Experts: Always Buy These 4 Summer Items a Few Months in Advance

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Many Americans are employing a series of strategic moves to save extra money this summer. In a May 2024 survey conducted by GOBankingRates polling 999 Americans, 41% of overall Americans said they shop sales. This strategy is especially popular with older Americans with more than 50% of those ages 55 and older committing to shopping sales.

The savviest shoppers know that the earlier they shop for summer essentials, sometimes a month or sooner if we use May as the starter summer month, the more money they’ll be able to keep and put toward other financial priorities. Keep reading to find out which purchases you should always plan on making ahead of summer.

Luggage

• Best time to buy: March (two months in advance)

GOBankingRates previously spoke to Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst with DealNews.com, about some of the reasons why shoppers should always buy their luggage well before the summer months arrive. 

Ramhold recommended starting to shop for luggage, including checked and carry-on items, in March. Luggage prices drop in March thanks to spring break and summer vacations on the horizon and shoppers may be able to receive savings of as much as 50% off that month.

In addition to finding great deals on luggage, Ramhold said shoppers will also find sales on nontraditional travel gear, like tote bags, backpacks, toiletry bags and travel-sizes umbrellas, during March.

Air Conditioners

• Best time to buy: late spring (one to two months in advance)

According to the experts at Angi, the best time to buy an air conditioner is in late spring. This provides shoppers up to 10% to 15% in savings on a new unit. 

If you miss the window on buying an air conditioner for less, there’s some good news. Shoppers can also save money when they shop for air conditioners in the fall months.

Cruises

• Best time to buy: after Presidents’ Day (four months in advance)

The best time to book a summer cruise for less is right after Presidents’ Day, according to Ramhold. She said this is because wave season for cruises runs from January through March on a yearly basis.

As you book your cruise, Ramhold recommends checking online travel agencies and cruise lines directly for any extra perks or discounts they may offer as booking incentives.

Outdoor Gear

• Best time to buy: February through May (one to four months in advance)

When it comes to shopping for outdoor gear, such as essentials for outdoor activities like hiking and camping, on a discount, there are several dates worth saving on your calendar. 

Here’s a quick rundown of the key months for sales, according to Reviews by Wirecutter from The New York Times:

• February: Use this month to shop clearance events and stockpile accordingly at your favorite outdoor outfitters.
• March: New gear will be available at outdoor outfitters including REI, Patagonia, L.L. Bean and Columbia, many of which will start running sales in March.
• May: Some of the biggest sales run at outdoor outfitters in May. For example, REI’s Anniversary Sale is currently underway now through May 27 with up 30% in savings available for shoppers.
• Labor Day: If you’re worried you may miss some of these sales, many outdoor outfitters like REI also hold Labor Day sales. Check back in with your favorite retailer as the date approaches to find out how much you can save on sale items.

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