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You and your family deserve a fun vacation getaway—and you deserve not to go over budget. The average cost of a vacation is $1,145 per person so for most of us finding the funds can be very difficult. The good news is there are creative tips and tricks that will bring your dreams of a family vacation and your budget together and all you have to do is make a plan and stick with it. To help get you started, let’s look at how to save money for that needed family vacation and even keep saving long after!
Tighten Your Budget
Chances are there’s more money available in your budget for a vacation than you might first think. To find it all you have to do is take a closer look. How much money do you spend on eating out each week? Do you use that gym membership or can you work out at home? Will streaming TV shows instead of paying for cable save a lot of money? By looking at where you’re spending money and what you can cut out of your budget you’ll be able to free up money to save for vacation instead.
Get a Side Hustle
An easy way to make some extra money is to pick up a side hustle. The great part is it’s based on your terms so work as little or as often as you like. You’re able to schedule it around family activities without having to quit your day job. Start your own dog walking business or drive for a ride-share company. Work freelance using your writing or graphic design skills. You can even offer to help friends and family with yard or cleaning tasks they don’t want to do on their own.
Apply for a Loan
Check with your bank or local credit union to see what loan rates are going for. You might find a great deal that will make funding your next vacation within budget. This is a great option if APR rates are low. It’s also good for those who can manage a monthly payment over the long-run rather than trying to save for it all upfront. If you’re curious how a pension loan can get you the vacation of your dreams, check out this helpful article.
Get a Reward Credit Card
When saving for a trip, let your credit card work for you! Using a travel reward credit card will earn you points to use towards airline tickets, hotels, and attractions. All you have to do is spend money you were going to spend anyway. Use the credit card to pay for groceries, utility bills, fuel for the car, and all the other everyday purchases you make. You’ll earn points for each dollar spent. The key is to pay the card off each month. Or to make it easier, make a payment at the end of each day by using the cash you would have spent instead.
Sell Things You Don’t Use
Instead of letting things you don’t use sit around the house collecting dust, turn it into cash for your vacation! If you’re into traveling you’ll understand life is about experiences, not stuff. Have a bunch of clothes hanging in your closet you don’t wear? What about that TV in the spare bedroom you never watch? Sell them! Sick of that car that won’t start? Sell it for cash! Don’t to check the attic and basement for items you might of forgot about as well!! Once you have everything gathered up, have a yard sale or take your items to consignment shops. One man’s trash is another person’s treasure, it might surprise you how much extra vacation money you will earn.
Get the Kids Involved
When discovering how to save money for a trip, get the whole family involved. It will give your kids a sense of pride and some ownership of the family vacation. Older kids can save for their vacation fun money from a part-time job. Younger kids can pick up an extra chore or run a lemonade stand. Not only will it teach them the value of money and how much things cost, it will show them how to work towards a goal.
Book a Money-Saving Room
While you’re on vacation, don’t let the cost of lodging take over your budget. Instead find a room that works best for your family and saves you money. If you want to save on the cost of eating out, book a room with a kitchenette so you can prepare your own meals. If space is what you need, look at AirBnB’s instead of paying for two hotel rooms. Plus, if you won’t be using the hotel pool or fitness center, look for a place that doesn’t offer it to save even more money.
Find Free Things to Do on Your Trip
Not everything has to come with an admission price. Get off the beaten tourist path and find free things for your family to do. Look for a free walking tour or download one to play on your phone. Check out local community calendars for events going on in the area. Don’t forget to look at museums, many offer free admission for kids or you might get lucky and it is free for the whole family!
Travel During the Off-Season
Vacations are like everything else – when demand is high, prices will go up. While everyone else wants to travel during the summer or when school is out, save money by traveling during the off-season. You’ll find off-season pricing for airlines, hotels, transportation, even most attractions are more affordable. There may also be greater availability, giving you more options than before. Just be sure to check that everything you want to see and do is open. Some places close for refurbishments when the crowds are low.
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