DES MOINES, IA (May 22, 2013) According to a survey conducted by the Iowa Credit Union League, less than half of Iowans surveyed (32.2%) plan to take a summer vacation. Of the 936 respondents, 9.8% plan to take more vacations than they did in 2012 and 9.6% indicated they will take a longer vacation.
A USA TODAY/Gallup Poll found that nearly three quarters of Americans plan to vacation at least 100 miles from home, an almost 15% increase since 2012. In Iowa, 8.9% of Iowans surveyed said that they planned to travel further than they did in 2012.
“People take vacations to get away from everyday stresses,” said Emily Caropreso, Director of Communications & Marketing, Iowa Credit Union League. “However, without planning ahead or creating a budget, your vacation may generate debt that can take months or years to pay off, creating more headaches.”
For those seeking to add a vacation back into their budgets, the Iowa Credit Union League suggests taking the following five tips:
- Bring your own food and snacks. Whether traveling for a week-long or simple day trip, bring your own food and snacks. Food and beverage prices are typically higher in “touristy” areas, so save your money by bringing bottled water and sodas, and packing snacks and lunches.
- Have a budget when on-site. Many people budget for the travel and hotel costs of their vacations, but forget to consider meals and activities when on-site. Think carefully about what activities your family might want to experience – water skiing or zip lining – and what meals you’ll want to enjoy out, and budget appropriately before you leave.
- Look for local excitement. Summer is the season for local festivals and activities throughout Iowa, and most are free. See what’s happening in your local area by visiting www.traveliowa.com.
- Leave unnecessary financial instruments at home. Before going on vacation, look through your wallet and purse and remove any financial instruments that you won’t need, and leave them at home. Why bring your checkbook or other less-used payment methods on vacation and risk them being lost or stolen? Only bring the forms of payment that you plan on using, plus a backup.
- Make use of gas discount programs. Traveling by car is pretty much inevitable, whether enjoying an out-of-town getaway or stay-cation this summer. Many retailers, such as grocery stores and gas stations, offer gas discounts that can amount to significant savings, especially if you plan ahead and amass the rewards over the months leading up to your vacation.
The Iowa Credit Union League is the trade association that represents the interests of Iowa credit unions and their more than one million members. Credit unions are not-for-profit, financial cooperatives owned and operated by their members. Iowans use their credit union membership to receive higher interest rates on savings and lower interest rates on loans. For more information on ICUL and Iowa credit unions, visit www.IowaCreditUnions.com. Follow ICUL on Twitter at www.twitter.com/icul or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/iowacreditunions. To learn more about credit unions, visit www.ASmarterChoice.org.