Although #gasoline prices have surged, short trips in the car may still be the most economical #summer #vacation option for many #travelers, Fortune says. Some 87% of those traveling for the Fourth of July opted to drive, choosing destinations close to home to save money. If you’re eager to get away for a few days and deciding whether or not to drive, run the numbers on your itinerary. “The more people in your car, the more driving makes sense,” says TravelPirates. “The closer you live to a beach, national park, mountain town or cruise port, the better the numbers look.” #TravelTips
Author: Jordank
Editorial Coordinator
Budget to Make Your Summer Trip a Reality
Four out of 10 consumers won’t take a #summer trip this year, according to Current, with 52% saying they can’t afford it. Maintain flexibility to avoid skipping a much-needed adventure — schedule for late August and September, when travel demand starts to ease, or “let the deal decide your destination” to get the best price. Consider locations that require less than single tank of gas to get to, or plan a short break of just a few days rather than a week or two. Estimate the total costs and create a daily spending target, building in a 10% buffer for unexpected expenses. #TravelTips
Keep Your Travel Costs in Check
#Airfares are ticking up due to increases in #fuel costs related to the Iran War, making many people scale back on their #summer #vacation plans to avoid overspending. Overall #travel costs are up 11% from 2025 and airfares are up 6.9%, according to NerdWallet, so plan ahead to keep costs in check. Book airfares sooner than later, or fly using airline points and miles. And when budgeting, factor in increases in the prices of all travel needs, including lodging, rental cars and even meals. Do some grocery shopping and bring snacks from home rather than dining out for every meal. #TravelTips
Be the Genius Behind the Garage Sale
Now that you’ve celebrated #America’s #250th birthday, it’s time to get serious with your summer #organizing and #decluttering and finally get rid of some of the extra #stuff that’s just getting in the way of living your best life — and make a little extra cash while you’re at it.
That’s right: It’s time for a #garage or #yard sale. There’s no better way to recoup some of the #money you’ve spent on #clothing that doesn’t fit, disused #housewares and appliances, and forgotten sporting goods than to throw open the garage door and slap a price tag on them.
The good news? Lots of people are out enjoying warm weather and looking for good deals. The bad news? It does take some effort — and thought — to host a good garage sale. Elevate yours to a must-shop by observing a few genius ideas.
First, #cull through your merchandise. Anything with flaws — clothes with holes, chipped dishes, inflatables that don’t hold air — should be fixed or thrown away. Don’t waste your time pricing anything that’s not in usable condition; toss it or put it in a “FREE” box.
Next, #curate the items you sell. Put knickknacks together in one place, kitchen stuff in another and tools in another. Sort clothing by gender, age, color and season and media by category. If you have furniture or other large items for sale, put them on the parkway for easy pickup or make a flyer with pictures.
Price all items fairly. Your trash may be someone else’s treasure, but your goal is to reduce the volume of your stuff and make a few bucks, not to gouge people for your castoffs. What would you pay if you wanted whatever it is?
Finally, advertise. You don’t have to spend money on a classified ad — do those still exist? But do make large, colorful, easy-to-read signs with directional arrows and include the times, dates and address.
“Put them up early on the day before your sale so people see them coming home from work,” says Instructables. “The more people come to your sale, the better you will do, so do what it takes to get them there.”
Hosting a garage sale isn’t rocket science, but paying attention to a few details goes a long way. And to make the #purge complete, you can #donate any leftovers to ClothingDonations.org by scheduling a #pickup after your sale. Happy #decluttering!
Words to Remember, 250 Years Later
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That, to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That, whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. #DeclarationOfIndependence #America250