I’m WAY too busy during the summer months with the Rock Stops during the 95 Days of Summer, so my wife & I usually do our traveling/vacations in the fall. Plus, I prefer the weather in September/October if I’m going to be outside.
After a 2-year slump, summer travel is increasing in 2022, and a recent survey determined that 73% of Americans are planning to travel this summer, but soaring costs and a lingering pandemic have some opting out and staying home.
If you are going somewhere this summer, these tips can help you save money during your trip:
- Cash in travel rewards/points. If you have miles, points, or rewards on an airline or hotel card, redeem them to avoid losing them due to travel rewards devaluation.
- Fuel your road trip with gas credit cards. While gas prices continue to climb, offset the cost of road trips with a card that offers bonus points or cash back.
- Keep watch for COVID restrictions. Restrictions have eased up, but if you’re going abroad this summer, make sure to check the COVID-19 requirements at your destination and for returning to the U.S.
- Hunt for travel deals. Travel prices are likely to increase, do your research, track prices and be ready to book at a moment’s notice!
And maybe instead of traveling, you’re looking to do something closer to home on the cheap. Nothing wrong with that. Here’s a few budget vacations you can try this summer:
Head to Des Moines, IA!
While you’re in Des Moines, check out the Pappajohn Sculpture Park(it’s FREE!) You’ll find the works of many world-renowned artists, and check out the beautiful skyline view of Downtown Des Moines.
Also in downtown Des Moines, there’s an incredible farmer’s marketevery Saturday morning, offering a variety of locally grown produce, live music, and many arts and crafts. Visiting the market is free to attend but you might have to pay $5-10 for parking in one of the nearby garages.
Check out the Science Center of Iowa while you’re in Des Moines. They’re open from 9am-4pm every Wednesday through Sunday during the summer months, and they have a killer six-story IMAX dome theater that often shows popular movies and documentaries. For just $18/adult and $14/child you can experience both the science center and the IMAX theater.
If you do travel to Des Moines, you HAVE to eat at Zombie Burger!!!!! Get the “Walking Ched”…it’s got deep-fried mac-n-cheese buns!!!!
Go the other side of the state & visit Milwaukee!
There is SO much to do in MKE, from taking in a Brewer game, to visiting the Harley museum, to enjoying some time on the beach, or checking out one of the umpteen breweries in Cream City.
I suggest taking the iconic Miller tour & the tour at Lakefront if you’re going to Milwaukee, but there’s SOOO many to choose from.
Obviously, if you’re heading to MKE during Summerfest, you should stop by & check out some of the tunes!
Milwaukee is home to the world’s oldest bowling lanes. Try a few frames at the Holler House for some fun on the lanes where they still set the pins by hand!
And finally, check out Sandusky, Ohio!
Must do activities in Sandusky:
- Visit Cedar Point
- Explore old Sandusky
- Take a trip out to the Lake Erie Islands
Cedar Point is one of the world’s best theme parks, and it’s probably a good idea to get there by public transport from nearby Sandusky, as the on-site parking can be expensive!
The Lake Erie Islands are gorgeous, and a short ferry ride(around $34 round trip) from Sandusky. are beautiful and well worth the visit.
There’s also several waterparks in the area to cool off on a hot summer day!
For some good eats, stop by Chet & Matt’s Pizza, and then grab a cone at Toft’s Ice Cream Parlor! There’s also a few breweries you can check out including Bait House & Clag!
Obviously, if you’re going to travel this summer, plan ahead, do your research, and you’ll find deals and plenty of ways to save money!
