When wanderlust meets wallet reality—here’s how to beat the surge pricing game.
Planning a vacation for peak season can be wonderful—until prices jolt you back to reality. A new Bankrate study dropped some eyebrow-raising numbers about where short-term rental costs absolutely explode during high season; some of these price spikes might make you seriously reconsider your travel timing.
The Numbers
In some of the country’s most coveted vacation spots, short-term rental prices can rocket anywhere from 59% to 178%, depending on when you decide to show up. I’m talking about price increases that can literally double your accommodation budget overnight.
Places like Augusta, Long Island, Lake of the Ozarks, Yellowstone, and Saratoga Springs transform into budget-busting destinations when spring and summer roll around. These spots don’t just get a little pricier—their rates are doubled, turning what might have been an affordable getaway into a serious financial commitment.
The seasonal surge isn’t just a warm-weather phenomenon. Oxford, Vail, and even Green Bay see rental rates increase by over 110% during fall and winter months. No season is safe from the price increases!
The Workaround
If FOMO’s hitting hard but your budget’s anemic, consider picking a nearby alternative instead of the main tourist magnet. For example, you can save roughly $200 per night by choosing the Jersey Shore over Long Island in the summer. Sure, it’s not exactly the same Instagram-worthy scene, but you’re still getting sun, sand, and way more breathing room in your budget.
The same strategy works across the board. Can’t afford Vail? Check out smaller Colorado ski towns. Yellowstone prices too much? Consider lesser-known national parks with similar scenery at a fraction of the cost.
Other tried-and-true budget hacks: stay flexible with your dates, book early when possible, sign up for deal alerts, and consider domestic destinations instead of international ones. Traveling midweek or putting together a group trip can stretch your dollars too.
Twist’s Take: Peak season prices can reach peak insanity—here are some strategies to cope.