Better budgeting for a Summer Getaway
It’s not very often that we get to treat ourselves to a vacation, so when we do, we tend to splurge on expensive hotels, high-end restaurants, and memorable souvenirs. With summer quickly approaching, many of us are left unsure of how we will be able to afford to get away for a summer vacation. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to start saving, budgeting, and planning for your next vacation.
Plan all aspects of the trip
First you must decide when, where, and how long you will be traveling. One of the best ways to feel at ease and prepared for a vacation is to have it all planned out! This includes planning your flight, hotel, food, entertainment, and transportation. Doing research on the area in which you will be traveling will give you a better idea as to how much money you should allocate to each part of the trip.
Start your travel fund
Once you have done research on your travel destination, you will have a better idea how much money you will need to save. It is important that you start a “travel only” fund that you put money into, but don’t take out. Although starting this fund can be difficult, many people benefit from starting the fund with their tax return and continually adding a certain percent from each paycheck.
Shop around
Take advantage of technology through websites and apps to shop around and find the best deals on flights and hotels. Prices vary from site to site, so shop around to see what each site can offer you! For instance, try Tingo.com; there is no need to worry about the price going down after you book, as the site offers to match hotel rates if you book on their site and the hotel lowers their prices before your stay. Airfairwatchdog.com is also a great reference that tracks flights over a period of time and recommends the best time for you to fly.
Be realistic
The worst thing to expect is that you can afford everything on your summer getaway. Be sure to have a logical and realistic plan so you don’t overestimate your budget. The old “I’m on vacation, I can splurge” mentality is fine in moderation (you do want to enjoy your vacation, after all), but if it gets out of hand you’ll find a thick credit card bill when you get home.
Some people enjoy white sandy beaches on a secluded island, some would rather enjoy a bonfire next to a picturesque lake in the shadow of a mountain, and yet others a cushy hotel in the biggest and most vibrant city in the world. Whatever your next vacation plan is, enjoy your summer getaway and stay clear of vacation debt by having a plan, shopping around, and sticking to a budget.
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