Smart Spending Tips for Spring Break

I don’t know about you but I am ready for summer. All this snow we’ve been getting is leaving me dreaming of warmer weather. Unless you live somewhere tropical, you’re probably wishing the same! Luckily, we’re getting closer to Spring Break and kids’ vacation days very soon! Perhaps your family plans a beach vacation or you prefer to explore your own neighborhood with local outings. Either way you decide to spend Spring Break, it’s smart to plan ahead for the expenses that come with it.

Smart Spending Tips for Spring Break

• Book flights early. Flights grow more expensive as the departure date draws near. Book early and research multiple options (include price comparisons between the airline company offerings, private sale sites such as Expedia or Orbitz, or flight price comparison tools such as Kayak or SkyScanner).

• Calendar-ize your staycation. Whether kids are off school for an extra Friday or home for the whole week, you can find ways to spend quality time together without breaking the bank. Create a list of activities for each day with input from the kids, significant other, etc. By planning your daily activities, you can better prepare for what costs lay ahead.

• Save on all travel essentials. Your credit card rewards can come in handy when planning a trip or a staycation. For example, Discover cardmembers can cash in their accumulated Cashback Bonus for partner gift cards to more than 150 popular merchants, which always come with added value (such as $20 Cashback Bonus for a $25 gift card). Use those gift cards for apparel, travel necessities like luggage or bags, snacks, games and more.

• Stay protected by your credit card. When booking your travel itinerary, consider putting the entire cost on your credit card for added protection. For example, Discover protects cardmembers with a variety of helpful, complimentary benefits:
  • Baggage Delay Insurance: You are automatically eligible for reimbursement of the actual cost of replacing any personal items from your checked luggage, up to $500, if your luggage is delayed at least three hours in getting to you at your scheduled destination. The entire cost of the common carrier ticket must be charged to your Discover Card (and/or accrued rewards) for coverage to apply.
  • Auto Rental Insurance: When you use your Discover card, you’re covered if a collision damages the rental vehicle. Just decline the Collision Damage Waiver offered by the rental company.

What are your smart spending tips for Spring Break?

I wrote this post as part of the Discover Preferred Blogger Program. All opinions are my own.