Summer travel is something most of us look forward to all year.
But without a plan, it can leave you with a maxed-out credit card and a lot of financial stress to come home to. In this episode of Financial Feminist, I'm breaking down exactly how to budget for summer travel so you can enjoy your trip without the money anxiety hanging over you the whole time. I'll walk you through how to set a realistic trip cap before you ever open a flight search tab, why travel is a known predictable expense and not just a fun splurge, and how to build a sinking fund so the money is already there when it's time to book. If you’re craving a getaway this summer, I'm giving you a step-by-step framework, plus my favorite money-saving tools and practical tips, so you can travel well and come home financially intact.
*Important note: this episode was recorded in January 2026, before the increase in gas prices
Visit https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod to get my free Travel Budgeting Spreadsheet!
00:00 Intro
00:16 Why Summer Travel Feels So Expensive
02:50 Step 1: Set Your Total Trip Cap
03:49 A Budget Is Not a Killjoy
05:46 Let Flight Deals Decide Where You Go
07:55 Step 2: Break the Trip Into Real Categories
12:22 Step 3: Plan Backwards
15:13 Step 4: Cut Costs Without Ruining the Trip
17:48 Book Experiences in Advance & Pick Your Splurges
19:21 Use Credit Card Points
19:58 What to Do If You Can't Afford the Trip You Want
22:05 Travel Is Part of a Rich Life
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