How to Actually Save on Summer Travel This Year (And Yes, Gift Cards Can Help)

Summer travel is booming — and prices are too. Domestic airfare is up about 10% over last year, hotel rates in major U.S. cities are averaging $200+ per night, and even a casual dinner out in a tourist spot can run $100 for two. But the good news: there are real, proven ways to save if you know where to look — and if you’re willing to be a little strategic. Here’s a practical guide to cutting costs this summer, with real examples.

Airfare: Flexibility = Savings
The average domestic round-trip is now hovering around $320, but you can beat that with smart timing. Google Flights data shows that midweek departures (Tuesday or Wednesday) can be $50–$75 cheaper than weekends. Early morning flights are also less likely to face delays — a bonus when airports are slammed.
 Booking 30–60 days out is the sweet spot for most U.S. routes. Also, check for discounted gift cards before you book. For example, right now on CardCash, Delta gift cards are around 6% off — meaning on a $600 flight for two, that’s ~$36 saved just by stacking a discounted gift card with your purchase. It’s not earth-shattering, but if you’re flying multiple family members, It adds up fast.

Hotels: Book Smart, Stack Discounts
Hotel rates this summer are rough — NYC and Miami are both pushing $250/night averages. But again, flexibility is your friend. Data from Hopper shows that checking in on a Sunday vs. a Friday can save an average of 32%. Off-center locations can knock another $50–$100 off per night, and some credit cards (like Chase Sapphire) offer additional cash back on travel bookings.
  Before locking in a prepaid rate, it’s worth seeing if you can grab a discounted hotel gift card (Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott are common on CardCash, often at 8–12% off). Booking three nights at $750 total? Using a discounted card can quietly save you $60–$75. Combine that with your credit card rewards, and you’re stacking real value.

Dining: Don’t Pay Full Price
According to a recent NerdWallet survey, dining is the #2 biggest expense for summer travelers, behind lodging. An average sit-down dinner in tourist hotspots runs $100–$120 for a family of four. Easy ways to slash this:

  • Opt for nicer lunches instead of dinners (menus are often 20–30% cheaper mid-day).
  • Stay somewhere with a kitchenette or free breakfast (saves $40/day easily).
  • Hit local groceries for snacks/drinks vs. overpriced resort or theme park options.
  • And yes, use discounted gift cards: right now you can grab $50 restaurant cards for $43–$45 on CardCash for big chains like The Cheesecake Factory, Olive Garden, and many local favorites — an easy ~15% savings on meals you were planning to eat anyway.


Attractions & Entertainment: Bundle & Prepay
Big-ticket attractions are where families often overspend. One-day Disney World tickets are now $159+, and even a local zoo or museum can run $100+ for a family. Look for bundled passes (CityPASS, Go City) where available — savings of 30–50% are common if you’re hitting multiple spots. Also, prepaid discounted gift cards can be clutch here — Disney gift cards, for example, frequently sell for 5–8% off face value. Stack that with any promotions or advance purchase deals, and you’ve got layered savings.


The key to saving on summer travel isn’t any one “hack” — it’s about stacking small wins: fly midweek, stay off-peak, prepay with discounted gift cards, and leverage credit card rewards. Do it right, and for an average 5–7 day domestic trip, it’s realistic to save $300–$600 off what the average traveler will pay. And that’s money better spent on experiences — or your next adventure.

I’ve been the marketing manager at CardCash.com for over six years. One of my favorite aspects of working with CardCash is that we get to help people find just what they need for any occasion. Whether it be a birthday, wedding or graduation present, we make sure there are plenty of options available so everyone can get exactly what they want from us.

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