Enjoy summer break without breaking the bank with 7 On Your Side

NEW YORK (WABC) -- As we wrap up spring break, all eyes are on summer, and it's already time to start planning that vacation.

The summer of 2026 is shaping up to be complex. Economic uncertainty, oil prices and geopolitical tensions are throwing peak travel season for a loop.

7 On Your Side has some travel tips on where and when to go, plus how to pay for it.

First, with summer fares way more expensive than last summer, the staycation is a great option to avoid breaking your budget.

There are many places where you can purchase a resort pass, or day pass, to use all the amenities without having to catch a plane or pay for an overnight stay.

Pools, rooftop bars, hot tubs, saunas and spas... live a life of luxury, even if it's only for a day.

The online platform ResortPass offers day pass entry to thousands of properties for as little as $20. You can bypass the hotel "guest only" rule and unlock exclusive access without paying the hotel night price.

Beat the heat poolside. $100 buys you a day trip to Margaritaville's rooftop pool in Times Square, where you can also purchase a private cabana.

ResortPass CEO Michael Wolf says day passes are valuable when planning a staycation.

"We're able to get day access to the hospitality industry, so you're not staying overnight at a hotel, but you can use its amenities," Wolf said. "Things like pools, cabanas, spas, even the rooms, just for the day."

If that's not in your budget, $40 buys you into the salt room at the Exhale Spa inside the Virgin Hotel in Midtown. All are cheaper options than getting on a plane this summer.

Travel expert Katy Nastro says the research at booking site Going has domestic fares from June to August, up 20%.

"If you had any plans of getting on a plane this year, you're going to see higher prices," she said.

The average international fare is $1,138 round trip, so finding a deal requires some digging.

Book early and don't count on last minute deals. Set a flight alert so if the price dips you can lock in. Look to cash in your credit card points. Miles may take you further than cash prices. Fly on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, those are the cheapest days and avoid Sundays.

"You do have to do some digging, but it doesn't mean, just because all flights are getting more expensive that cheap flights don't exist," Nastro said.

August is the cheapest month to fly; fares are about 20% cheaper than other summer dates.

The best window for airfares is the first half of June and the last half of August. If you can wait until September, airfare will be half the price -- and half the crowds, especially to Europe.

Or you can just pretend you're in Italy with a staycation.

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