5 Tips to Stretch Your Summer Travel Budget

(Family Features) Many of the nation’s leading travel experts are predicting a surge in travel
this summer. It’s no surprise that after months of restrictions, Americans are ready to set out on
their next adventures. While popular destinations are likely to be open and welcoming visitors,
the uptick in traffic combined with higher prices may translate into more expensive travel.
If you’re planning a trip this summer, learn how to incorporate some smart spending strategies
with these tips from the financial experts at Credit One Bank:
Be flexible on travel dates and destinations. Unless your travel is tied to a specific event or
occasion, try searching with flexible dates to find the best available rates. Similarly, if you know
you want to get away but you’re not particular about where, try looking for destinations offering
special promotions or deals for travel during certain timeframes.
Consider trip interruption and cancellation policies. Planning for the unexpected can help
protect you if a trip needs to end early or be canceled altogether. Unless you have travel
insurance, you’re likely to lose money on non-refundable expenses such as flights, event
tickets or tours. However, some travel companies or your credit card provider may cover
reimbursement for certain prepaid expenses. Look into what options are available before you
travel to avoid extra headaches when the unexpected occurs during a trip.
Get rewarded no matter how you travel. Using your credit card rewards to offset travel costs is
a smart strategy, but not everyone wants or needs perks like miles or points that are exclusive
to use with a single travel partner. With point-based travel reward cards, like the Credit One
Bank Wander Card, the more places you visit, the more rewards you reap along the way that
can be redeemed for future experiences, statement credits, gift cards and more. That means
no matter what hotel chain you stay at, car rental agency you select or airline you fly with – or
as you mix and match to get the best deals – everyday adventurers have opportunities to earn
up to five times the rewards points for doing things they love.

Come up with a realistic budget. When you’re planning a trip, it’s easy to focus on the big-
ticket expenses like airfare and hotel rooms. The reality is, when you add up all the smaller

expenses, you may spend significantly more than you realize. To plan a more accurate budget, be sure you account for expenses like dining out at restaurants, paying for fuel at the pump and
tickets to attractions and events. Don’t forget fees that add up, too, like tips for housekeeping,
checked bags, Wi-Fi access, parking and souvenirs.
Research and book free and discounted attractions. Some attractions offer discounts for
purchasing tickets in advance online, age-based discounts or free admission at certain times
or dates, so be sure to look into any attractions you hope to visit ahead of time. If you’re a
travel rewards credit card holder, start your search by looking into your redemption options. If
your card offers flexible options by booking through a specific partner site or dedicated travel
platform, you might be able to redeem points or make your spending dollars go further toward
earning more rewards for the cost of experiences, entertainment and other expenses while
you travel.