TLDR
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The U.S. remains one of the easiest and most rewarding destinations for Canadians, with beaches, big cities and iconic road trips just across the border.
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Shifting your travel by a few weeks can save you big money on hotels – without sacrificing sunshine and warm weather.
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With gas prices considerably lower in the U.S., a cross-border road trip is an affordable way to explore.
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From reward points to member discounts, perks can take your travel plans further.
For many Canadians, the United States offers idyllic beach getaways, big-city flair and exceptional cultural experiences, just a short hop away. Whether you’re chasing a beachfront escape, a weekend of food and theatre, a cross-border shopping spree or a big game, smart planning can make your next U.S. getaway more affordable than you might think.
These five tips can help you stretch your travel budget while getting the most out of your American adventure.
1. Time it right
If you’re flexible in your vacation scheduling, there are a few ways to save big on the destinations you’re most excited about.
Budget-friendly beach getaways
If you need some sunshine and warmth over the winter months, consider heading south a little sooner — or later — than most. While the weather isn’t typically as warm in the southern states in January or early February, it’s also not as busy. Plus, the temperature can be extremely comfortable, if not downright hot at times — by Canadian standards. As a result, flights and hotel prices tend to be considerably lower. And because peak season usually ends in March, if you hold off until April, you’ll often find prices have dropped once again.
Here’s some food for thought.
On average:
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In Miami, hotel rates drop by nearly half in September compared to March – about 47% lower1 – while the weather is actually warmer, with average highs around 11% warmer (31°C versus 26°C).
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In Maui, you’ll pay about 13% more for a hotel in January than in March, while both months are a comfortable 28°C.
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In San Diego and Santa Monica, temperatures are a pleasant 23°C in October, while hotel prices are 30-50% lower than the summer rush.
Theme park adventures on a budget
Shorts and sandals weather isn’t mandatory for theme parks. Riding rollercoasters, exploring studio sets and visiting imaginary worlds can be done any time of year. Find out what the off-peak times are for the park of your choice by researching travel information sites and park attendance levels. In addition to short wait times, you may discover the joy of saving cash on your family adventure.
City trips don’t have to break the bank
The big cities of the U.S. offer history, exceptional restaurants and world-renowned attractions. But New York at Christmas or L.A. in the summer? Those trips can get expensive. If you want to travel to the big U.S. cities on a budget, plan to head there during their off-seasons to save some bucks.
Here are some suggestions:
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Skip Chicago in July if you don’t love heat and crowds. September or early October gives you crisp skies, thinning hotel prices and fewer crowds to better enjoy shopping and exploring.
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Lean into LA in May or October, when it’s cool enough to enjoy hiking and beach walks without the summer hotel frenzy. Dodge the tourist crush without sacrificing the sunshine.
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New York City in the wintertime? Sure, it will be chilly, but you’ll find cheaper Broadway tickets, easier museum access and a better chance at snagging a table at the hottest restaurants in town.
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January – March offers deep discounts in San Francisco but also a fair amount of rain and fog. The sweet spots? Late May and October, when you’ll find clear skies, mild temps and reasonable hotel prices.
Lean into LA in May or October, when it’s cool enough to enjoy hiking and beach walks without the summer hotel frenzy. Dodge the tourist crush without sacrificing the sunshine.
2. Road trip it
One reason the U.S. is an appealing destination for Canadians is proximity. While you might not be up for driving from Montreal to Los Angeles, there are many sites, cities, beaches and attractions you can easily get to by car — wherever you’re starting from.
Today, the cost of fuel remains one of the main advantages of a U.S. road trip. Even with the currency conversion, the cost of gas south of the border is 20-40% less per gallon, making driving an attractive option – especially for border states or popular road-trip corridors.
Remember, there’s a great deal to explore in the U.S., so figure out how far you’re willing to drive and map it out. Where can your four wheels take you?
Rewards points are no longer just for flying. Use them for hotel stays, new hiking boots or must-have electronics for your road trip.
3. The ultimate budget travel hack: perks, discounts and deals
If you’re willing to do some research, there are travel deals and discounts to be had. After all, hotels, rental car companies and airlines aim to attract eager travellers to their businesses. For instance, many sites help you find the best deals when you’re trying to travel on a budget.
Skyscanner is an easy-to-use site for budget travellers that lets you search round-trip, one-way or “everywhere” flights — which helps if you’re flexible on your destination or just not sure where you want to go.
Travelocity.ca and Expedia.ca are two go-to travel booking sites for those travelling on a budget. They search for fares, hotels and car rentals based on price and availability and have been around for years for a reason. They’re easy to navigate, reputable and lay out all your options, making decision-making easier.
Kayak.com is another popular site for travellers on a budget. They let you search several travel sites at once in search of the best deal – plus they have a handy alert service that can let you know when prices drop.
If you’re an RBC Bank client, you get access to 300,000+ discounts on hotels, restaurants, attractions and more.
4. The (other) ultimate budget travel hack: Points
Rewards points are meant to be used. Whether you are a frequent redeemer or a stockpiler, your points can likely take you places this year. Keep in mind, with many programs points are no longer just for flying – use them for hotel stays, new hiking boots or must-have electronics for your road trip. Or, pay down your credit card balance with points you earn on your travels. Use your points flexibility to your advantage!
5. Pack a U.S. credit and debit card
When planning what to take for your U.S. vacation, consider that the right banking tools can help you save while you travel. A U.S.-based credit card, for instance, lets you avoid foreign transaction fees, which can run up to 2.5% of the price of your purchase. With certain cards, you can also earn rewards and enjoy travel and purchase protection.
Travelling on a budget: The Rundown
Travelling on a budget doesn’t mean scaling back your experience – it’s about being intentional about your decisions. From catching the shoulder season in your favourite city to cashing in rewards points or taking advantage of lower U.S. gas prices on a road trip, smart planning can help you go further for less. With a bit of flexibility and creativity, you can make every dollar – and every getaway – count.
Travelling to the U.S.?
Set up your U.S. banking and credit card before you travel to make life simpler.
This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.
