You can enjoy your summer vacation while staying true to your frugal ways. Just because you need to get some sun in the fun doesn’t mean you need to burn your financial goals to a crisp! Here are eight ways to vacation like all you’ve ever wanted without overspending. Stay on track with your summer travel goals using this easy-to-use savings tracker that helps you monitor your progress and stay motivated every step of the way. Download Now!   1. Try a Staycation A staycation is a valid way to spend your summer. Spend time re-discovering your favorite spots or finding some new favorites to add to your list! Eliminating the cost of travel and lodging means that you’re spending less overall, giving you more room to do what you want while you paint the town red! 2. Cash In Reward Points If you’ve been hoarding those miles or reward points for years, waiting for a rainy day, then maybe now’s the time to use them. Doing so can save you a veritable fortune on things you might need for your travels, like car rentals or flight tickets. 3. Plan Your Itinerary Around Freebies While exploring the place you’re visiting, don’t forget to research what you can do for low or no cost and plan your itinerary around them. Stuffing your schedule with mostly free activities ensures you’ll have the cash to do whatever else you’d like. It can make some travel options seem significantly more affordable. Also, make sure to look into reciprocity programs at any of the museums, zoos, or gardens to which you have membership. Many places give you free admittance to other institutions that are part of their network, so make sure to look for any place you already have free admission to! 4. Book Vacations in Advance We hate to say hindsight is 20/20, but there’s no reason you can’t start shopping for next summer now if you feel it’s too late! And booking anything for your vacation in advance is always highly recommended; set up alerts for flight and hotel prices so you’ll get the best deals delivered directly to your inbox and strike while the iron is hot, even if it’s in February for a trip in December. 5. Use Apps to Your Advantage Many apps are explicitly geared toward finding last-minute deals on hotels and flights. So, if you aren’t much of a planner but still want to save, never fear—there are many options that can help you nab some fantastic prices, even on short notice. 6. Go for Budget Accommodations If the plan is to experience the unseen vista you’re traveling to, then your accommodations likely won’t need to be super fancy. Cut back on costs by booking an “it’ll do” type of hotel; all you really need is a place to rest your head, and you can spend the rest of your time (and money) making memories outside the hotel. 7. Travel in the Off-Peak Season We realize we’re talking

Who cares if people think you’re an oddball? These are six eccentric frugal living tips that are surprisingly smart and effective, even if they might raise a few eyebrows. So get started with these unusual frugal tips today! The No Spend Challenge Commit to a no-spend month where you only buy essentials, like groceries, bills, and rent. It’ll yank you out of autopilot spending and make you question why and where you spend your money which is a good thing if you ever want to focus more on saving. Not only that, but you’ll probably rediscover fun, free stuff to do that you totally forgot about. Read More: 7 Ways to Successfully Ace a No-Spend Challenge Shop Your Pantry Instead of jotting down what you “need” and spending more at the grocery store, take stock of what’s actually collecting dust in your pantry and fridge. Save money by building your meal plan around what’s already there. You can even do one or more recipes a week that rely solely on your pantry; it’s completely possible if you keep it stocked!   I created a 46-page Frugal Living Planner that helps you plan, save, and budget without the stress — and it’s only $10! Get it here!   Try a Clothing Swap This is where you might get some odd looks. That is, until your friends find out just how much fun (and frugal) a clothing swap can be! This is a fantastic way to refresh your wardrobe for free, especially if you’ve had your eye on a particular piece for a bit. Plus, it cuts back on fashion waste and means you get to spend more time with your friends doing something a little off the beaten path! “Treat Yourself” Days Without the Expense No one should go without creature comforts, but the self-care industry has gotten a little out of hand. The reality is that you don’t need this expensive spa-like regimen every time you want to show yourself some love. Raid your kitchen and use what you already have. You can use oatmeal for exfoliation, honey for a mask, and cucumbers for your eyes. This is nearly free pampering that comes with zero guilt, even if it begets a few funny looks. The “One In, One Out” Principle This is best for clothing, but the “one in, one out” ideology boils down to getting rid of one thing every time you buy something new. How does this actually save you money, you ask? First, it prevents your closet from becoming a cluttered mess, which can be great for your well-being. And second, it’ll make you think twice before you buy: Is it worth getting rid of something you love for an impulse buy? Feeling overwhelmed by clutter? Join the 30 Bags in 30 Days Declutter Challenge and take the first step toward a more organized home! This free printable makes it easy to stay on track with one simple goal each day—no stress, just steady progress. Download it