Don’t Break the Bank to Make Family Memories

Quality time with family is precious, and one of the best ways to connect with your loved ones is taking a vacation together. With some financial savvy, you can plan an awesome trip while keeping your budget in mind. Use the tips below to get started.

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Compare Multiple Destinations

Let’s say you have your heart set on a beach vacation. There are plenty of cities where you could stay on, or near, the beach. If one location is a little too pricey or doesn’t offer the amenities you need, research similar places until you find the right fit.

Consider All the Costs

You might look at flights and hotels to kick off the planning process, but there may be a few more expenses to consider. Food, souvenirs, rental cars and group activities could all factor into the final price tag, so prioritize wisely—or even set a budget for each category.

Think About Off-Peak Travel

Summer is a popular time for many kinds of travel, especially visiting national parks and theme parks. For these locations, you could find more affordable pricing in the spring and fall. If you’re traveling during peak season, weekdays may be your best option.

Make Meal Planning a Priority

Going out for every meal adds up quickly, especially with kids. Of course, you want to enjoy yourself while you’re on vacation, but it can help to eat in a few times over the course of your trip. A quick grocery run can be a great way to save money, especially if you’re staying in one place for a few days.

Find Free Activities

Get out and explore. Going for a hike or lounging on the beach are two examples of free activities that connect you with nature and your family. You can also check out public parks, museums with free entry and other attractions. Look online to see what you can find near your destination.

Use Rewards

Have you racked up hotel points, airline miles or credit card rewards? These can be a valuable asset in booking your flights and accommodations. Plus, you could earn points for the trip you’re going on. It’s a win-win. To maximize your travel savings, look into Vantage World Mastercard VIP access* for deals on hotels, cars, and flights, and maybe even a $300 rebate^. By combining accumulated rewards with such premium credit card benefits, you can significantly reduce your travel expenses.

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Looking for a Roadmap?

No matter how money smart you are, it’s good to have someone in your corner. If you didn’t already know, you have access to a knowledgeable team right in your community.

Vantage Credit Union could be your partner on the path to financial success. Work with one of our coaches to better understand your budget.

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^*Learn more about Mastercard Travel & Lifestyle services available to World cardholders.

^{^}To receive a $300 rebate, must apply for and open a new Vantage Credit Union (VCU) Mastercard® credit card as the primary borrower during the offer dates of July 1 – September 30, 2025 using code LN132MC and spend a minimum of $2,000 on your new card by November 30, 2025. Subject to credit approval. Promo code is required and must be listed on the application to be eligible for this offer. The following transactions do not qualify: PIN, returns, merchant credits, cash advances, balance transfers, convenience checks, finance charges, fees and transferring balances to a digital wallet. The rebate will be credited to your qualifying credit card account as statement credit by December 31, 2025. Your account must be open and in good standing without any court orders pending against the account at the time rebate is credited in order to receive the rebate. Offer is valid only for new VCU credit card accounts. Individuals who have an open VCU credit card as the primary borrower or one that has closed within 12 months prior to opening a new credit card in conjunction with this offer are not eligible to receive the rebate. Cannot be combined with any other new credit card account offers. Eligibility for this offer will be verified prior to crediting the rebate to the card account. One offer per household.