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Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
How I pair travel credit cards with a high-yield savings account to maximize family vacations
Planning a family vacation is exciting. But when you start adding up the cost of flights, hotels, food, excursions, and other travel-related expenses, it's easy to become overwhelmed. Planning a debt-free family trip isn't always easy — especially if you're traveling with a large crowd. But the right financial tools can make it easier to focus on the fun instead of worrying about ending your vacation with a giant credit card bill. Below are some real-life tips on how my family combines a high-yield savings account (HYSA) with travel rewards credit cards to budget for vacations and stretch our travel funds further. We use points, miles, and savings to make the most of our family trips. Here's how you can do the same. Taking a big trip with my family of five can be an expensive undertaking. So, months in advance, I start saving. And I use a high-yield savings account to maximize my earning potential. A recent example of this strategy happened when my family planned a summer vacation to Orlando, Florida. As big theme park fans, we were excited to visit the new Universal Epic Universe theme park (recently opened in May 2025 with themed lands like Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon, and a new Wizarding World area). We also took in classic theme park favorites like Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld Orlando, and Aquatica Orlando — adding plenty of exciting roller coasters, water adventures, and character meet-and-greets for our teens and preschooler. As you can imagine, any trip that included five theme park days required a lot of financial preparation. Here's how I planned ahead. I picked a high-yield savings account with a competitive interest rate so the money I saved earned the most interest possible. I figured out how much money I needed to save for the trip, divided the amount by the number of months until we planned to travel, and treated that number like a monthly expense in our budget. I scheduled automatic transfers into my HYSA to keep me on track with my vacation savings goals. By the time our trip rolled around, I had set aside enough money to cover travel expenses such as tickets, meals, and souvenirs. The cash reserve made it much easier to say yes to extra experiences as well, like Power-Up Bands at Super Nintendo World, a few too many Butterbeers, breakfast with Elmo and Friends at SeaWorld, and a mobility scooter rental that saved the day for a family member with a knee injury. (Pro tip: Renting a mobility device from an outside provider like Buena Vista Rentals can be much more affordable than expensive daily rentals from theme parks.) Read more: Vacation savings accounts: Are they worth it for families? While our HYSA covered daily costs, we still needed a way to afford the big expenses, such as flights and hotels, without going into vacation debt or dipping into other savings (like our emergency fund). That's where travel credit cards came into play. As a travel rewards enthusiast, I try to make the most of my everyday purchases with a rewards credit card that earns points I can later redeem toward travel-related purchases. I also value credit cards that offer travel-friendly perks such as travel credits, hotel and rental car status, airport lounge access, and more. Another smart strategy I sometimes use — especially when a high-cost trip is on the horizon — is to apply for a new rewards credit card with a sign-up bonus. With a welcome offer, I can earn bonus points or miles after meeting a minimum spend requirement. And that gives me the ability to redeem more rewards for airfare, hotel stays, rental cars, and other travel expenses. For our recent family theme park vacation, I already had plenty of Chase Ultimate Rewards® points banked from everyday purchases like groceries, gas, kids' sports, and a few recent home repairs. But if I'd been choosing a new travel credit card, I would have focused on credit cards with the best sign-up bonus offers. For example: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months. American Express® Gold Card: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months. Redeeming your credit card rewards for maximum value does take a bit of strategy. But I find the effort worthwhile because it has helped me save thousands of dollars in travel expenses over time. On our recent theme park family vacation, we used credit card rewards to cover both hotel costs and flights for incredible savings. For lodging in particular, I was able to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to a Chase travel partner — Hyatt — at a one-to-one ratio. From there, I booked eight nights at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando for 15,000 points per night. The cash price of the resort stay would have cost $2,529. But I redeemed my points at a little over $0.02 each — a solid redemption value — and saved our family a ton of money in the process. The resort had everything we needed for a relaxing stay: multiple pools, water sports, on-site dining, a shuttle to nearby parks, and comfortable rooms with nightly fireworks views. Combining a high-yield savings account with travel rewards credit cards is a long-standing technique that our family uses to make vacation expenses both affordable and manageable. This approach provides a nice balance, allowing us to enjoy the benefits of travel rewards while budgeting for additional expenses our points and miles might not easily cover. The high-yield savings account makes it easy to set clear financial goals for vacation savings and make progress each month. And the high interest rate our HYSA offers helps us grow the vacation money we stash away at a faster rate. Meanwhile, our travel credit cards help us unlock high-value reward redemptions that stretch our budget even further. On this recent trip and many others, this combination has helped our family create wonderful memories — and zero vacation credit card debt — again and again. If you want to try combining an HYSA and travel rewards credit card to plan for your own family vacation, here are some tips that might help: Compare offers. Whether you're shopping for the best HYSA or the right travel credit card to fit your needs, it's smart to compare offers from multiple banks and credit card companies. Plan ahead. Give yourself as much time as possible to earn rewards, save money, and shop around for travel deals. Automate savings. Use automatic transfers to your HYSA to stay on track with your vacation savings goals (even if they're small). It's fine to add extra deposits when you can. Pay off your credit card. Whether you're trying to earn rewards for your trip or spending during vacation, it's important to pay off your full credit card balance each month. Creating credit card debt will offset the value of any rewards you earn, and it could damage your credit score if your credit utilization ratio increases. Family travel doesn't have to end with a giant pile of credit card debt at the end of your trip. By combining a high-yield savings account and smart travel rewards credit card choices, our family can enjoy the perks of travel while still staying on budget. If you're looking for smarter ways to save for your next family trip, this strategy might be worth trying.
