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Summer remains a popular period for traveling. Even as the season ends, there’s still a chance to get out and spend quality time with friends and family. Or, just give some time to yourself and recharge.

Of course, vacation-goers may need to be a bit more budget-conscious compared to previous years. That’s where a little planning, good timing, and classic cost-cutting strategies come into play.

If you’re in the mood to add some last-minute summer fun to your schedule, there are many strategies you can use to keep costs manageable. Here are a few recommendations.

A Few Observations on 2025 Summer Vacation Costs

Rising prices may define today’s economic environment. At the same time, the changes in costs aren’t an all-encompassing phenomenon. For instance, a report from CBS News suggests that the costs of certain vacation staples are going down compared to 2024.

Price decreases are seen primarily in airfare and hotel rooms. Meanwhile, there are cost increases in vehicle rentals, entertainment, and restaurants.

For an in-depth analysis of travel cost changes, you can view the report on NerdWallet.

By anticipating where your vacation budget is going to be impacted the most, you can plan a trip that is just as fun as it is cost-effective. Let’s go over the ways that take your travel budget further.

Try Local Activities Before Hitting the Road (Or Taking to the Skies)

There could be a world of adventure right down the street from you! It also allows you to connect with your community. Check out your local area for events, festivals, or happenings that align with your interests.

Thinking local is a great way to keep children engaged while school’s out, too. Your local library, for instance, may be hosting read-alongs or other kid-friendly activities. Many of these events are free or at a very low cost to residents.

For the most part, enjoying the great outdoors is also a relatively low-cost activity. Florida, for instance, is gifted with many state parks and beaches with nominal entry fees and parking fees. You can learn more about the Florida state parks system by visiting their website.

Try These Budget Travel Hacks

One of the most significant costs associated with travel includes getting to the destination. As noted above, the prices of these spending categories are on the decline, but you can take your savings further by adopting some budget travel hacks that are trending online.

If you’re planning on flying somewhere, two cost-cutting trends might catch your eye:

• Booking with a low-cost airline
• One-bag travel
  

Let’s talk about them now.

Fly on a Low-Cost Airline, and Be Aware of the Limitations

Booking a low-cost airline, or “budget airline,” can reduce the price of your ticket significantly. These are carriers that prioritize reducing operating costs. As a result, the prices of their tickets are much lower compared to their competitors, even if you’re booking mere days in advance. Examples of these airlines include:

• JetBlue
• Spirit Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
  

On the other hand, low-cost airlines are notorious for imposing additional fees for services like checking a bag.

A common gripe that travelers have about budget carriers is their guidelines for carry-on bags and personal items. Carry-ons like suitcases may not fit in the cabin, prompting a traveler to pay the dreaded “check at the gate” fee, which potentially undoes the savings one might have enjoyed in the first place.

You can reduce the likelihood of getting caught off-guard by these hidden fees by recognizing how budget carriers operate. By planning and working within these limitations, you can still travel relatively comfortably.

This is where “one-bag travel” becomes a feasible idea.

A Brief Introduction to One-Bag Travel

One-bag travel is a method and philosophy where one travels with, you guessed it, only one bag. That means everything you need for the entirety of your trip stays with you in transit, away from a plane’s cargo hold.

One-bag travel has many advantages that are as practical as they are philosophical. They include:

• It is cost-effective: If done correctly, one-bag travel can cut costs because you wouldn’t need to pay to check additional bags. It also reduces the likelihood of losing your luggage while in transit.
• It lightens your load: Bringing less stuff also means you won’t have to lug as much around as you go from one place to another.
• It centers your journey: Traveling light also means you can commit more energy to focusing on your travels, potentially making your trip much more enjoyable.
  

The fundamental first step in one-bag travel involves packing only the essentials, like toiletries, a few days’ worth of clothing, and only enough electronics that you know you will use.

Backpacks are popular for this style of travel because, on most airlines, their dimensions would technically qualify them as a personal item, which is much smaller than a carry-on and can go under an airplane seat.

If you’re planning on single-bag travel, become familiar with your chosen airline’s baggage policy. While many manufacturers make bags specifically to facilitate carry-on-only or one-bag travel, airlines have the last word on what gets to go in the cabin. Moreover, baggage sizing requirements vary from one airline to the next.

While this style of packing and traveling has risen in popularity due to its cost-effectiveness, it can be a little overwhelming if you’re just starting.

Travelers have formed an online community of sorts recounting their experiences with “one-bagging” it while providing pointers and insights. A good starting point is this write-up from AFAR.

Whether you’re planning a last-second trip across country or in town, it’s still possible to enjoy the last few weeks of summer on a budget. For more insights on how to save money in your everyday life, check out our Featured Articles.