5 Ways to Take an Affordable Family Vacation This Summer
- With the right strategy, your family vacation shouldn't land you in debt.
- Driving could be cheaper than flying, and booking a rental property could save you money compared to a hotel.
- If money is tight, you can enjoy a staycation instead of going somewhere new.
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There's a reason summer tends to be a popular time for travel. The weather is warmer, school is out on break, and in many cases, work tends to slow down.
A recent Deloitte report found that 53% of Americans plan to take a vacation this summer. And 45% of summer travelers say their longest trip will last for a week or more.
Since travel can be expensive, it’s important to plan your trip carefully to avoid needing debt relief afterward. And with the right strategy, you can pull off an affordable family vacation this summer without racking up an unreasonably large credit card balance in the process.
Here are five tips for planning an affordable family vacation that’s fun and memorable.
1. Hit the Road Rather Than Fly
Summer tends to be an expensive time of the year to fly because demand is high. If you’re traveling as a family and are willing to drive to your destination rather than fly, you could save money on your vacation and enjoy the convenience of having your car with you.
Imagine you’re looking at $450 per person to fly your family of four to your summer vacation destination. If you can drive back and forth for $450 in total, you’re looking at $1,350 in savings on that portion of your trip alone. Plus, taking your own car saves you the expense of having to rent one at your destination.
2. Skip the Hotel and Stay at a Rental Property
If you’re used to staying at a hotel when you travel, you may be inclined to book a room for your family this summer. But staying at someone’s rental property could make for a more affordable family vacation.
In a vacation rental, you might get extra room to spread out, and more importantly, access to a fully furnished kitchen. The cost of buying three meals a day during a family vacation adds up quickly. If you’re able to buy groceries and prepare a good portion of your meals at your rental, you could lower the cost of your trip overall.
3. Visit Friends or Family in a City You've Never Been to
You may have close friends or family members who live in an area you've always wanted to visit. If it turns out they're free this summer and are open to visitors, you can save money on your family vacation while spending quality time with people who are important to you.
Not only might you enjoy free lodging during your vacation, but you might benefit from having your own personal tour guide to show you around a new city. Plus, being local, your hosts may be able to help you find deals on everything from dining to entertainment so you’re able to spend less.
4. Look for Last-Minute Deals
Booking your family vacation ahead of time could be a good way to save money on it. But sometimes, waiting until the last minute can pay off, too.
If you're flexible with your destination and have the type of job where you can put in for time off without much notice, then it pays to see if you can find a last-minute deal for your summer trip. Sites like Travelzoo and HotelTonight are great resources for finding last-minute lodging. And sites like Hopper and Kayak are useful in helping you find last-minute flights. Your best bet is to compare prices across different sites before committing to a deal.
5. Take a Staycation
Maybe you’re trying to pay off debt or save up for a down payment on a car, and so you’re trying to limit what you spend on your family vacation this summer. A staycation could be an affordable way to take a break from your normal routine and discover parts of your city you never knew existed.
If you’re not spending money on lodging and airfare, you should have more wiggle room to spend on entertainment. That could mean taking your kids to a newly opened theme park one day, splurging on beach passes another day (with ice cream on the boardwalk, of course), and trying out a few new restaurants on your wishlist.
An Affordable Family Vacation Is Within Reach
Family vacations are a great opportunity to spend time together and enjoy new experiences. And the great thing is that even once they’re over, you have the memories of your travels to look back on fondly.
But one thing you don’t want to take away from family vacation is a pile of debt you’re stuck paying off. These tips could be your ticket to an affordable family vacation to make memories you cherish for a long time.
People just like you are seeking debt relief in Davenport, IA and across the country. The first step is the most important one—explore your options.
Insights into debt relief demographics
We looked at a sample of data from Freedom Debt Relief of people seeking debt relief during November 2025. The data provides insights about key characteristics of debt relief seekers.
FICO scores and enrolled debt
Curious about the credit scores of those in debt relief? In November 2025, the average FICO score for people enrolling in a debt settlement program was 593, with an average enrolled debt of $24,913. For different age groups, the FICO scores varied. For instance, those aged 51-65 had an average FICO score of 596 and an enrolled debt of $26,572. The 18-25 age group had an average FICO score of 567 and an enrolled debt of $15,791. No matter your age or debt level, it's reassuring to know you're not alone. Taking the step to seek help can lead you towards a brighter financial future.
Credit card debt - average debt by selected states.
According to the 2023 Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF) the average credit card debt for those with a balance was $6,021. The percentage of families with credit card debt was 45%. (Note: It used 2022 data).
Unsurprisingly, the level of credit card debt among those seeking debt relief was much higher. According to November 2025 data, 88% of the debt relief seekers had a credit card balance. The average credit card balance was $15,182.
Here's a quick look at the top five states based on average credit card balance.
| State | Average credit card balance | Average # of open credit card tradelines | Average credit limit | Average Credit Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $18,833 | 7 | $24,102 | 80% |
| South Dakota | $15,343 | 9 | $28,791 | 80% |
| District of Columbia | $13,535 | 9 | $27,261 | 79% |
| Alabama | $13,087 | 8 | $25,731 | 79% |
| Michigan | $13,909 | 8 | $26,156 | 78% |
The statistics are based on all debt relief seekers with a credit card balance over $0.
Are you starting to navigate your finances? Or planning for your retirement? These insights can help you make informed choices. They can help you work toward financial stability and security.
Manage Your Finances Better
Understanding your debt situation is crucial. It could be high credit use, many tradelines, or a low FICO score. The right debt relief can help you manage your money. Begin your journey to financial stability by taking the first step.
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Author Information
Written by
Maurie Backman
Maurie Backman is a personal finance writer with over 10 years of experience. Her coverage areas include retirement, investing, real estate, and credit and debt management.
Reviewed by
Kimberly Rotter
Kimberly Rotter is a financial counselor and consumer credit expert who helps people with average or low incomes discover how to create wealth and opportunities. She’s a veteran writer and editor who has spent more than 30 years creating thousands of hours of educational content in every possible format.
How much should I spend on a family vacation?
You should ideally spend an amount on a family vacation that allows you to enjoy a fun or meaningful experience without ending up in debt.
Should I pay for a family vacation with a credit card?
Only if you don’t already carry a balance.
Using a credit card to pay for a family vacation could be a great idea if your card gives you cash back or points on expenses like airfare and lodging. Plus, some credit cards can save you money on travel by offering perks like free checked baggage on flights. Aim to pay off your credit card balance in full when your trip is done so your vacation doesn’t cost you more money in interest.
How far in advance should I save for a family vacation?
If you have a specific destination in mind, research the cost of a family trip to go there. Then, figure out how much money you’ll need to save each month to be able to pay for it. The number of months you think it'll take tells you how far in advance to start saving.