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Creating a Summer Vacation Budget that Doesn’t Break the Bank: Part I

    

The results are in…and taking a vacation is good for your health! In fact, one article found that taking some time off can:

  • Reduce stress
  • Improve sleep patterns
  • Prevent heart disease
  • Improve productivity

Unfortunately, fewer of us are taking vacations than ever before. One of the top reasons? Lack of money. If you need a getaway, but are on a tight budget, then we’ve got some ways to help you save….

Be strategic as to when you buy flights.

Not all flight searches are created equal. Be strategic about when you pull the trigger on

big-ticket vacation purchases. When it comes to airfare, companies use a variety of methods and pricing structures to fill their seats.

Photo of computer and tickets

As stated in this US News article: “For the airlines, it's about getting you to pay the most you're willing to pay, which is the opposite of what the consumer wants," says Joe Brancatelli, publisher of the travel website JoeSentMe.com. “On a single flight, there can be more than a dozen pricing categories. On a 150-seat plane, there could be 50 different prices.”


To get the best possible deal on tickets:

  1. Follow the 6-week rule. While there are exceptions, according to the data, the best time to buy airline tickets is 42 days before you plan to fly.
  2. Buy mid-week. Generally, tickets are cheapest to buy on Tuesdays. Even better? Buy first thing in the morning.
  3. Fly on Wednesdays. Going somewhere for a week? While most people take Monday through Friday off, flying mid-week may be your best bet to saving money on both airfare AND hotels.
  4. Take off early. It goes without saying, but the less convenient a flight time is, the cheaper it’ll probably be. Red eyes (we all hate them) are often the cheapest.
  5. If you fly often, stay loyal. Many airlines offer free checked bags, bonus miles or no-fee date changes if you sign up for their credit card or loyalty/rewards program.

Save even more with Green Checking.

 

Green Checking users are eligible for savings and discounts at local and national hotels, restaurants, car rental, theme parks, and more via MyWaFdWins.com. Want specifics? Here are just a few examples of some savings.  

Ready to start saving?
Contact your local branch to find out more.

My WaFd Wins products and benefits are not insured by FDIC or any Federal Government Agency; not a deposit of or guaranteed by the bank or any bank affiliate. 

Click here to visit our My WaFd Wins Benefits page to find out more and access full benefits disclosures. Some benefits may require activation/registration, but all are available to Green Checking account holders.

 

 

 

Have Questions?

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