Planning the perfect vacation can be a really fun process but viewing it financially can be more of a chore. If you’re planning an exotic trip, traveling throughout Europe, or maybe even a road trip close to home, we all need a bit of a plan to budget out the right price for your journey. It may seem like a difficult task depending on your budget for your trip, but if you go about it the right way, it is possible to set aside the funds you will need to travel.

Here are 5 quick and easy tips to help you get started! We will show you some wonderful techniques to help you start saving for your vacation.

1. Creating a Budget

The most important thing about planning your trip, is to fully understand the amount of money it takes to get where you need to go, and exactly how much you are willing to spend for that trip. Maybe this is your dream vacation with your family. You must decide what kind of things are a must for your trip. Some things are just a want and not a necessity, so we must filter out what is actually needed. If you have a bit more to shell out for your trip, then you may use that extra income to help supplement your activities/luxuries on your trip. 

2. Reduce Excess Spending

Next, what we can do everyday is help reduce our overspending in our day to day lives. Sure, it may be something you are used to spending each day, but that doesn’t mean we necessarily need it all the time. If there is something you don’t use quite as often, you could probably cut down the amount you spend on it each month. It could be some subscriptions, snacks, or even coffee every once in a while. You don’t have to cut it out completely, just reduce the amount you spend each day.

3. Extra Income

Another thing you can do to help meet your travel budget is to earn some extra money on the side. It doesn’t need to be a full-time 2nd job, but just something you may do to earn a little bit more for your trip. Doordashing, Uber Driving, or Instacart Shopping are some side hustles that can help add to your funds. Maybe you have a hobby or do things for fun? You could open a small business and sell your products to help out your budget. Sell off any things you have lying around. You can earn extra cash just by reducing your clutter. Lastly, you may even get a part-time job doing anything, with a limited amount of hours so it doesn’t cut too much into your free time.

4. Budget-Friendly Activities

Aside from doing your favorite activities during your trip, you could also add some budget-friendly activities to your itinerary. Doing something like going to a park or beach, or going on a walk throughout the city, or even playing any sports can help reduce your budget in a more fulfilling way. Taking photos/videos around your trip destination, or eating at a budget-friendly restaurant can be some ideas you could take into consideration while planning out your trip. Museums without entrance fees are another good way to cut down on spending. 

5. Discounts on Travel

Take advantage of any discounts offered by your travel advisor, hotel, restaurant, or any flights. Tracking flights online and contacting your travel advisor can be some great ways to keep your budget within your means. Booking things in advance can give you a lot of opportunities to cut down on your travel expenses. Take the time to look into a great travel advisor! 

Setting aside money doesn’t necessarily need to be a painful task. All we really need is to plan, keep disciplined, and show a bit of resourcefulness to start making your travel fund work for your needs! Be persistent and follow through on your goals.

Start budgeting for your dream vacation today, because the sooner you save, the more you will be able to spend on that trip!