OHIO — It's been a rough winter with several days of snow, below-freezing weather and ice coating the streets and sidewalks. 

With just a few more weeks of winter left, Ohioans may be thinking about a getaway to warmer weather, especially with spring and summer right around the corner. 

What You Need To Know

  • A one-week vacation in the U.S. on average can cost an individual nearly $2,000, depending on the location

  • The Ohio Department of Commerce said people can still have fun trips without the financial headaches

  • The department recommends Ohioans to start planning now for their spring and summer get away

Data from Chime.com shows a one-week vacation in the United States costs on average $1,991 per person, but it can depend on the destination. 

Ohio Department of Commerce Superintendent Kevin Allard said there are ways Ohioans can plan a fun vacation without the financial stressors. 

“Planning how you’ll pay for upcoming travel doesn’t need to be stressful,” Allard said. “There are easy steps you can take to enjoy your time with family and loved ones, while also staying within a budget and your own financial means. With a bit of planning, it’s possible to balance a memorable vacation and financial responsibility.”

Here's what the department recommends:

Plan Ahead

The earlier the planning, the better. Ohioans should be on the lookout for sales and budget-friendly flights, accommodations and more in advance. Higher costs tend to come with last-minute decision making. 

Additionally, ensure your money goes toward experiences that are worth the cost. Pack all necessary travel essentials before the trip to ensure you don't overspend during the trip, paying for overpriced items at tourist destinations, such as sunscreen. 

Be flexible

There are many popular tourist destinations across the U.S., but the department encourages Ohioans to consider destinations "off the beaten path," such as less crowded beaches, or exploring mountain and desert destinations. Keep a lookout for lower priced accommodations, such as Airbnb, VRBO and hotels.com. Additionally, be flexible with your travel choices, like choosing budget airlines or using alternate airports. 

Save on activities and food

Explore apps and websites for promotional codes and discounts before traveling. Also keep a lookout for additional savings through student IDs, local coupon books and stock up on snacks and ingredients instead of getting meals at restaurants to avoid high costs.

Avoid impulse spending

Now is the time to save. Set a daily budget and prioritize spending, ODC recommends. The department recommends withdrawing only the cash needed each day to avoid overspending or relying on credit cards. 

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