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!
These are all great tips and I also shop around for hotel! I also love my airmiles, I use to fly home every years with airmiles when my parents where still with us.
Oh that walkway to the beach reminds me of home in Newfoundland,thanks for sharing
We were already on vacation but I will use these tips next time.
Love your tips! Also….try to limit your clothing to mix and match separates in basic colours and add scarves and belts to liven up the looks!
Setting a budget is a must when I travel. I don’t want any unnecessary expenses.
Great tips, before I travel I research the area that I am going to.
Oh I am SOOO all over the tip” Be strategic when booking flights!” I feel like I can really make a difference with that one!
I agree that researching seat sales and other cost-saving measures is essential when planning for a trip.
The pet swap is a new idea that is really smart!! That’s a terrific way to save some money.
Thank you for the extensive list. I like the ideas especially the ones that save money.
Timing is important, we are retired so can travel any time.
oh my gosh that cottage looks like a dream. so cozy and relaxing. these are some good pointers. my family hasn’t started vacationing yet but would love to start soon
Some good tips to keep in mind
A lot more people would travel if they used tips like this to save money, thanks!
Great tips. I like to travel in the off season to get better deals on hotels and flights.