Summer will be here before you know it — and there’s a good chance you’re starting to hear about other people’s vacation plans already!

Whether you’re dreaming of a trip to the beach or the mountains, it’s hard to relax when the vacation itself may be costing you a fortune.

Knowing how much you can afford and how you’re going to pay for it will help you enjoy your week off much more. Here are a few ways you can save and spend without regretting it!

The best way to pay for a vacation is to save up for it throughout the year. Setting up an automatic transfer from your paycheck or your checking account into a vacation savings account can help you avoid going into debt for your holiday. (According to LearnVest, a shocking 74% of Americans go into debt to pay for a vacation.)

If you need a little extra cash on top of your regular vacation fund savings, think about skipping a few luxuries in the months or weeks leading up to your vacation and saving the extra cash. You can also consider running a yard sale with your forgotten treasures and use the profits to fund your trip. Or, get a temporary side job to pad your fund quickly.

There are also a variety of ways to save money on your vacation before you even get to your destination. Here are a few:

1. Timing is everything

There is an ideal window for buying everything, and booking airline flights is no exception. Flight prices generally fluctuate until departure day, but experts say the sweet spot is usually 54 days before your travel date. If you don’t want to be busy checking prices all day, sign up for emails from a savings alert site. Let them know which dates and locations you’re interested in, and they’ll let you know when a flight goes on sale so you can book your discounted tickets before they’re sold out.

2. Sweet-talk your way to savings

Just because your hotel room is pre-booked, it doesn’t mean you can’t save. Don’t be shy about asking for an upgrade at check-in. About 78% of hotel guests who request an upgrade at the front desk actually receive one — especially if you’re polite to the staff.

Also, by 6:00 p.m., most hotels know which rooms will be filled for the night. If you check in later in the day, you’ll have a better chance at getting the keys to the room with the incredible view — even with your economy-class price tag.

3. Never pay full price

You can score a deluxe vacation without the deluxe price tag — all it takes is a little research. Check sites like entertainment.com and groupon.com for amazing deals and discounts for local eateries and entertainment centers. Also, if you’re traveling with kids, don’t forget to look up restaurants with “Kids Eat Free” promotions.

4. Free fun

Challenge yourself to enjoy one day of your vacation without spending any money at all. Search local sites and blogs for write-ups about fantastic free things to do nearby. You might find a charming family farm, a gorgeous hike or a fun splash pad for the kids.

Many hotels include a free continental breakfast — take full advantage. For lunch, you can picnic on sandwiches. Dinner can be something effortless and delicious that you brought from home or pick up at a local supermarket. If you rent a home through sites like airbnb.com and vrbo.com, you can save money by cooking at your temporary home instead of eating at restaurants all week.

CommonWealth One offers a wide range of savings accounts that you can use specifically for a vacation or another big expense. We also have personal loans to help fund family fun as well. Call or stop by a local branch to talk to a staff member about setting up your vacation savings account or to apply for a personal loan today!