8 Tips on How to Save for Your Next Trip

​Vacations are a time for fun, relaxation, and exploration. Everyone, regardless of financial status, is entitled to this time. Finding ways to save money for a vacation should not take away from the joys of planning a trip. Here are 8 ways that can make saving for travel a breeze! 

1. Set up an automatic savings account for your trip.

​By setting up your bank account so it automatically transfers money over every time you receive a paycheck, this will help you save money in a way that doesn’t 

require mental effort. The biggest advantage of doing it this way is that you won’t even notice that the money has been transferred. It will seem as though you never had it in the first place. Working with a travel agent in advance will give you a better sense of how much money you will need to automatically transfer each paycheck. ​

2. Be up front with your travel agent about your budget...

​Travel agents are experts in travel planning for a variety of budgets. The goals of the very best travel planners are to tailor a travel experience to meet your individual needs. Your travel agent may also have perks that are uniquely available to their agency that you would otherwise not have access to. If you are honest with your travel planner, you are guaranteed to get the most bang for your buck. You will also save both money and time by using a travel planner.  

3. Set yourself up with automated savings and coupon apps...

​With all the time you will save by using a travel planner, you will have extra time to set yourself up for apps that allow you to save money. Mobile apps, such as Acorns, Drop, Ibotta, or Checkout 51 are just a few 

examples of apps that allow users to save money just by going about business as usual. Savings apps such as these work to automatically save you money by either transferring your spare change to an investment account or by giving you cash back after making certain purchases. ​

4. Overpay your taxes for a bigger refund...

​Another way to save money indirectly is to increase the amount that is deducted for taxes on each of your paychecks. This way, at the end of the year, you will receive a larger tax return than if you had smaller 

tax deductions. As with setting up an automatic savings account, this is one highly effective way to save money without being aware that you are even doing it. Since you only have to set up this deduction plan once with human resources, you don’t have to think about it for the rest of the year. ​

5. Set a travel savings goal...

​Assess your current financial situation and determine the amount you will need to save up for a trip. Once you know how much you need to save, set savings goals and align all of your habits with those goals. Goal setting has been proven to be one of the most effective techniques for inciting action. By focusing on the positives of your goal (i.e. how much fun you are going to have on your trip), sticking to that goal will be fun and rewarding. 

6. Have fun eating in...

Eating out is very expensive compared to cooking your own meals. Find ways to get psyched up for cooking at home so it becomes habitual. There are an abundance of websites and free apps that offer recipes for a variety of dietary preferences. Make it a habit to try new recipes so that cooking becomes a part of your routine. Not only will this save you money, it will also make you healthier. 

7. Find ways to have fun for free in the meantime...

​Whether it’s going for a walk in the park or attending a free community event, there are plenty of ways to have fun for free. Join a local social media group to keep up to date with the latest community events. You can also take up a new hobby or activity, such as joining a book club or starting yoga. This will not only save you money, but it can make you a well-rounded human being. 

8. Sell your stuff online...

​Companies such eBay, ThredUp, Poshmark, Craigslist, and Etsy make it incredibly easy for users to sell their items online. This could be another source of income that could add up quickly for someone trying to save money for travel. 

By sorting through your possessions and selling what you no longer need, not only will you increase your income, you will also create room in your living space for treasures that you pick up along your travel journey!

Saving for travel can be easier than you think. By equipping yourself with a plan of action, you can make saving for travel as streamlined as the direct depositing of your paycheck into your bank account. These 7 tips will not only help in streamlining your savings plan, but will also make saving money fun! Relaxation and exploration are necessary for everyone, regardless of your personal financial situation. Working with a travel expert will be the most helpful in designing a trip that will work best for you. It’s time to make fun a priority!  ​

Contact Thelma Pruitt today about helping your budget for your next much needed vacation!