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Britain's ‘Ryanair of the rails' may not be glamorous, but it could teach rivals a thing or two
The British train operator which has garnered a reputation as the 'Ryanair of the Rails' does indeed have, it seems, a lot in common with the budget airline that so many passengers love to hate. Lumo, which just under four years ago launched its inaugural service between London and Edinburgh, does indeed have consistently lower fares than the main operator on the route, LNER. It has ambitious plans for growth, too. Having increased services to Edinburgh from two trains a day to five, it recently announced the intention to introduce a new direct link between London and the Scottish city of Stirling, with a further expansion of routes down the line. And like the Dublin-based low-cost airline, its no nonsense one-size-fits-all approach has its detractors, with reviews on platforms such as TrustPilot frequently highlighting issues with cleanliness, punctuality, inadequate provision of refreshment and staff whose brusque manner seems to have come straight from the Michael O'Leary's customer relations playbook. Much of this is hardly surprising. When Lumo began services between London and Edinburgh in October 2021, it unashamedly proclaimed its intention to undercut rivals on the route and to provide real competition to the budget airlines – namely Ryanair and easyJet – which operated between the two cities. In addition to low prices (many of its introductory fares are less than £20 one-way), it gave travellers seeking to reduce their carbon footprint a more environmentally friendly option, with a fleet of all-electric Hitachi trains offering high speeds and low emissions. Potential game changer Mark Smith, the rail guru behind the Man in Seat 61 website, hailed the arrival of Lumo – which was given permission to run the London-Edinburgh route as an 'open access' operator – as a potential game changer. 'For years the high cost of rail travel has been cited by those turning to the cheaper options offered by airlines, but the arrival of Lumo could change all that,' he said. 'Finally a London-Edinburgh train will take on the likes of easyJet and Ryanair at their own game. It is a pioneering move and, if successful, it could encourage others to set up low-cost rail routes and put pressure on the government-backed train operators to reduce fares.' So has Lumo lived up to its early promise? And what's it like to travel on? Reading the TrustPilot reviews, I feared the worst when I boarded the train for a journey to Edinburgh with my wife – a decision taken because, yes, I wanted to test Lumo out but, crucially, because it was considerably cheaper than LNER. The train was certainly busy, with all seats taken and every available space for luggage used to the full. The seats themselves, an attractive deep blue, may not have allowed long leg stretches, but were comfortable enough – and not dissimilar space-wise to those found on more mainstream operators. The drop-down table and individualised lighting were perfectly functional; there was WiFi too, but as with many trains, it was intermittent. We did not feel the train was dirty, though others have pointed to mess on the floor and stained seats. Nor did we experience the rudeness for which Lumo staff have frequently been criticised (in fact, we even managed a joke with the ticket inspector). And of course the views along the way – particularly the later stretches, taking in the Angel of the North, Durham Cathedral and the beautiful stretch of Northumberland coastline on the approach to Scotland – were, of course, every bit as splendid as they would have been on a more expensive train. We arrived in Edinburgh bang on time. No complaints. Unacceptably dirty Maybe we were lucky. Rory Boland, the editor of Which? Travel, also recently travelled with Lumo and had more grounds for complaint. On his trip to Edinburgh, he found the train unacceptably dirty, announcements bordering on the hostile, staff manhandling bags placed in the wrong places and, most egregiously, a failure in the tea service, usually available via an on-board trolley. He did acknowledge, however, that Lumo's fares, while not as low as originally indicated, were less than those quoted by LNER. The cheapest fare he found was £91 return – a good £44 less than the lowest offered by LNER for the same period. With very few stops (Morpeth, Newcastle and, on some journeys, Stevenage), the trains are also faster: the best completing the journey to Edinburgh in just 4 hours 16 minutes. And the Ryanair parallels continue: though passengers love to complain about Lumo, they nevertheless continue to use the service in their droves. So much so, in fact, that the operator – which is owned