Late Summer Vacation Savings Tips

So— you planned to take a summer vacation, but the weeks are zooming by and your children are already preparing to return to school in a few weeks. Yikes! Summers seem to get shorter every year.

It is not too late to plan for an inexpensive, last-minute vacation. During the final weeks of the season, when most people are heading back to school or work, hotels and airlines often scramble to fill spaces, making it easier to find low-cost lodging and fares.

Here are some affordable destinations that can be fun for the whole family from mid-August into September.

Hiking and Camping

Visitors to the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone National Park at this time of year can still enjoy peak season weather and lighter than normal crowds. Want to save some extra cash on accommodations and do not mind the elements or hob-nodding with nature? Book a campsite. But do it soon: even in quieter periods, campgrounds in popular areas fill quickly.

Theme Parks

The cheapest time to go to Disneyworld is the last week of August, right before Labor Day, according to travel website Priceline. For those looking for California destinations, theme parks such as Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Universal Studios and Six Flags are also a bit quieter this time of year, making it easy to avoid long lines and enjoy more rides.

Urban Sightseeing

Pre- Labor Day visitors to New York City may be able to cut costs by participating in Restaurant Week and taking in free outdoor concerts. For those seeking a west coast destination, consider Seattle in September, when the hotel rates may be more affordable.

Remember to research a trip before booking arrangements. While hotels in Italy offer rock-bottom prices in August, many stores and tourist attractions are closed at this time of year because of the typically steamy weather. Caribbean cruises cost less too, but August and September tend to be peak season for Atlantic hurricanes. Worried about risks? Buy travel insurance for some peace of mind.

Spending Strategies

Watching airline ticket prices rise and dip can make you feel like a nervous investor glued to stock market. Unlike equities, applying a little strategy can lower costs. For instance, off-season fares to popular vacation spots are often cheaper in August and September compared with peak season, especially for flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

If you have a big family and are flying on an airline with assigned seating, consider splitting into smaller groups and sitting in different sections. Some flights have only a few low-priced seats and a search for a large block of seats at once may exclude a few that are discounted. Try searching for one or two seat blocks, instead. On arrival, take public transportation instead of a taxi or a rental car to save more money.

Being more deliberate about culinary affairs (i.e., food) can help keep a budget intact while still providing chances to enjoy local flavors. To cut back on food costs, consider packing some meals and dining out only once a day. Stay aware of your spending so you have plenty of funds for your vacation activities.

The upside of off-season

Taking a late-season vacation and spending carefully can reduce costs and relieve concerns about mounting credit card balances that await you when the excursion ends. To take the edge off of next year’s summer fun, put whatever has been saved by not going at a peak time into a savings account. That can also enhance feelings of financial security, especially with regular contributions for the rest of the year.

If you do need some extra funds for your late-summer trip, consider an AltaOne Getaway Loan. The interest rate is significantly more attractive than most credit cards for those who would like to borrow money for their summer vacation.

Claire Davidson, NerdWallet

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