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Key Highlights
- Traveling midweek can significantly reduce flight costs for summer vacations
- Eating out during lunch hours help cut down accommodation and food expenses
- There are countless ways to enjoy your summer vacation without paying tourist-trap prices
Summer is just by the corner, and the vibe is sweet, but so are the high prices, long airport queues, and that awkward moment your bank balance starts giving up halfway through the trip.
The good news? You don’t have to go broke to have a great summer. With a few smart (and realistic) moves, you can explore amazing places without maxing out your cards.
Here are six laid-back, no-stress tips to help you enjoy summer like a boss, without burning through your savings.
1. Flights Too Expensive? Travel Off-Peak and Use Nearby Airports
Trying to fly from Toronto to Los Angeles in mid-July? Be prepared to fork out over $700 for a round-trip economy seat. But here’s a trick: if you’re flexible, you can cut that price in half.
Instead of locking in specific dates, use Google Flights or Hopper to track airfare trends. Set alerts and watch prices across flexible date ranges. Flying midweek, especially Tuesday or Wednesday, can slash prices by up to 40%.
And don’t be afraid to mix and match airports. For example, flying out of Hamilton (YHM) instead of Toronto Pearson (YYZ), or into Fort Lauderdale (FLL) instead of Miami International (MIA), can result in big savings.
Also consider nearby U.S. border airports like Buffalo (BUF) or Seattle (SEA) if you’re Canadian. Sometimes, driving 2 hours and crossing the border can save you hundreds.
2. Hotels Draining Your Wallet? Try University Housing and Local Rentals
Planning to stay in downtown Vancouver in July? Standard hotel rates hit $300+ a night, and that’s before taxes and “urban fees.” For couples or solo travelers, that’s just not sustainable.
Instead, check out student accommodations that open up during the summer break. The University of British Columbia, for instance, rents out dorm rooms and suites between May and August starting at around $70 per night. In Montreal, Concordia and McGill universities offer similar affordable stays.
Also, look at platforms like Airbnb—but go beyond the usual filters. Search for “private room” instead of “entire place.” You still get privacy, and often access to kitchens, laundry, and hosts who can give you local insights. In a city like Chicago, a cozy room in Hyde Park could go for $65/night instead of a $210 downtown hotel room.
3. Eating Out All the Time? Mix Local Flavors with Smart Meal Planning
Dining out in cities like New York or Toronto can become a financial black hole. A casual dinner for two at a Nigerian or Caribbean spot in Harlem or Scarborough can cost over $80. Add breakfast, snacks, and the occasional smoothie or coffee, and you’ve accidentally spent $400 on food in just four days.
Here’s how to fix it. Choose a stay with a kitchenette. Buy breakfast basics, eggs, bread, fruits, at local grocery stores like No Frills (Canada) or Trader Joe’s (U.S.). Cook a quick breakfast before heading out. Pack snacks, granola bars, chin chin, or plantain chips, and a water bottle.
And when you do eat out, go during lunch hours. Many restaurants offer the same meals at a 30–40% discount. Want jollof rice and goat meat in DC? Try Bukom Café’s lunch specials instead of their dinner menu. Also, Yelp and Google reviews often reveal hidden gems with good food and great prices.
4. Rental Car Woes? Use Transit and Explore on Foot
In peak summer, a rental car in cities like Calgary or Boston can cost $100 a day before insurance. Parking fees in downtown areas? Don’t even ask. Some hotels charge $45 per night for parking alone.
Save that cash by using public transportation. In Montreal, a $21 weekend transit pass gives unlimited travel on metro and buses. In Toronto, the TTC Day Pass costs just $13.50. These systems are efficient, clean, and get you everywhere—including top attractions like Old Montreal, High Park, or Queen Street West.
If you’re traveling as a couple, try city bike rentals or scooters. In Chicago, Divvy bikes offer 24-hour passes for $16. It’s romantic, eco-friendly, and much cheaper than Uber.
Still need a car for a day trip? Use Turo—a peer-to-peer car rental platform. In Vancouver, you can rent a reliable sedan for $45/day, insurance included.
5. Packing Too Much? Avoid Airline Baggage Fees with a Carry-On Strategy
Checked bag fees are creeping up. WestJet charges $35 for the first bag, while American Airlines can go as high as $40. If your bag is overweight? Add another $100.
Don’t let baggage ruin your budget. Invest in a good carry-on backpack with expandable compartments. Learn to pack light and smart—carry mix-and-match outfits, one pair of versatile shoes, and mini toiletries. Roll your clothes to save space and use packing cubes to stay organized.
If you’re visiting family or friends, coordinate ahead. Maybe they already have a hair dryer, slippers, or even basic toiletries waiting for you. That saves room and weight—plus it feels like home.
6. Falling for Tourist Traps? Build Your Itinerary Around Free Fun
Tourists in cities like San Francisco or Toronto often fall into the trap of expensive attractions. CN Tower admission? $43 per person. Alcatraz tour? Over $60. That adds up fast.
Instead, research free and low-cost experiences. In Toronto, skip the CN Tower and walk across the pedestrian bridge to Trillium Park for sunset skyline views—free.
In Washington, D.C., nearly all the museums, including the Smithsonian and National Museum of African American History and Culture, are free. In Atlanta, explore the BeltLine trail and check out local street art and food trucks.
Looking for culture? African festivals often take place in summer. Afrofest in Toronto, Caribbean Carnival in Montreal, and African Street Festival in Nashville are all packed with food, music, and joy—and many events are free to attend.
And when it comes to souvenirs, support local vendors at street markets. A handmade beaded bracelet or traditional fabric tote means more than a mass-produced t-shirt—and usually costs less.
Closing Thoughts: Travel Smart, Not Broke
Summer vacations should bring rest, joy, and new memories, not debt. By embracing flexibility, using community knowledge, and rethinking what a “perfect” vacation looks like, you can save big and still come home with stories worth sharing.
So go ahead—book that flight, sip that chilled zobo by the beach, or take that train ride through a new city.
