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!
Great tips. Definitely looking for seat sales and travelling in the off season can save a bundle.
The tip about packing snacks is so smart. You can definitely overspend on junk food if you pick it up along the way.
Great tips. We usually do grocery shopping for lunches and breakfast but like to eat out for dinner.
These are some great tips! we haven’t done much as a family yet but hoping to get in a cottage vacay sometime this summer
Great tips; I need to work on finding the best times to book my flights.
These are great tip reminders to be prepared for our summer trips & holidays & thanks!
Thank you for so many wonderful tips!
The roadside stops can get crazy expensive! Such an unnecessary waste of money. Fast food for the family can really add up. I agree with packing food/drinks from home & then grabbing stuff from the grocery store upon arrival to save money.
Great tips! If we have a hotel with a fridge and microwave I like to cook up meals ahead of time and take them with us. That way the work is done ahead of time and we save lots of money. Usually we will treat ourselves to one nice dinner out and a lunch while out sightseeing.
Great tips! We always try and go mid-week and grocery shop if possible
The costs can add up so easily without any sort of budgeting. I am a little surprised at those that come back from vacation and are shocked at what it cost them. Then when you talk to them about it they had no idea that ice cream cone they bought (x5 people) was $6 until they got home.
We usually pack snacks for road trips and, for longer trips, stop at the local grocery store to get more snacks and drinks. Picking up a few groceries when staying in a hotel provides inexpensive breakfasts and snacks.
I set up an automatic withdrawal of $10 a week from our bank account. We’re lucky enough to not miss that and it’s an extra $520 at the end of the year.
Useful tips! We’ve never done a house exchange, but I’ve heard that is another way to save money when travelling.
All great tips, we definitely use the grocery store when we are travelling. It does cut down on food costs.
And cooking while on vacation really done’st feel like a chore!