Budget travel planning becomes more important these days. You probably remember the kind of summer trips your parents took you on: A week at the beach, or a national park road trip. Perhaps, you went on a cross-country flight if things were going well that year. For many middle-class families, those vacations were a given. These days, that’s changed.
Travel Isn’t As Affordable These Days
Prices are up and any flights cost more. Another issue is that hotels fill up fast, and even eating out on the road adds up quickly. A 2025 Bankrate survey found that almost half of Americans don’t plan to travel this summer, and the top reason is cost. Still, that doesn’t mean you have to sit at home. You just need to get more creative.
A lot of people still make travel a priority. In fact, Morgan Stanley’s AlphaWise research recently showed that more than 60 percent of Americans still plan to get away in the next six months. Notably, the desire to travel is there. However, the difference is how people are going about it. And, budget travel planning is becoming essential.
Destinations That Give Value
Instead of heading straight to the most popular tourist hotspots, you might think about places that give more value. Skip the overbooked resorts and try spots with fewer crowds and better prices. Places like San Antonio, Texas, for example, give you a mix of food, history, and scenery. And generally, they come with lower budget concerns, but watch out for some overpriced Airbnbs.
It is still possible to travel within the USA and get value for money. However, if the wallet is tight, you should avoid places like New York or LA. Rather, consider somewhere like Twin Lakes in Colorado which offers mountain views and quiet cabins that feel far away from the chaos without blowing your entire yearly budget.
Travel Abroad Is Doable
If you’re thinking about going abroad, don’t write it off as impossible. In fact, it can be cheaper than some domestic trips. Travelers have found that cities like Oaxaca in Mexico or Tbilisi in Georgia, the country, not the state, offer beautiful experiences for far less than you’d spend in San Francisco or Miami.
While flights can be long, especially with kids, once you get there, everything from food to lodging costs much less. In some places, you can find a private room in a guesthouse for under $30 a night and eat well for less than what you’d spend on a single restaurant meal back home.
Picking Your Travel Time
It’s also worth thinking about when you travel. Summer’s popular, but if you can go during spring or fall, you’ll find lower prices and fewer crowds. A trip in mid-September to a place like Slovenia or Bulgaria might cost half of what you’d pay in July. Meanwhile, you can still enjoy sunshine, fresh food, and good hospitality.
Additionally, you don’t have to go far to make it count. Maybe consider a staycation in your nearest city. A night or two in a local hotel, a museum visit, and a dinner you wouldn’t usually splurge on can feel like a reset. Or, if you’re lucky enough to work remotely, a change of scenery doesn’t have to use up all your vacation time. Workcations are increasingly popular for that reason.
Evolve With The Times
The way we travel is evolving. That week-long family trip to Disney might not be in reach right now. However, a long weekend in a mountain cabin, or an off-season escape to Mexico is still possible. Big cities are not the only places where you can find enjoy a nice vacation. Why not consider a quiet city with good food and friendly locals?
The travel dream isn’t dead, it’s just different. If you want it, and you plan it, you can still make it happen.
Let us know in the comments below if you ever thought outside the box to make your annual travel vacation meet your budget, and come back here often for all your news and updates.