Extension financial expert shares tips for saving money on vacation
June 22, 2026
By Rebekah Hall
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts
- Calculate cost of driving versus flying; comparison shop flights for best price
- Be cautious when booking lodging online; call hotels, check ratings and reviews
- Make vacation budget to avoid overspending
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LITTLE ROCK — For Arkansans looking to save money on their summer vacations, an extension financial expert suggests setting a vacation budget, comparing costs of flying versus driving and planning ahead for food and entertainment.
Laura Hendrix, extension associate professor of personal finance and consumer economics for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said that throughout the year, every household needs a good spending plan that includes regular monthly expenses as well as periodic expenses, such as holidays and vacations.
“Consider total income, less regular expenses, and designated savings for retirement and future goals to determine how much money remains for discretionary spending like entertainment and vacations,” Hendrix said. “Ideally, the household budget will include a line item for vacations. Money can be set aside each month.
“Having a pre-determined limit will help prevent overspending or racking up credit card debt,” Hendrix said. “Plan ahead, estimate all expenses and create a budget for your vacation.”
Flying or driving?
Hendrix said families should consider time and money when deciding whether to fly or drive to their vacation destination.
“Check comparisons for both and consider your preferences,” Hendrix said. “If you are flying, be sure to think about the cost of transportation once you arrive at your destination. Will you need to rent a car, pay for public transportation or pay for ride-shares or taxis?”
To calculate driving costs, Hendrix suggests the following:
- Estimate gas expenses by taking total trip miles, dividing by the vehicle’s fuel efficiency in average miles per gallon, and multiplying by the current average price per gallon of gas.
- Consider any additional maintenance your car may need to be ready for a road trip.
- Consider additional meals and lodging: “Depending on the length of the trip, you may have to spend the night on the way,” Hendrix said.
- Add the costs of toll road fees and parking.
“Driving can be a sizeable cost savings, but families should also consider the additional travel time required,” Hendrix said.
To calculate flying costs, Hendrix suggests the following:
- Find the best airline ticket prices: “Comparison shop different airlines, flights and rates,” Hendrix said. “Be flexible with dates and times for the best rates.”
- Estimate flight expenses by multiplying the best ticket price by the number of travelers.
- Consider airport parking, checked bag fees, car rental, taxis or public transportation.
Hendrix said it is also important to always check with the airline about rules and rates for children.
“Adults may not be required to purchase a ticket for an ‘infant in arms,’ sitting in the adult’s lap, and there may be discounts for children,” Hendrix said.
Book lodging carefully
Hendrix said that with so many copycat and third-party websites, booking lodging online can be very complicated.
“Calling a hotel directly is one of the best ways to make sure you are not dealing with a scam or third-party site,” Hendrix said. “A third-party site is a platform that sells hotel rooms that it does not own, reserving the room at the hotel on your behalf. These sites may make it more difficult to alter or cancel reservations if you need to make changes. If you call the hotel and an employee redirects you to reservations, you will know that you are dealing with a reputable reservation representative.
“Some hotels offer price-matching, so it’s always okay to ask if you think you’ve found a great rate online from another site,” Hendrix said.
Hendrix said there are now many other lodging options available to travelers, including private short-term rentals.
“For services that book privately owned properties, be sure to check ratings and reviews before booking,” Hendrix said.
This is also a great opportunity to take advantage of rewards, discounts or coupons, she said.
“If you travel frequently, you probably know that you can earn rewards points for free night stays at chain hotels,” Hendrix said. “Some credit cards also offer hotel reward programs. Always check for discounts, such as those offered for senior citizens or by AAA. Check out travel and tourist sites for coupons.”
Consider a hotel’s amenities as well.
“A complimentary breakfast will help you save on meals, and a pool can provide free entertainment for the kids,” Hendrix said. “Hotel shuttles can also cut down on your transportation costs.”
Do your research
Hendrix said it is always a good idea to get a head start on planning for food, entertainment and other daily expenses, especially if your family wants to visit a theme park, zoo or other attraction.
“Vacation spending is more than lodging and transportation,” Hendrix said.
It can also help to research deals and discounts for restaurants or events near your vacation destination.
“Check with restaurants, activities and events for discounts or free options,” Hendrix said. “Some places offer special ticket rates for children and seniors.”
Visit the extension Personal Finance page to learn more about building financial security, money management and more.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station at aaes.uada.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 22 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
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Media Contact:
Rebekah Hall
rkhall@uada.edu
501-671-2061