According to the National Consumers League, 70-80% of teens will have some type of job during their high school years. Of those, 50% will work more than 15 hours a week during the school year. After months of saving, many teens plan to spend part of the summer traveling with friends. However, it’s important for teens to plan travel as wisely as they save for themselves. Whether it’s an overnight camping trip or a week on a coastal beach, smart planning is just as important for financial success.
1. Travel when others don’t. Many teens like the idea of a weekend flight, but according to Rick Seaney of the travel website FareCompare.com, one of the best days to fly is Wednesday. If your teen can avoid traveling on a Sunday, it could save you a lot of money. Sunday travelers are often hit with a “peak air travel surcharge,” which can be up to an additional $30 each way.
two. split the cost. If your teen plans to stay in a hotel, encourage him or her to stay with friends. According to a recent Travelocity.com search for the popular Myrtle Beach destination, many hotels can accommodate one to four occupants without major price fluctuations. If your teen doesn’t mind staying in the bunk bed, it could save you several hundred dollars.
3. Take the bus. If she’s worried about her teen driving long hours, he’s in luck. One of the newest and best kept travel secrets is the MegaBus. Since 2006, MegaBus has offered lost cost rides with free Wi-Fi to all of its passengers. According to megabus.com, a ticket from Ann Arbor to Chicago costs $15 one-way or $30 round-trip.
Four. The second option is not the second rate. If there’s a place your teen would love to visit, but it’s too expensive, try a less expensive alternative nearby (because it’s not a tourist trap). Some of the best vacation destinations are the ones less traveled. Advise your teen to use the Internet as a tool and do some homework with them about alternative destinations. Also, any word-of-mouth recommendation from a trusted source could save you some money compared to a travel agent.
5. set a budget. As a parent who has traveled before, express to your child the importance of setting a budget and sticking to it. Help them manage various categories of spending, including things like supplies, food, lodging, and even souvenirs. Helping your teen set a schedule of what she’s doing on what days can help budget planning go more smoothly.
Helping your teen plan their trip can be challenging. However, with a little advice and guidance now, you’re setting them up for a life of savvy financial travel.
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