7 Ways To Save Money Booking a Late July 4th Getaway
Written by
Dawn Allcot
Edited by
Nicholas Morine
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Did you decide to get away at the last minute this Fourth of July weekend? With the holiday falling on a Thursday in 2024, many people will be off Friday, July 5, making for a fabulous four-day weekend.
But is it too late to book a fun trip without blowing your budget? Not at all, according to the experts. Gas prices and airfare for domestic flights are both down compared to last year, with regular unleaded fuel 3% cheaper, year-over-year, and flights down 18%.
But how can you find the best flights and hotels?
1. Be Flexible About Your Dates
Flight booking engine Hopper recommended going against the grain when you choose your travel dates. Leave on Thursday, July 4, instead of Wednesday — and return Tuesday to save an average of 32% on your flight.
That’s because most people will want to leave Wednesday and return home Sunday or Monday for work.
2. Know the Costs for Checked Bags
When you’re comparing flight prices, keep checked luggage costs in mind. Many airlines increased their checked bag fees this year. So, a ticket that seems cheaper might have hidden costs if you don’t pack light.
For a four- or five-day trip, consider cramming everything you need into a TSA-approved carry-on bag.
3. Consider a Road Trip
For even greater flexibility and cost savings, consider driving to your destination. But if time is just as important as money, be mindful of when you leave. “Road trips over the holiday week could take up to 67% longer than normal,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, said in a statement published by NPR. He suggested departing before 10 a.m. to beat traffic.
Definitely top off your tank before you go, though — the sooner, the better! Gas prices tend to be cheaper on Mondays and Tuesdays, as previously reported by GOBankingRates.
4. Map Out Your Route to Save on Gas and Tolls
Use an app like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas on your route. Use TollGuru to budget for tolls on your trip. There may not be an easy and efficient way to save money on tolls, but at least you can budget for the expense.
Also, if you have a pre-paid toll pass, you’ll want to make sure it’s compatible with the toll system in the state you’re visiting. For instance, E-ZPass is good in 17 states and compatible with passes in the Southeast, Illinois, and Kentucky, according to TollGuru. Some tolls cost more if you don’t have a compatible pass, so you’ll want to be prepared.
5. See a Show
Emergencies can happen and plans change. That means people who had tickets to see a show this July 4th weekend might be selling those tickets really cheap. Why not see a favorite band, regional theater performance, or sporting event during your getaway?
Check sites like SeatGeek and StubHub for third-party sellers of last-minute tickets. Or search Facebook Marketplace for the area you’re visiting.
If you’re visiting New York or London, check out the TKTS booths in these cities — where you can snag same-day theater tickets for Broadway or West End shows at 20% to 50% off.
6. Grab a CityPASS
Travel booking site Travel Pirates recommends a quick trip to a major U.S. city as a scouting adventure to see if you’d like to spend more time there in the future. Save money with a CityPASS, which provides access to multiple attractions within a city for one price, often at savings of 50%.
7. Pack Snacks and Water
If you’re driving, it’s always a good idea to stock up on road-trip snacks and beverages to avoid paying convenience store prices. If you’re flying, hit up a local grocery store (or use Instacart) to have snacks delivered to your hotel room.
Accuweather has indicated that temperatures this Fourth of July weekend could reach record highs, so it’s especially important to stay hydrated — don’t forget to buy water!
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