Updated August 2026

Travel season is here! According to the U.S. Travel Association, total U.S. travel spending is projected to reach $1.38 trillion in 2026. That means Americans will spend roughly $3.8 billion a day on trips. From urban weekend getaways to long backpacking adventures, travel can get expensive quickly. So, how can you protect your budget? Today, we are sharing simple, helpful tips to save money when booking your next vacation.

Choose "Jump Cities" for Your Stay

If you don't have a specific destination in mind, look for "jump cities." These are smaller towns located just a short drive from major tourist attractions. Staying in a jump city is usually much cheaper than booking a hotel directly in a popular destination. Plus, you still get to easily visit the big attractions during the day.

Get Your Travel Gear Without the Stress

Need new luggage, a camera, or headphones for your trip? The Perpay Marketplace lets you shop from over 1,000 top brands while paying over time. Instead of draining your travel budget all at once, you make small payments directly from your paycheck.

There is no hard credit check with the major credit bureaus to apply. Once your order is approved and your first payment is confirmed, your items ship right away. It’s a simple, stress-free way to get exactly what you need for vacation without paying a large amount of money upfront.

Bundle Flights and Accommodations

Booking your flight, hotel, and rental car together is a great way to save money. Many travel sites offer discounts when you bundle these services. Renting a vacation home through apps like Airbnb or VRBO is another smart option. These rentals can be cheaper for groups and usually include a kitchen, which helps you save money on dining out.

Avoid Hidden Travel Fees

When booking your trip, always look out for hidden fees. Airlines frequently charge extra for checked bags, seat selection, and meals. Read the fine print to make sure you only pay for the services you actually need. The same rule applies to hotels. Always watch out for mandatory resort fees or amenity charges.

Build Credit While You Travel

Having a reliable credit card on your trip is essential. The Perpay Credit Card, issued by Celtic Bank, is designed specifically for consumers with subprime credit who want a better path forward.* It offers 2% rewards that you can easily redeem in the Marketplace.**

To keep the card active, a payroll direct deposit is required. Keep in mind that this required Direct Deposit is separate from your monthly statement minimum.

Save on Dining Out

Many hotels offer complimentary breakfast. Take advantage of this perk to save your cash for fun activities. When you do dine out, try to make lunch your main meal. Lunch menus often feature the exact same items as dinner menus, but at a much lower price.

Ready to Make Your Next Trip More Affordable?

A little planning goes a long way toward a stress-free vacation and so does having the right tools to pay for it. Whether you need new travel gear or want a credit card that works for your budget, Perpay is here to help you get there without breaking the bank.

Sign up for Perpay today and start planning your next trip with confidence.

*The Perpay Credit Card is subject to credit approval. Not available to residents of New Hampshire, Vermont, or the U.S. territories. The Perpay Credit Card is issued by Celtic Bank. See the Terms and Conditions for more information.

**Rewards are earned in the form of Perpay Marketplace credits. See terms.

^***Access to the Perpay Marketplace is offered by Perpay, Inc., and is only available to eligible consumers residing in the United States. The Perpay Marketplace is subject to credit approval. Applying for a Perpay account will not affect your FICO® or Vantage® score. However, we may obtain information from Clarity which may affect your credit profile with this alternative credit bureau.

Perpay does not provide financial, legal, or regulatory advice. The content is for general informational purposes only. Any views expressed are those of Perpay, not its partner institutions. We do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of any linked third-party information. Links to Perpay products are advertisements. All external brand names belong to their respective owners.

Smart Money-Saving Travel Tips for Your Next Vacation