by FirstGroup – announced earlier this month that it plans to launch a new direct service between London and Stirling, commencing next year. Furthermore, in what will be a significant challenge to an increasingly nationalised rail network, it has applications to run trains from London to Rochdale, Carmarthen and Paignton. The aim is to triple passenger numbers to 10 million a year. According to Simon Hodge, managing director of specialist operator Tailor Made Rail, this is all for the good, as it might help to create some 'healthy competition' on the proposed routes – as operators Italo and Iryo have in Italy and Spain respectively – which would likely reduce fares and benefit passengers. In fact, even Boland had a positive take, concluding that though 'the boarding experience with so many people and luggage being thrown around is chaotic, and dirty seats and no tea made our trip feel budget', Lumo is nevertheless 'fast, far better for the environment than flying and, perhaps crucially, by far the cheapest option.' So, lower fares and, soon, a direct service from London to one of Scotland's finest cities? Lumo might feel budget, but if the rise of the budget airline has proved anything, it's that – for most of us – cost and convenience will always trump comfort. A bit of healthy competition never hurts.
News24
3 days ago
- News24
Off-peak cheat sheet: When and where to travel from SA for big savings and quiet getaways
Peak season often means high prices and chaotic travel. Choosing a date more carefully can mean a significantly cheaper and more pleasant trip. Izusek/Instagram Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now Show Comments ()
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
KOA Celebrates National Camping Month and Discusses Outdoor Summer Trends with YourUpdateTV
From Glamping and RVing to Nostalgic Tent Camping, Kampgrounds Of America Shares What's New, What's Trending, And How Camping Continues To Evolve NEW YORK, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Whether it's roasting s'mores, swimming under the sun, or sharing stories by the fire, camping remains one of the most beloved summer traditions in America. With June marking National Camping Month, Diane Eichler, Sr. Vice President, Marketing at Kampgrounds of America, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss why camping remains so popular, sharing memorable campgrounds and experiences throughout the country. Camping Is on the RiseAs interest in outdoor travel grows, camping now plays a role in 25% of all leisure trips. In 2024 alone, 11 million more households camped than in 2019. A majority of those new campers' plan to return in 2025, showing that camping is not just a trend – it's a travel shift. And as costs rise, many travelers are turning to camping as a budget-friendly alternative. Nearly 80% of campers say inflation has impacted their travel plans, but instead of canceling trips, they're adapting. In fact, 72% see camping as a budget-friendly way to travel—especially families looking to make their dollars go further. Wellness, Nostalgia, and New TraditionsThis year, camping is seeing a rise in wellness-focused travel. Forty-two percent of campers say they use camping to improve their mental well-being, and many are seeking 'wellness by water'—choosing lakeside escapes, beach camping, or quiet riverside retreats. Nostalgia is also shaping camping trends, with more campers prioritizing the basics: tent camping, storytelling, and unplugging from tech. More Than Just a TentKOA's network of over 500 campgrounds across North America offers more than the traditional tent experience. From full-hookup RV sites and Deluxe Cabins with bathrooms and kitchens, to unique stays like Airstreams, glamping tents, and even treehouses, there's a way to camp for every preference. KOA also offers kid-friendly activities, swimming pools, KampK9® dog parks, and organized events that make camping fun and easy for the whole family. To explore nearby KOA campgrounds or plan your summer adventure, visit About Diane EichlerAs senior vice president of marketing at Kampgrounds of America (KOA), Diane Eichler leads the strategic direction of the brand's marketing initiatives, positioning KOA as the leader in outdoor hospitality. She oversees a team dedicated to upholding KOA's mission of connecting people to the outdoors and each other. Under her leadership, the national marketing team leverages KOA's rich brand heritage, robust consumer insights, and industry-leading research on camper behavior to inform marketing strategies and shape the future of camping. Her work inspires both new and seasoned campers to discover the joy of outdoor travel and create lasting memories at KOA campgrounds across North America. * YourUpdateTV is a property of D S Simon Media. The video included and release was part of a media tour that was produced by D S Simon Media on behalf of Kampgrounds of America A video accompanying this announcement is available at:
