A recent Deloitte poll found that summer is peak travel season for Canadians, with July being the most popular time to take a vacation.
But if budget worries are clouding your vacation dreams, experts say it's possible to ease those fears. Whether you're looking for an adventure close to home or a once-in-a-lifetime trip, here are some tips to help ensure summer fun doesn't bust your budget.
How to save money on a staycation
A staycation can eliminate some of the biggest expenses that come with traveling, like airfare and hotel accommodations, but unless you plan on spending the whole day reading on deck, you'll need to budget for some fun outings.
Paul Seipp, president of BMO's Mid-Prairie region, recommends exploring local attractions and experiences, especially those that don't cost a lot of money: Festivals, fireworks, outdoor events and parades are great ways to make your staycation special.
When you go to expensive local attractions, keep an eye out for discount days and special offers — many museums, for example, offer cheaper admission on certain days of the week or after certain times.
“One of the worst things that can happen is a hangover in September when your summer bills arrive, so stick to your plan (even if it's a staycation) by setting up a separate holiday account or putting some money aside in savings,” says Seipp.
While a picnic or packing your own lunch is always a budget-friendly option, staycationers who want to dine at restaurants should consider strategic ways to save money, such as happy hours or “kids eat free” days, Seipp says.
How to save money on a camping trip
If you already have camping gear, camping can be significantly cheaper than staying in a hotel, but if you don't, sleeping outdoors can be expensive. Experts recommend looking for gently used camping gear at second-hand stores, Facebook Marketplace, and even garage sales.
