Saving up for a dream vacation may seem daunting for many, but it is definitely possible. Whether you take a spontaneous trip to the beach or a planned out culture trip in Europe, it is important for you to be appropriately and financially prepared for you to get the most out of your trip.
Saving up funds way in advance for your travels and trying to boost your income can also help you unwind and enjoy your trip. Because of the necessity of a travel savings, we’ve gathered our five best tips for saving up money in preparation for your dream vacation!
Photo from Travel + Leisure
5 Tips to Help You Save for Your Dream Vacation
1. Travel slowly, and you’ll get to know the area better as a result.
Rather than hopping on a plane or train to a new city or country every other day, spend more time in fewer places. Don’t be afraid to take four or five days to explore an area. Transportation costs add up quickly, and staying put can cut costs like you wouldn’t believe.
2. Use the “ATM budget” for a few months before you leave on your trip.
This basically means that you decide how much to spend on a weekly basis and just take that out in cash. For instance, you have to go out of your way to take money out of an ATM, which gives you more incentive to spend wisely and only withdraw when absolutely necessary. This method will help you stash away some extra money for your upcoming trip.
3. Skip your usual to-go coffee today so you can enjoy one abroad tomorrow.
To motivate yourself to get rid of your unnecessary purchases, start thinking about what you stand to gain, rather than what you’re giving up. If you’re open to giving up your daily latte to save, you can ultimately have the financial freedom later to experience an espresso wherever your heart desires.
4. Stretch out your money so you can get the most out of your travel.
It’s crucial to save and invest wisely in order to travel better and more often. Rather than always working for money, make your money work for you by living a little bit below your means and investing a portion of the difference for your future travel.
5. Eliminate inconsequential purchases, both at home and abroad.
We often fall prey to buying so many things “just because,” whether it’s grabbing something special for lunch or picking up a souvenir you don’t need in a foreign country. In order to effectively live below your means, you need to cut those purchases from your lifestyle. You might just find that you don’t miss them anyway.
How important is it for you to get to go on your dream vacation? That’s where slowly saving before you travel comes into play. Set yourself up so that you can truly enjoy your much-anticipated trip, without worrying too much about the finances.
