Summer is the season of sunshine, BBQs, and all the fun memories we hold onto for a lifetime. But if you're like me, the warm weather sometimes tempts you into spending money on things you think will "make the summer." More than once, I’ve looked at my bank statement and thought, "Did I really need to buy that top-of-the-line cooler for one beach trip?" Spoiler alert—I didn’t.
Over the years, I’ve learned that a bit of planning, creativity, and perspective can save you from overspending while still enjoying all the bliss summer has to offer. Here are eight common summer splurges to skip and smart alternatives that will still keep your summer sunny without casting a cloud over your budget.
Expensive Beach Vacations
As revealed by National Geographic, overtourism is a growing issue, with 80% of travelers flocking to just 10% of the world's destinations. This often means overcrowded hotspots, inflated prices, and frustrated locals. I’ll admit it—I’ve fallen for the allure of all-inclusive resorts and postcard-perfect beaches.
One summer, my family and I booked a trip to a bustling beach destination during peak season, hoping for relaxation. Instead, we found ourselves navigating packed shorelines, overpriced meals, and long waits for everything. Honestly, it felt more like a headache than a holiday.
The Problem: Popular destinations during the height of summer come with inflated prices, overcrowded beaches, and experiences that rarely meet expectations. From overpriced resort food to long waits for activities, it’s easy to feel like you’re spending more than you’re enjoying.
Do Instead:
- Opt for local "staycations" with day trips to nearby lakes, hiking trails, or lesser-known beaches. A quick search online helped me discover a gorgeous state park just an hour from home.
- Travel during the "shoulder season" (early June or late August), when prices are lower, and crowds are thinner.
- Consider home exchanges or renting a vacation home in a small town instead of a tourist hotspot.
- Go camping at a local state or national park. A weekend in the woods with a campfire beats noisy hotel hallways every time.
Trendy Summer Wardrobe Overhauls
Confession time! I used to buy a completely new summer wardrobe every year, thinking I needed on-trend outfits for every occasion. By the end of summer, half those clothes had faded, stretched, or gone unworn. Lesson learned.
The Problem: Fast fashion is tempting but often expensive in the long run. Poor-quality clothes won’t last, and hopping on trends can lead to unnecessary purchases (and regret).
Do Instead:
- Invest in a few versatile, high-quality summer staples. That linen sundress I splurged on three years ago? Still my go-to.
- Organize clothing swaps with friends. It’s a fun way to freshen up your wardrobe without spending anything.
- Shop thrift stores! I once found a designer pair of sandals for $8. Summer thrifting gold!
- Upcycle older clothes. Turn jeans into shorts or dye a plain tee for a fresh summer vibe.
High-End Outdoor Equipment
One summer, I splurged on an outdoor grill that was supposed to make me a BBQ superstar. It barely fit on my patio, and by the time I figured out how to use it, summer was practically over. It’s now collecting dust in my garage.
The Problem: Grills, patio furniture, and outdoor gear can cost a small fortune, especially if they’re not used regularly. Maintenance costs and storage space are often overlooked.
Do Instead:
- Rent outdoor equipment for occasional use. Many stores and websites offer short-term rentals for grills or bikes.
- Check second-hand stores, Facebook Marketplace, or community swap groups for quality items at a fraction of the cost.
- Explore community-sharing tools like tool libraries or outdoor gear co-ops.
- Invest in durable items gradually. Buying all your patio furniture at once might sting, but adding a piece each year? Much easier on your wallet.
Costly Summer Camps and Activities for Kids
One summer, I signed my kids up for premium sports and arts day camps every single week. By mid-July, my wallet and my kids were drained. Turns out, they didn’t need something "fancy" to have fun.
The Problem: Overscheduling kids and enrolling them in expensive programs can lead to financial strain for parents and burnout for kids.
Do Instead:
- Balance paid camps with free or low-cost events at libraries, community centers, or local parks. My family loves outdoor movie nights hosted at our park!
- Rotate hosting DIY camps with friends or other parents. One week, I led a "science camp" with baking soda volcanoes and my friend hosted a crafting camp with DIY tie-dye!
- Look into free online programs or virtual summer workshops that teach valuable skills.
- Focus on activities that build lifelong skills, like gardening or a simple lemonade stand.
Spontaneous Road Trips Without Planning
The idea of hopping in the car and heading wherever the road takes you sounds romantic, right? I thought so too, until my spontaneous trip turned into skipped meals, expensive hotels, and a tank full of overpriced gas.
The Problem: Last-minute road trips lead to higher costs on fuel, food, and lodgings, plus impulsive spending on tourist traps.
Do Instead:
- Plan your route ahead of time for the most fuel-efficient roads.
- Pack a cooler with sandwiches, drinks, and snacks to cut down on pricey fast food stops.
- Book accommodations in advance for better pricing.
- Research free or affordable attractions along your route. My family still talks about the quirky roadside art we found on a planned pit stop.
Expensive Summer Landscaping and Garden Projects
I once decided to give my front yard a "lush paradise makeover" in June. By August, half the plants were dead, my water bill was sky-high, and I realized I’d taken on way too much.
The Problem: Big landscaping projects often mean maintenance headaches, unexpected costs, and plants that might not survive your climate.
Do Instead:
- Plant native, drought-resistant plants to save money on water and maintenance.
- Start a small garden with herbs or vegetables. It’s rewarding and budget-friendly. (Nothing beats a tomato from your own garden!)
- Break projects into smaller, manageable DIY efforts throughout the season.
- Join a community garden to learn from neighbors and share resources.
Daily Summer Indulgences
For a while, iced coffees and daily ice cream runs became part of my routine. But when I realized I was spending upwards of $8 a day on summer treats, I knew something had to give.
The Problem: Little indulgences like coffee shop runs or convenience store snacks add up fast, taking a bigger bite out of your budget than you expect.
Do Instead:
- Make fun summer drinks at home. Pinterest has tons of recipes for iced coffee and lemonade slushies.
- Set a small "treat budget" and stick to it. This helped me prioritize special outings without going overboard.
- Pack your own snacks when heading to the park, beach, or pool.
- Look for free summer events that include refreshments, like local farmers' markets or festivals.
Impulsive Summer Sales Shopping
Remember those "summer steals" I bought one year ago because they were "too good to pass up"? Most of them were still in their boxes by the next summer. My lesson? Cheap is expensive if you don’t actually need something.
The Problem: Summer sales tempt you to buy things that seem affordable but don’t provide real value or long-term use.
Do Instead:
- Make a wish list before the sale season and stick to it. This has been a game-changer for me.
- Calculate cost-per-use to gauge an item’s real value.
- Use the 24-hour rule. Wait a day before making unplanned purchases—even on sale items.
- Set a firm budget specifically for summer sales, and don’t go over it.
My Five Cents!
Here are five practical tips to make summer fun and budget-friendly:
- Budget for Spontaneity – Set aside a small "just in case" fund to enjoy unexpected summer memories guilt-free.
- Prioritize Experiences – Spend on activities that bring joy over things that collect dust.
- Keep a Spending Diary – Track summer expenses to stay aware and in control.
- DIY and Swap It – From clothes to gear, explore low-cost and no-cost alternatives with creative swaps or homemade options.
- Plan with a Purpose – A little planning can save money and create stress-free, meaningful summer adventures.
Make Memories, Not Regrets (or Debt!)
Every summer brings new opportunities to create unforgettable memories without emptying your wallet. By tweaking how you spend (and save), you’ll not only avoid buyer’s remorse but also set yourself up for more financial wins down the road. I hope these tips help you make the most of your summer while keeping your goals on track. Remember, the best season is one filled with fun, not financial stress.
