As winter’s clutch eases and warmer weather returns, Floridians are eager to travel again. Nothing symbolizes the coming of the new season than Spring Break. If this is your time to see new sights and unwind, you may already know that traveling will be slightly different this year.

How different? Well, AAA anticipates that the travel costs will be a little higher compared to last year. Domestic airfare is predicted to be 7% higher, with hotel costs increasing by about 8%. As you can imagine, goods and food at your destination may see price hikes, too.

What other things do you have to consider when traveling? It pays to be mindful of other spending categories, including:

• Rental vehicles
• Resort fees
• Restaurants
• Souvenirs
• On-trip replacements
• Health-related incidents
• Taxis and public transportation
  

Vacations can be fun, but they can also be costly. It pays to be mindful of these costs and more if you wish to stay on budget. With these helpful tips, keeping your travel expenses in check will be easier.

Planning for a Budget-Conscious Spring Break

Budgeting for anything is a proactive exercise. If you want a cost-effective vacation, making a few compromises may be worth it. Here are a few ways that you can cut costs on your travel while still getting the most from your day off:

• Try “off-the-beaten-path” destinations: Go-to destinations featured on big travel shows and blogs tend to also fetch a high price. Instead, make your next vacation destination near a state park or smaller beach town. Outdoor places, like state parks and nature preserves, tend to have lower entry costs.

   

• Stay grounded instead of flying: Traveling to your destination by car may be more cost-effective than booking a ticket through an airline. If you’re traveling with a group, you can cut the costs even further by having everyone pitch in for gas money.

   

• Use the kitchen for a night or two: Going out to eat may encapsulate the vacation mindset, but cooking a few meals on your own may add more value to your trip. Consider planning a menu for a few nights and have your guests pitch in on the costs. This helps the price to remain manageable for everyone while also opening the chance to make more memories.
  

Break your travel budget down into categories. Doing so will let you set boundaries on how much you’re willing to spend on certain items. These categories may include:

• Transportation
• Lodging
• Food
• Entertainment
• Emergencies
  

Anticipate the Unexpected When Budgeting for a Vacation

There’s a good chance you’ve had your spring travel plans set months in advance. Airfare and hotel booking fees take up a big portion of budgets, so having these squared away ASAP is always a good idea.

However, addressing a vacation's “hidden” costs is equally important. Before you check in to your flight, now is a good time to have an honest gut check on how much you may spend while you’re at your destination.

Many airlines, hotels, and transportation services may charge additional fees beyond what you paid for the booking. Also, you may be tempted to make impulse purchases that will quickly add up. These extra charges may include:

• Baggage fees
• Snacks and beverages on the flight
• Food at gas stations or rest stops
• Tipping at hotels, including bell service, bars, and restaurants
• Fees and tips for taxi and ridesharing services
  

Another “hidden fee” to consider is the cost of travel insurance. This is a value-added service to many flights or hotel bookings that may cover the expenses incurred in the event of emergencies or hospital stays. While it may be an extraneous service to some, the added peace of mind might be worthwhile. Review a travel insurance policy carefully and determine if the cost is worth it to you and your party.

Keep Track of Your Spending

Vacations and travel are associated with easing up on one’s responsibilities and enjoying the moment. However, when it comes to budgeting, it is always important to keep track of your spending to uphold accountability—and avoid unmanageable debt.

We’re not saying that you shouldn’t relax during your trip. Instead, we recommend that you take a moment to tally up expenses so you don’t get surprised when your account statements drop.

Here are a few little things you can do to track your travel spending:

• Keep your receipts, whether they are printed, emailed, or messaged
• Put digital invoices in a dedicated folder on your phone
• Keep a running tally by jotting things down on paper or through a notes app
  

You can download different apps to help you and your party stay accountable and even pay each other back. Budgeting apps like EveryDollar, Rocket Money, or TravelSpend help to track spending. Splitwise is also a good option for managing expenses between friends and family. Visit your phone’s app store to learn more.

Remember: planning is the key to a successful vacation. Setting boundaries, staying aware of your spending, and upholding accountability go a long way in keeping your finances stable on a trip.

First Florida is your trusty traveling companion when you're on the road. Use our mobile app to keep track of your finances on the go. And don’t forget: your credit union is always nearby, thanks to CO-OP shared branching.