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
B&M launches £7 cabin bag that's suitable for ALL major airlines & ‘fits under plane seat perfectly'
B&M has launched a bargain cabin bag that is suitable for all major airlines and 'fits under plane seats perfectly'. The retailer is now offering the underseat bag for just £7 making it a must-have for budget -conscious travellers. The deal has already caught the attention of keen-eyed shoppers across the UK. One user posted on Facebook: 'Cabin underseat bag £7 at B&M.' One user commented: 'These are perfect for Ryan Air,' Another added: 'Bought these last year, fit plenty in.' And another shared: 'I can't wait to buy these.' However, some were quick to offer a word of caution, with one user commenting: 'Still check the airline you are travelling with and their underseat bag size.' The bag in question is the Bordlite underseat cabin bag, which comes in either black or grey. It's ideal for weekend trips or quick getaways and is designed to hold all the essentials without the need for a larger suitcase. With dimensions of 40 x 25 x 20cm, it comfortably meets the size limits for most budget airlines. B&M writes in the product's description: ' Travel with convenience using this Under the Seat Handheld Bag,' and confirms it is 'suitable for major airlines.' It easily complies with Ryanair's underseat baggage rules, which allow for bags up to 40 x 20 x 25cm, as well as EasyJet's more generous 45 x 36 x 20cm policy. That means you can take it on board without worrying about extra charges for overhead cabin space. Many passengers are now turning to underseat bags as airlines continue to crack down on carry-on luggage and impose extra fees. Having a compact, airline-friendly option like this makes travelling lighter and cheaper – and with B&M's current offer, it's more affordable than ever. Other high street retailers are also getting in on the action. Primark recently launched its own underseat cabin bag, which has become a big hit among travellers. The bag measures 40 x 20 x 25cm once the wheels are removed, making it perfect for Ryanair flights. Its 'easy click' wheels can be detached in seconds, making it both practical and compliant. Holiday packing tips Jemma Solomon, aka The Label Lady has got 5 packing tips to help you get organised for your next holiday. 1. Write a list Think about all the essentials you need to take with you; suncream, medicine, a few games for the kids, beach towels, and write everything in one list, which you can tick off as you add it to your suitcase. Or for complete ease, try Google's AI app - Gemini - which will create a list for you and help you not over pack. 2. Involve your kids Jemma said: 'My girls are getting older, they're 11 and nine, and they enjoy helping to pack. So I send them a list, and say 'this is what you need' and they follow the list. 'And then I give them a rucksack each - and say to them 'you can have whatever you want in there as long as it's not liquid', and they can take that on the plane. And that's their 'home away from home' items.' 3. Try a hack or two She said: "I think they all work, but for different reasons - and you've just got to pick the right one for your trip. "Rolling your clothes is really good to stop your clothes from getting creases. And if you're trying to get a lot of items into your case, it's a space saver. 'Packing cubes are great - for example, I'm going on holiday with my three kids and we're all using the same suitcase for our clothes. "These handy compartments let you separate your clothes, toiletries and tech into designated cubes, maximising luggage space by keeping your items compressed and neatly stacked. "I love taking them abroad with the family and it means my kids can easily take charge of their own items once we've arrived." 4. Decant beauty products Do you really need to take full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner with you? The beauty industry has evolved so much, you can now buy shampoo bars or sheets - which are much lighter and smaller. Or, if you'll be popping to the shops when you're abroad, consider buying some items when you arrive. 5. Get organised before you come home Jemma said: 'When you repack on holiday [before coming home], the trick is to separate clean from dirty clothes. 'Also pack it in some form of order - so lights, darks, colours for items that need washing, or if you wash your clothes by person in the household, piles for each person. "Then you can put it straight into the washing machine. Do it straight away, don't leave it." 2
