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2022-05-20
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Ready to Plan Your Summer Travel? Here's How to Get Started

a family waits to board their plane for their summer travels
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It’s summertime, and for many of us, it means it’s time for summer vacation. Whether you’re celebrating a graduation, taking a family road trip, or something else, many Americans will be traveling this year.

Here are some of our best tips for planning your trip and learn how an Academy Bank Express Loan can help.

1. Decide Where You’re Going -- And When

Choosing dates on the calendar for your summer travel is an important first step for trip planning. Work priorities, school or summer activities, and other obligations can make it hard to nail down a time when everyone in the family is free.

If you’re traveling to visit family or friends, don’t forget to take their schedules into consideration. You wouldn’t want to choose dates that they’re unavailable or also will be traveling.

Depending on your job, your spouses’ job, or even your teenage childrens’ jobs, you may need to put in a request for the time off. It may be a good idea to select some backup dates in case you aren’t able to get the time off for your first-choice dates.

Once you have your dates all set, think about where you’ll be going for your trip. Whether it’s a long-weekend getaway to the beach town a few hours away, a cross-country road trip with your family, or a dream vacation overseas. No matter where you go -- near or far -- you can look forward to spending time with your loved ones and making vacation memories.

2. Book Your Tickets and Lodging

When you’ve got your dates and destination selected, the next step is to book your airfare if you’re traveling by plane.

According to some travel experts, you may find that flight prices are the lowest if you book within a certain timeframe. Travel and Leisure, a travel publication, notes that the sweet spot for domestic flights within the U.S. is 67 days prior to a summer trip. And for international destinations, it depends on exactly where you’re going. For Asia and Europe, for example, the best time to buy is about 120 days in advance.

If you’re traveling by car, there’s no need to book tickets. But you can prepare for your road trip by ensuring your car is in great shape for the journey: giving it a deep clean, checking the brakes and tire pressure, and changing the oil.

Once you have your transportation method sorted out, booking your lodging is likely the next step. Whether you choose to book hotels, homestays or vacation rentals, or something else, it’s usually best to book as soon as you can. Especially this summer, when many people are taking their first trip in several years, you may find that many prime lodging options are sold out.

3. Decide on Your Must-Do Activities

Some travelers prefer to go with the flow; others like to plan everything in advance. And for some people, a combination of both is their preferred way to travel.

In some cases, it just depends on the types of activities you want to do. Some may need to be booked in advance while others can be decided on during the same day.

For example, if you’re traveling to New York City and want to see a Broadway show, you’ll likely want to book those tickets as soon as you can. Some popular shows such as The Lion King sell out months in advance.

On the other hand, if you’re visiting London, you may plan activities such as the London Eye and the British Museum, both of which you can generally buy tickets for the same day.

To avoid any disappointment during your trip, be sure to do some research before you go to figure out which activities you need to plan and book in advance.

4. Pay Attention to Your Finances

Vacations aren’t necessarily cheap, but they don’t have to totally break the bank. Planning ahead can do a lot of good in minimizing certain costs, such as airfare or lodging. And setting a budget can help you stay within your limits while still enjoying your well-deserved vacation.

Keep in mind that it’s important to nourish your mental and emotional wellbeing, and occasionally spending money on things such as vacation can help make life feel enjoyable.

But If you find yourself in need of some extra funds for your trip, Academy Bank can help.

Get Quick Access to the Cash You Need with an Academy Bank Express Loan*

An Academy Bank Express Loan is a personal loan that gives you access to the cash you need without breaking your budget.* No more resorting to high-interest lenders like payday lending offices helps ensure that your funds go where you need them.

Features of the Academy Bank Express Loan include:
  • Loan amount from $250 to $15,000
  • Less than perfect credit considered
  • A great alternative to high-interest, short-term lenders like payday lending offices
  • Automated payments available so you'll never miss one
  • Fixed terms and monthly payments to simplify your budget
  • No application fee

Academy Bank Is Committed to Your Family

No matter your travel plans this summer, Academy Bank is working hard to help you achieve your financial goals -- even the fun ones, like vacation. If you’re looking for a partner in your personal finance journey, we provide convenient options for savings accounts, checking accounts, and more.

Member FDIC.

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*Subject to credit approval. Restrictions apply. Annual Percentage Rate is based on credit score. Only one personal loan allowed to any borrower at any time. Loan terms are based on the loan amount. Origination fee applies. Demand deposit relationship required. Refinance applicants must qualify for a minimum of $250 in additional cash for approval. The actual amount, term and APR amount of any loan that a customer qualifies for is based on credit determination. Repayment terms range from 6-48 months. APR range from 19.95% to 35.95%. Example Loan: Loan Amount $2,050 , APR 19.45%, 12 Months Term, Monthly Payment $190.31.