Traveling at the end of the summer is something many people and families love to do because the weather has started to cool in many places, but it’s still warm enough for outdoor activities and spending time by the beach or water. However, if you’ve just started your shopping, you may be looking at some significant costs that might keep you at home this summer.

Instead of having a vacation on the couch or in your backyard this year, use these tips to help you plan the perfect trip and save some money. You’ll look back years later and be happy you left the house and saw a new place.

Shop Last Minute

When you want to go on vacation last minute you might think you’re just doomed to pay a ton of money for airfare to popular destinations like Singer Island hotels and resorts. The truth is that you can get some pretty good last minute deals – if you can be ready to go right away.

When we say right away we don’t mean the same day or likely even the next day, but probably within a week of buying your airline tickets. Airlines don’t want to send planes into the air with unfilled seats these days since they’re struggling financially, so you can get some pretty wonderful bargains if you shop at the last minute.

If you’re flexible about where you’re going on your trip you can likely find an even better deal than if you’re looking for a specific destination. To take advantage of these sorts of deals you should take time off work or schedule vacation early and decide where to go later.

It’s worth it if you’re open to traveling to many different destinations.

Consider Driving

A lot of people don’t think to get in the car and go on a road trip anymore. Sure, gas prices are high, but who says you have to drive 1,000 miles away from home to go on a vacation.

One of the best things you can do, especially if you have kids, is to get out on the open road and see the country. Make a list of destinations in your area and hit the road. Just make sure you book hotels and places to stay before you leave.

Otherwise you could end up spending a lot on last minute hotels.