Your well-deserved break is finally here! Time to relax, read a good book, and prepare for a chance to start the new year on the right foot.

After a busy school year, it’s time for a real break from teaching. What you need the most is just some peace and relaxation. But sometimes, summer vacations aren’t quite as restful as we hoped. Particularly when you see how much money you’ll spend in just a week or two.

So how can you manage to still have an amazing vacation without going over your budget? Here are a few things you can do to take advantage of discounts and save some extra money.

Planning

Use Cost Saving Travel Apps

Your phone is the best tool when it comes to planning a vacation on a budget. There are several money-saving travel apps on the market that will allow you to access discounts and special offers at the click of a button.

• GasBuddy provides the cheapest fuel prices in your vicinity.

• Hopper tracks flight prices over time and shows the cheapest flight options. 

• Skyscanner is a more in-depth airfare app, detailing layover time, what kind of jet, personal entertainment options, and if the plane has power outlets.

• Turo is a car rental app. It’s cheaper than going to a well-known car rental company.

• Hotel Tonight is ideal for spontaneous trips, offering last-minute deals of hotel rooms still available the day of.

• Priceline offers some of the best deals on hotel rooms and offers settings to work within your budget.

Flexible Dates 

Flying somewhere? If you’re not tied to specific dates, check the “Flexible Dates” box when purchasing flights. This trick will show all the date combinations at different price points. If you’re flexible, you can pick the cheapest one, and you’re good to go!

Plan A “Staycation”

Instead of traveling someplace far away, try a “staycation” and save on travel and accommodations. Explore the city you live in or a nearby city. Use phone apps or Facebook to browse local events and popular attractions in your area.

Travel With Friends

When you split travel costs multiple ways, you can really save! If you’re not traveling with a spouse or family, go with friends and watch the costs go down.

Traveling

Once you arrive at your destination, there are a few things you can do to cut back on the trip costs.

Pack Your Educator ID 

If you’re traveling in the United States, always bring your teacher or educator ID. Museums, theme parks, or other experiences often offer a teacher’s discount. You can look on the website or call to check before making plans to stop there.

Swap Things for Experiences

As tempting as that magnet, coffee cup, or picture frame may seem, the key to saving money is to value experiences over things. Use the money you’d typically spend on souvenirs and visit an extra museum or eat at a nice restaurant.

Dine on a Dime 

Another great way to save money is to cut back on eating out. Make a list of a few places you definitely want to try, and once you get to your destination, visit a local grocery store and pack lunches while you’re out and about. And on a nice sunny day, find a local park to have a picnic.

Now that you’re armed with cost-saving vacation tips, get planning! Enjoy time away without the stress of breaking your budget.

Need a good book to bring on your trip? Check out our summer book list.