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Dreaming of a tropical getaway, a European adventure, or a cross-country road trip? Vacations allow you to escape the stress of everyday life, experience something new, and spend time with loved ones.
But the price of freedom doesn’t come cheap. A one-week vacation in the U.S. costs an average of $1,984 for one person and $3,969 for two people. Going international? Prepare to pay even more.
The good news is that anyone can save up for their dream vacation with some planning and discipline. Here’s a step-by-step guide on budgeting and saving for your next trip. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to turning your travel aspirations into reality.
1. Set your vacation budget
The first and most crucial step in saving for your vacation is determining your budget. After all, how will you know how much to save if you don’t know what your trip will cost?
Research your destination and decide where you want to go, when you want to go, and how long you want to stay. Then, you can price out things like flights, hotels, food, activities, and other expenses. Don’t forget to factor in often-overlooked costs like travel insurance, visas, and souvenirs.
2. Calculate how much to save each month
Once you have a rough idea of the total cost, consider how much time you have to save. Divide the total cost by the months until your vacation to determine how much you need to save each month.
For example, if your dream vacation costs $3,000 and you plan to travel in 12 months, you’ll need to save $250 monthly. You may also want to add a buffer to the budget to cover surprise expenses.
If the amount seems daunting, consider adjusting your timeline or looking for ways to reduce travel expenses. You may opt for a shorter trip, choose a more affordable destination, or find more budget-friendly accommodations.
3. Open a dedicated savings account
Once you know how much you need to save, you’ll need a place to save your money. Opening a dedicated savings account for your vacation fund is a good idea for a few reasons.
Open a separate savings account to keep your vacation savings apart from your everyday expenses. This makes it easier to track your progress and helps avoid the temptation to spend travel funds on other things.
You can also potentially earn interest on your savings. When picking a savings account, look for a solid interest rate, low balance requirements, and no monthly fees. Online banks often offer high-yield savings accounts with better rates than traditional brick-and-mortar banks.
Consider giving your account a travel-related name, like “Caribbean Cruise Fund.” This can help you stay motivated and focused on your savings goal.
Once your account is set up, make your first deposit. Even if it’s a small amount, this initial step will help you build momentum and create a habit of contributing to your vacation fund.
4. Making savings automatic
Automating your savings is one of the most effective ways to save consistently. Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your vacation savings account. That way, you won’t forget.
Most banks allow you to set up recurring transfers online. Choose a transfer frequency that works for you, whether weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.
If your employer offers direct deposit, split your paycheck so that a portion goes directly into your savings account each pay period. This “set it and forget it” approach takes the guesswork out of saving and can help you reach your goal faster.
Remember, small amounts add up over time. If you can only afford to save $20 per week, that’s still over $1,000 in a year. The key is to start somewhere and be consistent.
5. Use a credit card that earns travel rewards
A travel rewards credit card can help you save for your vacation faster. These cards offer points, miles, or cash back on everyday purchases, which you can redeem for flights, hotels, or other travel expenses.
Most travel cards also offer a sign-up bonus, which you can earn by spending a certain amount within a few months. Others will offer elevated rewards in certain categories, like dining out or groceries. Taking advantage of the welcome bonus and ongoing rewards will help you earn points or miles to put toward your vacation.
Some popular travel rewards cards include the Chase Sapphire Preferred®, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, and American Express® Gold Card.
Take the Chase Sapphire Preferred®. This card has a $95 annual fee but offers a robust welcome bonus (worth up to $750 in travel when booking through Chase’s travel portal). You can earn 5X points on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3X points on dining, streaming services, and online groceries, and 2X on other travel.
Use your travel card for everyday expenses to maximize rewards, but be sure to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges. As your points or miles accumulate, redeem them strategically for flights or hotel stays that align with your vacation plans.
6. Research discounts and deals
As your trip approaches, look for discounts, sales, and other deal opportunities. With a little research and flexibility, you can often find ways to stretch your budget further and get more value for your money.
Subscribe to the newsletters or social media accounts of airlines, hotels, and travel companies you want to book with. These companies may send out exclusive deals and promotions, helping you save on flights, accommodations, and activities.
Websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Google Flights allow you to compare prices across multiple airlines and set up price alerts for your desired travel dates. You can often find cheaper flights by being flexible with your travel dates and airports.
For accommodations, consider booking through sites like Airbnb or Vrbo, which may offer more affordable options. If you prefer hotels, look for package deals that bundle flights and accommodations, or consider staying in a less central location to save on nightly rates.
7. Cut back on discretionary spending
To free up more money for your vacation fund, consider ways to cut back on discretionary spending. Making small changes and sacrifices in the short term can boost your savings and reach your travel goal faster.
Review your monthly expenses and identify areas where you can trim the fat. For example, you might cancel subscriptions you don’t use or cook more meals at home instead of eating out.
Consider cutting back on small daily expenses that add up over time, like buying coffee or lunch at work. Through these measures, you can easily save $10-$20 per day, which adds up to hundreds of dollars over the course of a year.
But remember, the goal isn’t to deprive yourself completely. Rather, be more mindful of your spending and prioritize your travel savings.
8. Try a savings challenge
If you need extra motivation to save for your vacation, consider taking on a savings challenge. These challenges provide a structured and often fun way to reach your goal faster.
One popular challenge is the 52-week money challenge, where you save an increasing amount each week for one year. In the first week, you save $1, in the second week, $2, and so on until you save $52 in the final week. By the end of the year, you’ll have saved $1,378 without ever having to save more than $52 in a single week.
You could also try a “Round-Up Challenge,” where you round up every purchase to the nearest dollar and transfer the difference into savings. For example, buying a coffee for $2.50 would transfer $0.50 into your savings. Some credit cards — like the Robinhood Cash Card — will do this automatically for you.
These small amounts add up over time, and you’ll barely notice the difference in your daily spending.
Bottom line
Saving for a vacation can be stressful – the exact opposite of what you want from a trip. But, with some planning and determination, you can make saving for a vacation easier and more fun.
Remember, the key is to start somewhere, be consistent, and stay motivated.
Opinions expressed are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.