8 vacation traditions boomers refuse to abandon that actually save thousands

Ever notice how your parents or grandparents travel differently than you do?

While millennials and Gen Z are busy scrolling through Instagram for the latest travel trends and booking last-minute deals on apps, boomers stick to their tried-and-true vacation methods. And here's the kicker: they're often spending way less money while having just as much fun.

I've watched my own parents plan trips the same way for decades, and I used to think they were just being old-fashioned. But after doing the math on some of my own travel expenses, I'm starting to think they might be onto something.

Let's look at eight vacation traditions boomers refuse to give up that actually save them serious cash.

1. Planning trips a year in advance

Remember when people used to mark vacation dates on their calendar months ahead of time?

Boomers still do this, and it's one of their biggest money-saving secrets.

By booking flights and hotels six months to a year in advance, they're locking in lower prices before demand drives costs up. Airlines and hotels often offer their best rates to early birds, and boomers take full advantage of this.

I've mentioned this before, but planning ahead also gives you more options. You're not stuck with whatever's left at inflated prices two weeks before you want to leave. You get to choose the best flights, the best rooms, and the best locations.

Sure, spontaneity has its appeal. But spontaneity also comes with a hefty price tag.

2. Staying loyal to one hotel chain

My dad has been a Marriott rewards member for probably 25 years. Every single trip, same chain.

At first, I thought this was limiting. Why not shop around for the best deal each time?

But here's what I didn't understand: loyalty programs actually work when you stick with them long enough. My parents regularly get free nights, room upgrades, and other perks that save them hundreds per trip.

As noted by experts, hotel loyalty programs can reduce accommodation costs by 20 to 30 percent for frequent travelers who concentrate their bookings with one brand.

The key is consistency. Boomers understand that spreading your business across multiple chains means you never accumulate enough points to matter. Pick one, stick with it, and watch the savings add up.

3. Driving instead of flying when possible

This one used to frustrate me. Why would you spend eight hours in a car when you could fly there in two?

Then I started adding up the real costs of flying: tickets for the whole family, baggage fees, airport parking or rideshares, overpriced airport food, and rental cars at your destination.

For trips under 500 miles, driving often saves thousands for a family of four. Plus, you have your own vehicle when you arrive, giving you more flexibility and eliminating rental car costs entirely.

Boomers also turn the drive itself into part of the vacation. They stop at roadside attractions, pack their own snacks, and enjoy the journey rather than viewing it as an obstacle to get through.

Is it always faster to fly? Of course. But faster isn't always better when you're trying to stick to a budget.

4. Booking directly through hotels instead of third-party sites

Here's where my generation often gets it wrong.

We love those aggregator sites that promise to find the best deal. We spend hours comparing prices across different platforms, feeling smart about saving five dollars.

Boomers just call the hotel directly or book through the hotel's own website. And you know what? They often get better rates, especially when they ask about senior discounts, AAA rates, or special promotions.

More importantly, booking directly means they have a relationship with the hotel. If something goes wrong, they can work it out with the property itself rather than dealing with a third-party middleman who may or may not help.

Hotels also tend to offer perks to direct bookers that third-party reservations don't receive, like free breakfast, late checkout, or complimentary upgrades.

5. Visiting the same destination repeatedly

Why would anyone go to the same beach town or mountain resort year after year?

Because familiarity breeds efficiency and savings, that's why.

When you return to the same place regularly, you know where the affordable restaurants are. You know which activities are worth the money and which ones are tourist traps. You've built relationships with local business owners who might offer you discounts or insider tips.

You're also not wasting money on expensive guidebooks, tours, or making costly mistakes that first-time visitors make.

I used to think this approach lacked adventure, but there's something to be said for having a place that feels like a second home. You can relax and enjoy rather than constantly planning and researching.

Returning to familiar destinations can be more restorative and stress-reducing than constantly seeking novel experiences, which means you're getting more value from your vacation time.

6. Traveling during off-peak seasons

School schedules don't dictate boomer travel plans anymore, and they take full advantage of this freedom.

While families are paying premium prices during summer break and holidays, boomers are visiting the same destinations for half the cost in shoulder seasons.

Want to go to Disney World? Boomers go in September or early November when crowds are smaller and prices are lower. Beach vacation? They'll take it in May or October when the weather is still great but rates have dropped significantly.

This flexibility is one of their biggest advantages. By avoiding peak travel times, they're not just saving money on accommodations and flights. They're also enjoying shorter lines, less crowded attractions, and often better weather.

The experience is better, and it costs less. That's a win-win.

7. Packing their own food and snacks

Walk through any airport, and you'll see people paying eight dollars for a bottle of water and fifteen dollars for a sad sandwich.

Boomers packed their cooler before they left home.

This might seem small, but food costs add up quickly when you're traveling. A family spending ten days on vacation could easily drop a thousand dollars just on snacks, drinks, and quick meals if they're buying everything at tourist prices.

My parents always traveled with a cooler full of drinks, sandwiches, fruit, and snacks. They'd stop at grocery stores instead of restaurants for some meals. They'd make coffee in the hotel room instead of hitting Starbucks every morning.

These little habits save serious money over the course of a trip. Plus, you're not held hostage by whatever overpriced options are available at tourist hotspots.

8. Using physical maps and guidebooks instead of relying on data

This one might sound outdated, but hear me out.

International data plans are expensive. So are those portable WiFi devices. And constantly relying on your phone for navigation means you're either paying for data or hunting for WiFi hotspots all day.

Boomers pick up a physical map when they arrive. They might buy a guidebook before the trip or borrow one from the library. They plan their days in advance rather than constantly searching online for what to do next.

This approach saves money on data charges and devices, but it also creates a more intentional travel experience. You're not glued to your screen. You're actually looking around and engaging with your surroundings.

The bottom line

Look, I'm not saying we should all travel exactly like our parents and grandparents.

But maybe they're not as behind the times as we thought. These old-school vacation habits have helped boomers save thousands of dollars while still creating wonderful travel memories.

The best part? Most of these strategies require nothing more than a shift in perspective and a bit of planning.

So before you dismiss their travel advice as outdated, consider this: they might be the ones laughing all the way to the bank while we're still paying off that spontaneous weekend getaway we booked last month.