Jun 9, 2025

How to Avoid Vacation Money Fails This Summer

A young woman on vacation checks her phone.
Vacations should be all iced coffees, playlist battles, and beach naps—not texts from your bank asking “Was this you?” while you're halfway through a poolside Arnold Palmer.

If you've ever come home from a trip with a glowing tan and a terrifying bank balance, you know the struggle. But you don’t need to be a budgeting expert to protect your wallet while traveling, you just need a few pre-trip rituals, some smart tools and a plan that works with your real life.

Here’s your summer travel cheat sheet: how to prep, spend and enjoy without draining your account (or your joy).

Build a Budget That Actually Reflects You

Before you pack your bags, take a few minutes to break down your trip by category: transportation, lodging, meals, activities, souvenirs and daily spending money. Then add a cushion (10–15%) for unexpected expenses. Things come up: flight changes, sunscreen that mysteriously disappears or a roadside stand with tamales you have to try.

Pro tip: Rather than setting one big number, give yourself daily spending limits. It helps you stay on track and spot if you're going overboard early enough to adjust.

Know Where Your Money’s Going in Real Time

Once you’re on vacation, it’s easy to lose track of small expenses that add up fast. A couple of iced lattes here, a last-minute Lyft there ... next thing you know, you’ve spent way more than you realized.

That’s why it’s smart to use a mobile banking app to check your balance and recent transactions regularly. Don’t think about it as micromanaging your trip, but more about staying mindful so you can feel confident and in control.

Hughes members can also use myCards to monitor transactions, set spending limits and get real-time purchase alerts, all from the Hughes mobile app. It's an easy way to keep tabs on your debit card activity without constantly checking your balance.

Pro tip: Set up push notifications or low-balance alerts before you leave. They can help you spot unusual charges or gently nudge you if your spending pace is faster than planned.

Avoid Common (and Costly) ATM & Card Pitfalls

It may seem convenient to just hit the nearest ATM, but those out-of-network withdrawals can cost $3 to $5 per transaction. Multiply that by a few stops and you’ve suddenly paid $20+ just to access your own cash.

Before you travel:

  • Map out surcharge-free ATMs near your destination (many credit unions, including Hughes, are part of the CO-OP ATM network, which has thousands of no-fee locations).
  • Bring a mix of payment methods so you're not stuck relying on one card or cash alone.

And if you’re using a debit card, make sure to:

  • Enable fraud alerts
  • Set a travel notice (Call 888-904-7788 to set a Hughes Debit Card travel notice)
  • Add your card to a mobile wallet for contactless, secure payments

Don’t Let Vacation Mode Drain Your Wallet

Yes, you're in vacation mode but that doesn’t mean you have to black out your budget. Impulse buys add up fast, especially when you’re in treat-yourself territory.

To strike a balance:

  • Treat yourself, but prioritize a few meaningful splurges over dozens of impulse buys.
  • Set expectations with yourself or your travel companions about souvenir spending or dining out.

  • Stick to a cash envelope or prepaid amount for extras; once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Sometimes setting limits is the very thing that helps you relax, knowing your future self won’t have to stress about a surprise credit card bill.

Ditch Sketchy Wi-Fi (and Oversharing Your Info)

Airport Wi-Fi isn’t the place to log into your bank. That hacker sitting near gate B12 is just waiting for someone to check their Venmo.

Do this instead:

  • Use your mobile data or hotspot for anything money-related
  • Set up 2-factor authentication before you travel
  • Avoid accessing sensitive accounts on public networks

Check out some more ways to stay safe from fraud.

While you're on the go, myCards also lets you temporarily turn your card off and back on again if it’s misplaced or limit certain types of transactions. That kind of control can come in clutch when you’re juggling multiple cards or making purchases in unfamiliar places.

Backup Your Backup Plan

Lost card. Broken phone. Hotel safe won’t open. Any of it can happen. But if you prep, none of it has to ruin your trip.

Your Travel Security Kit:

  • Keep copies of your ID, itinerary, and travel insurance in the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)
  • Have two cards: one for everyday use, one for backup
  • Use the Hughes app with myCards to instantly freeze or unfreeze your card if it’s lost, stolen or just suspiciously missing in your beach bag.
  • Let someone back home know where you're going and how to reach you

Think of this as your "I’m Not Panicking" Plan.

Cut Costs, Not Experiences

The best memories often come from budget-friendly moments. Stargazing, sunset walks, city markets or free festivals all cost less than a tourist trap dinner and feel 100x more personal.

Save without sacrifice:

  • Check your destination’s event calendar for free things to do
  • Use travel deal apps like Too Good to Go, Groupon or Eventbrite

Check In Before You Check Out

End-of-trip financial regret? Not this year. Use your last night to check in with yourself:

  • What’s left in your budget?
  • Do you need to move money for gas or airport food?
  • Did you stay close to your goal? (If not, what can you adjust next time?)

And hey, if you spent a little more than planned, but had a blast and avoided major financial damage? That’s still a win.

You Deserve the Vacation and the Peace of Mind

Travel should feel good. And nothing kills the vibe faster than overdraft panic or wondering if your debit card got skimmed at a sketchy gift shop. But with a little intention, some smart tech and a clear plan, you can relax knowing your finances are just as handled as your out-of-office reply.

Take the trip. Make the memories. Keep your money safe.

Now go pack your sunscreen. You’ve got budgeting and beach days covered.