February 19, 2025, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Commerce: COLUMBUS, Ohio — With spring break around the corner and Ohioans starting to think about summer vacations, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions (DFI) is offering practical tips and advice to help consumers plan upcoming getaways while keeping their finances in check.
According to recent data from Chime.com, the average cost for a one-week vacation in the United States is approximately $1,991 per person, although costs can vary depending on the destination. Division Superintendent Kevin Allard says whether you’re planning a trip across town or across the country, there are steps Ohioans can take to plan a fun vacation while avoiding financial headaches.
“Planning how you’ll pay for upcoming travel doesn’t need to be stressful,” Allard said. “There are easy steps you can take to enjoy your time with family and loved ones, while also staying within a budget and your own financial means. With a bit of planning, it’s possible to balance a memorable vacation and financial responsibility.”
The Division recommends taking the following steps to make vacations enjoyable and affordable, while avoiding unnecessary financial strain:
- Plan ahead: The earlier you start planning, the better. Look for sales and budget-friendly flights, accommodations, and activities in advance to avoid higher costs that come with last-minute decision-making. You can also research reviews to ensure your money goes toward experiences worth the cost. Packing all necessary travel essentials such as sunscreen and chargers can also prevent overspending on overpriced items at tourist destinations.
- Be flexible with travel choices: Flying off-peak, choosing budget airlines, or using alternate airports can lead to big savings. Or if you plan on hitting the road, road trips with friends, buses, or trains can be a more economical and adventurous alternative to flying.
- Explore alternative destinations and lodging: Consider destinations off the beaten path, such as less-crowded beaches, or exploring mountain and desert destinations. Use services like Airbnb, VRBO and hostels.com for affordable accommodations, or even consider camping for reduced lodging costs.
- Save on activities and food: Use memberships like AAA or explore apps and websites for promotional codes and discounts before traveling. You can also look for additional savings through student IDs or local coupon books. Also, consider stocking up on snacks and ingredients for meals to avoid high restaurant costs when possible.
- Budget and avoid impulse spending: Set a daily budget and prioritize your spending. Consider withdrawing only the cash needed each day to avoid overspending or relying on credit cards. Keep souvenirs and indulgences to a minimum by deciding what will add long-term value to your trip.
For additional tips on developing a budget and other financial habits, visit DFI’s Office of Consumer Affairs website at com.ohio.gov/ConsumerAffairs.
About the Ohio Division of Financial Institutions
The Division of Financial Institutions is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The department is Ohio’s chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at com.ohio.gov.
