My reality; I’m always planning for the next vacation. I’m happier, more fulfilled, dare I say it, a better Mother when I’m in the midst of planning or at least dreaming about that next vacation. That is my happy place. It doesn’t have to be grand and glorious, it just has to be some kind of time carved out with my overscheduled, overworked, ridiculously busy family. We work hard and we play hard. It seems fair. One way we make those summer plans work? By keeping expectations in check and a few money-saving tips in mind to make the most of our vacation budget. Here are my secret money-saving tips and tricks to help you make the most of your vacation budget:
Set A Budget. Figure out what you wish to spend, what you can realistically afford, and go from there.
Have a vacation fund and plan ahead. As little as $166 a month adds up to nearly $2,000 at the end of the year.
Boost your vacation fund by getting creative. Start a loose change jar. All the couch cushion money and change you find around the house goes in there. Have a garage sale and put all those funds towards that summer vacation.
Redirect. If you have paid off a credit card or loan recently, temporarily re-direct the money you were using to pay that into your vacation fund.
Consider the timing. Trips around a long holiday weekend may cost more. Hotels charge more on holiday weekends and gas prices have the tendency to skyrocket.
Be strategic when booking flights. Do your research before booking that flight. Search online for recommendations for the best times to book to your destination and watch for seat sales.
Utilize the grocery store. If your summer plans have you staying in a hotel, it still makes sense to make a trip to a grocery store to stock up on bottled water and snacks. These store-bought snacks will likely be far cheaper than hotel or convenience store prices.
Share your trip with family or friends. Heading to Florida, the Caribbean or a cottage up north? Consider renting a vacation home and splitting the cost with another family.
Do some research. Take advantage of any free tours, museums, and attractions your destination may have.
Get online for free. Find free wi-fi in your vacation spot; it is often offered at hotels and local coffee shops.
Pet Swap. Lots of families travel over the summer. Consider doing a pet-sitting swap with a friend or family member you know and trust and save the cost of a kennel.
Avoid expensive roadside stops. If you are driving to your vacation destination, pack a cooler full of healthy snacks and drinks so you aren’t sucked into over-spending on the road.
Planning for that summer vacation doesn’t have to be stressful or break the bank. Create a plan, stick to it, and enjoy your trip!
Happy Planning!
I’m watching for seat sales right now,hoping we can get a Fall trip in this year!.
You’ve got great ideas and I especially like the PET SWAP because when I traveled I used to get my inlaws to watch my dog because he was used to to going there
You have great tips to flow to save money. I wish I was healthy enough to travel.
Excellent tips. We’ve always brought our own road trip food and “stocked” our hotel. The credit card/loan idea is great, I paid one off last year and just spent the money as part if my regular budget. If I’d put it in a vacation fund this summer would be a lot more fun. I also love the pet sitting, not only are you saving but you know your furbabies are in good hands. Thank you, I’ll definitely be utilizing these tips!
Good tips. We do most of them, especially utilizing the grocery store.
We are planning a trip for 2019 and have already made the list and our plan……now gather the money and try cutting all the non-essential costs!
Thanks we will be doing a road trip when the weather warms up next month and these tips are sure to come in handy !
Great tips and ideas it’s great to cut the cost as much as possible!
one of these days Im actually going to go on that vacation. good tips
You have made a lot of points and they all have me thinking! I love planning holidays and now I am motivated to get travelling asap
These are all good tips! I can’t wait to go on my next vacation!
We have a cruise coming up so I’m going to follow your suggestions about researching our destinations.
I am all about the deals and the cutting of unnecessary costs while travelling. With four kids, it can get really expensive. I always research in advance any discounts on local attractions, restaurants, hotels, etc available online, through email or signing up or through my rewards/credit/CAA cards. I am not being a cheapo, per se, I am just trying to maximize what I can though our budget.