We've made it through the winter into the spring, and finally this weekend, the unofficial start to summer is here.
Memorial Day weekend is one of our favorite holiday weekends because, aside from the extra day off from work, it's the kickoff to all things sunny, warm weather and relaxation.
If that's not enough to make you want to jump in your car and make a celebratory getaway, we don't know what is!
The problem with holiday weekends, however, is that we're more inclined to act impulsively and spend without realizing that we're being overcharged. It's easy to go on a Memorial Day getaway and come back to find you've gone way over budget.
But never fear, we've got you covered on how to make sure this doesn't happen.
Here are our 7 tips for planning a Memorial Day trip that won't break the bank:
Leave on Saturday or come back Sunday Travel on off-peak days during the long weekend
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Research and compare price differences in flying versus paying for gas for a road trip Many websites and companies will offer subsidized prices and great package deals for holiday weekends, and you might find that hopping on a plane to your destination is cheaper
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Look online for local deals and coupons Holiday weekends are prime time for sites such as Groupon and Living Social to offer major weekend deals for attractions, lodging and more
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Find a place with an equal number of outdoor activities and indoor activities Since Memorial Day weather can be so unpredictable, it's good to choose somewhere that you can find something fun to do no matter what, instead of wasting money on a trip where it's too cold or too rainy to go to the main attractions
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Don't spend more on luxury by rationalizing that it's a holiday weekend It's easy to fall into the trap where you allow yourself to indulge since it's a long holiday weekend, but your best off sticking to your normal budget and treating the weekend like you would any weekend getaway
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Choose somewhere that's peak-season in the mid-summer Beachy towns and locations may be a great bet (weather permitting) since tourists haven't completely taken over yet. Plus, there's less of a chance you'll run into inflated prices and crowds.
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Be wary of jacked up holiday prices Most popular hot spots and touristy attractions will bump up prices on anything from admission tickets to parking, so if you're visiting a popular weekend destination and the price seems a little high for your liking, opt out.
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Whether your off to somewhere within driving distance or boarding a plane, there are ways to make your trip work around your budget.
Now, check out our tips for making a frugal getaway during any non-holiday weekend:
Avoid peak weekends Prices for everything will be higher (especially lodging) and places will be more crowded. You could end up paying more for a getaway that you enjoy less, thanks to long lines and wait times.
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Choose a location where outdoor activities are common A rural location is ideal for things like bike riding, hiking and exploring--all of which are free!
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Don't fall for the shorter time, spend more each day trap Don't budget the same amount for a weekend trip as you would for a full vacation--staying somewhere for a longer vacation will probably cost you more overall.
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Take advantage of local deals online Be sure to visit sites like Groupon[2] and LivingSocial[3], which specialize in subsidizing area-specific deal, for fun things to do in the area on the weekend you're visiting.
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Bring pets if you have them The cost of a pet sitter or kennel for the weekend can be costly. Save by bringing your animals along.
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Buy admission tickets in bundles Many websites and companies will bundle tickets together for several attractions in the area, so the overall price is almost always cheaper than buying tickets individually.
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Stay somewhere close to the main attractions It will cut down on transportation costs and save you time, while ensuring you get the most out of your short time away.
