Planning Summer Vacation Earlier? Here’s How to Save More
If your summer vacation plans are already starting to take shape… you’re not alone. From the polls we've conducted this month of our CityMom followers, we're starting to see some emerging travel trends:
More families are planning their summer trip earlier than ever - trading last-minute scrambling for early booking, better deals, and a smoother experience overall.
And (no surprise here), road trips are on the rise. In fact families are willing to drive up to 15 hours if it means a fun experience. (If you're in the Midwest, stay tuned for a glimpse at one of our favorite road trip spots, Holiday World & Splashin Safari!)
Whether you’re mapping out a quick day trip, a full summer getaway, or even a bigger family vacation, getting ahead of the traditional planning window is becoming the best way to save — and actually enjoy the process.
Why Families Are Planning Summer Vacation Earlier
There’s been a clear shift in how families approach travel plans... Instead of waiting until the last minute, parents are using early Spring - to finalize vacation plans for the upcoming Summer months.
Here’s why:
Better deals + affordable prices: Early booking often unlocks lower pricing on everything from tickets to hotel rooms and vacation rentals
More availability of top notch experiences: The most popular destinations and theme parks fill up quickly during peak season
Flexible dates = better options: Planning ahead gives you the flexibility to choose the best times to travel
Peace of mind: Getting plans locked in early removes stress later and frees up your summer schedule
It’s a simple shift - but one that can dramatically impact both your budget and your overall experience.
When to Start Planning Your Summer Vacation
If you’re wondering about the ideal time to start planning, the answer is sooner than you think. The best time period for early planning is late Winter through mid Spring. During this window:
You’ll find better availability across accommodation options
You can secure flight deals or flight tickets (if needed) before prices spike
You’ll avoid the rush of the universal high travel season
Waiting until late May or June can often mean:
Higher travel expenses
Limited options
PUT THESE ON YOUR LIST:
How to Save Money When Planning Summer Vacation…
Planning ahead isn’t just a good idea - it’s the best way to stay within a realistic budget. Here are a few ways families are cutting costs:
1. Book Early for the Best Deals
Early booking is one of the easiest ways to secure affordable options and avoid peak pricing. This applies to everything from theme parks to hotel stays and local attractions.
2. Consider June Travel
June is often the perfect time for a family trip:
Lower demand compared to July (the most popular time)
Better pricing across many experiences
A great way to kick off summer break before schedules fill up
3. Look for All-in-One Experiences
Choosing destinations that offer multiple activities in one place - think a combo of rides to water sports to live entertainment - can help reduce additional costs like local transportation and extra bookings.
Why June Is the Smartest Time to Travel
For many families, we hear that June is quickly becoming the best way to maximize both value and experience. It’s that sweet spot where:
The school year has just wrapped
Crowds haven’t fully peaked
Pricing hasn’t reached its highest point
Fall sports schedules and practices have't kicked in yet
It’s also a great time to plan anything from a quick road trip to a longer Summer vacation - especially if you’re staying within driving distance of a new destination or even a nearby city.
LOOKING FOR MORE TRAVEL FUN? HOW ABOUT:
A Real-Life Example of Planning Early (and Saving More)
If you’re starting to map out your summer plans, one easy place to begin is with a destination that makes early planning worth it — like Holiday World.
Located in Southern Indiana (and an easy drive from most Midwest cities!) it’s a family-friendly theme park known for its mix of roller coasters, water rides, and built-in extras that make the day feel full without a lot of extra planning. It’s especially popular for Midwest families looking for a driveable summer trip or even just a well-planned day trip that still feels like a getaway.
Buying tickets early is where the real advantage comes in - you can lock in better pricing, choose ideal June dates before peak season, and keep your plans flexible depending on how your summer schedule shapes up.
And if you’re planning ahead, there’s a little added bonus:
And right now, there’s an added incentive: Use promo code CITYMOMS for $5 off tickets (valid through 10/18)
