Turning Summer Vacation Dreams into a Budget-Friendly Reality
Written by: CrossState Credit Union Association & Affinity Federal Credit Union
Summer vacations are often framed as simple escapes. But in reality, they require more thoughtful financial planning than many people expect, especially as costs continue to rise across travel, lodging, food, and entertainment.
Grant Gallagher, Director of Financial Wellbeing and Brand Communications at Affinity Federal Credit Union (FCU), and Sue Ward-Diorio, Executive Director for the CrossState Credit Union Foundation, discuss the current landscape for travelers and how credit unions can best support members as they plan their vacations.
Cost of a Day at the Shore
As Affinity FCU’s fifth annual “Cost of a Day at the Shore” report highlights, even a familiar, close-to-home getaway has become more expensive year over year. “What once felt like an affordable summer tradition now highlights a broader trend,” says Gallagher. “Everyday leisure experiences are steadily becoming more expensive, making intentional budgeting more important than ever.”
For example, overall Jersey Shore vacation costs increased 11.29%, with travel in particular jumping 31.4% (driven largely by gas prices) and weekly shore rental rates surging 53%. From tolls and gas to beach tags, parking, snacks, and dining, the cumulative cost of just one day at the beach adds up quickly.
“This reality can be disheartening for members, who may decide a vacation isn’t possible,” says Ward-Diorio. “But they don’t necessarily have to compromise on summer fun so long as they’re mindful about taking the right steps.”
The Value of Planning Ahead
This is where proactive planning can make a meaningful difference. “Instead of treating vacations as spontaneous or last-minute expenses,” says Gallagher., “building them into a monthly budget allows individuals and families to enjoy time away without financial stress afterward.”
Whether through awareness marketing or in one-on-one meetings, highlight small, consistent strategies that can help individuals and families significantly reduce strain while still preserving the joy of the experience. These include:
- Creating a dedicated “summer experiences” savings bucket
- Estimating total trip costs ahead of time
- Planning travel during lower-cost windows
It’s also useful to promote a thoughtful approach to spending before and during travel. Prebooking parking, activities, and accommodations can help lock in better pricing, while setting a daily spending limit can prevent small expenses from snowballing. Even simple shifts in behavior—like packing some meals or snacks instead of buying everything on-site—can make a noticeable difference over the course of a trip.
“For a member who doesn’t have much experience with budgeting, knowing where to start can be half the battle,” says Ward-Diorio. “That’s where credit unions come in. Sharing these easy tactics can go a long way toward empowering members to take effective action that helps them have a well-deserved vacation.”
The Ultimate Support
For members, financial tools and guidance can be just what they need to develop confidence in their finances. Says Gallagher, “At Affinity FCU, we help members align spending with their priorities through savings products designed for short-term goals, personalized financial coaching, and lending options that support responsible planning.” Such resources make it easier to prepare for meaningful experiences without compromising long-term financial wellbeing.
Ultimately, the goal isn’t to cut back on vacations—it’s to plan for them in a way that balances enjoyment with financial confidence. With the right approach, members can make summer memories that last a lifetime.