Resources/Biblical Perspective/Travel
By Summer Lane
Photo: Deposit
Summertime may look a little different for everyone this year, given the rising prices of gas and jet fuel…still, if travel is on the agenda for you or your family this summer, it doesn’t hurt to do a little planning before you hit the road or jet off to new and exciting places!
According to GasBuddy, the nation’s average price of gas fell one cent over the past week, with an average of $4.47 per gallon. “With global oil inventories continuing to trend toward historically tight levels, markets remain extremely sensitive to geopolitical developments and potential supply disruptions,” said Patrick De Haan, the head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “As a result, gasoline and diesel prices are likely to remain volatile, and with Memorial Day approaching, any sustained increase in oil prices could begin pushing retail fuel prices higher again in the weeks ahead.”
The rise in gas prices and the shortage of jet fuel in other countries have caused a spike in consumer pricing, visible in everything from groceries to plane tickets. If you’re looking to have an adventure this summer, but you’re concerned about keeping costs under control, have no fear – most of America is right there with you! Here are some surefire ways to keep your travel plans cost effective and budget friendly.
- Set your budget before you choose your destination. This will help you choose where you want to/can go. Don’t spend beyond your means. If you have to stay less nights, that’s okay! Know how much you’re willing or able to spend before you depart, so you don’t get in over your head. A good rule of thumb? The “50/30/20” rule, as we say in my family. This means 50 percent of your budget goes toward accommodations or flight tickets, 30 percent goes toward food, and another 20 percent goes toward “fun” stuff like souvenirs or unforeseen expenses.
- If you can, book your flights and hotels ahead of time. This has been a tried-and-true trick that I’ve used for years. I book hotel accommodations out sometimes a year ahead of time, when the rates are ridiculously cheap and hold them as long as I can until we know we’re going to travel or not. The same goes for plane tickets. The earlier you can book, the better!
- Have an emergency spending plan. I never like to travel without having access to an emergency fund, just in case something goes wrong. Whether it’s an emergency credit card or a stash of cash, it’s a good idea to be prepared. The last thing you want is to be far from home and stranded, without any money in hand! That’s another thing to keep in mind, too: it’s never a bad idea to keep cash with you. If you can’t access your digital banking, there’s something to be said for having cash on hand.
- Do some research on where you’re staying. Another helpful tip is to do some research about where you’re going to be dining and what attractions you’ll be visiting. If you stay on plan (mostly!), it will help you fit it into the bulk of your budget. When I take my daughter on overnight trips to the beach, we plan for two meals at a restaurant, and the rest, we pack in an ice chest. I also budget for at least two coffees (obviously!). Having it planned ahead of time helps you stay on track.
- Don’t forget a post-trip assessment. I like to assess my budget and my spending habits after every trip and ask myself where I did well, where I wavered, and what I could do better next time. There’s always something to learn! You can use this opportunity to compare your pre-trip budget to what the actual cost was, and use this to adjust your plans in the future.
If you can’t travel for the summer, it’s okay! Many people can’t. Work makes it hard. So does the high cost of living. But don’t let that stop you from going on hikes, having picnics, visiting the local zoo, or grabbing a $1 Slurpee with your kids on a hot summer day. Seize the day and embrace the little things. And most of all…make memories and have fun!
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Phil. 4:11-13
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Certified Coach Shares Sanity-Saving Tips for Travel with Kids This Summer – Marisa Lonic
Get ready to pack your suitcase and book your next flight or plan your next road trip! Summer is nearly here, and with it, so are the potential exciting memory-making experiences for your family. Should you drive or fly? Should you bring games, tablets, or snacks, or make it a tech-free, sugar-free journey? Marisa Lonic has all the answers! Marisa is a certified coach, bestselling author, and podcast host. She created Mama Work It, a space for women who are juggling real-life responsibilities and workloads. She’s an expert in finding a pace that’s sustainable for your unique lifestyle – and that includes the way you travel with your family. Vacations are wonderful opportunities to create memories, to be present with one another, and to break free of the day-to-day routine. Marisa shares practical tips and trips for traveling by road or by air that just might save your sanity.
Summer Lane is the #1 bestselling author of 30 books, including the hit Collapse Series and Resurrection Series. She is an experienced journalist and editor who is covering the White House and Trump administration. She owns Write Revolution News.
Summer is also a mom and wife who enjoys rural country living, herding cats, and gardening. She is passionate about writing on women’s issues, parenting, and politics from a theologically-grounded perspective that points readers to the good news of the gospel.
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