it a group effort. Have family or friends who are like-minded and looking to save money, too? Rent a cottage together. A lot of cottages or cabins have plenty of room for everyone and it’s a great way to share costs and the cooking workload. If you’re really lucky, the one you rent will have a bunkie for the kids! Just make sure these are people you all like and can spend a week with. Maybe set some ground rules so each family can have some alone time.
4. Plan or not to plan? If you want to go a little farther afield and need to book flights, is it better to buy in advance or last minute? According to Expedia,¹ the sweet spot to book a domestic flight is between 28 – 49 days in advance, while international flights should be booked three to four months in advance for the lowest prices. If you want a package deal, try an internet site that offers last minute deals.
   
   If you are going to another country, check their vaccine requirements. Some countries still have COVID vaccine requirements in place. If you need other vaccines, check your group benefits plan. You may have coverage for some vaccines.
   
   And, consider travel insurance. You just never know what can happen. There’s nothing worse than being out-of-pocket and you don’t get to go anywhere.

Looking to save even more money? Our Living your best life costs less than you think article gives you more tips.

Learn more!

• Eating well for less doesn’t have to be hard. It just takes some extra time management. Try the tips in this article, the first in our series How to live big on a small budget. You’ll feel better, about your wallet and your health!
• Is the high cost of living making you rethink your gym membership? Read this article in our series How to live big on a small budget. Learn how keeping in shape doesn’t have to cost you a fortune.