After coming out of nearly a year of shutdowns, many of us are looking forward to traveling again. Whether you're looking to get away for the weekend or to take a week's vacation, we've compiled some tips to help you save money and stay safe.
Do your research before you travel. Although many places have loosened COVID travel restrictions, it's best to do your research before departing to ensure that you're aware of guidelines and requirements. For example, as of May 2021, Hawaii still requires all visitors from the Mainland to take a pre-COVID test with negative results within 72 hours of departure to avoid the 10-day traveler quarantine.
Keep your belongings safe. Be sure to keep a close eye on your luggage when flying or taking any other form of public transportation.
Be flexible with your travel dates. When it comes to traveling, flexibility can save you lots of money. You can often compare daily rates of hotels and flights by using a site's booking calendar. For example, Southwest Airlines has a low fare calendar, which makes comparing daily flight costs easy.
Visit a Dollar Store– The Dollar Store can be a great way to save money on things such as travel-size containers, hand sanitizer and wipes, and even some snacks.
Visit a CO-OP surcharge-free ATM– If you need to pull out cash during your trip, look for an ATM through the CO-OP Network, where you can access your funds from your Regular Shares (Savings) and Checking with no surcharge. There are over 30,000 ATMs nationwide, Puerto Rico, and Canada that can give you 24-hour access.
Be careful about sharing your travel plans – It can be tempting to share about your vacation on social media; however, it’s good to use caution when doing so. Keep in mind that if you post that you’re on vacation on Facebook, those who read it will know that you’re away from home for an extended period of time.