Summer is fast approaching. Everyone wants a chance to get away at least once over the summer months. What will you do to save on your expenses?
The simple fact of the matter is that many of us spend more than we’d like on taking our family on holiday because we don’t take the time to plan. Being spontaneous is all well and good but when your money is involved, it pays to be prudent.
There are some smart ways that you can have your cake and eat it too. Keep reading to find out how.
* Start early – There is no reason why you can’t plan for a summer vacation when the frost is still on the branches. The earlier you book accommodations (whether it be a cruise or a condo at the beach), the more likely you are to get some great deals and avoid last minute price hikes. Booking early also avoids getting the worst room in the inn or not getting a place at all.
* Drive to your destination – Who says that you have to travel half way around the world to have fun? Some people live in beautiful areas with a lot to do. Stick close to home for your next summer vacation. Driving saves money over flying or taking the train. You can budget in for the price of gas.
* Choose lodging that has kitchen facilities – Eating out eats up a lot of dough. Save money by visiting the grocery store and fixing meals in your condo or rental house. Choose one day during your stay and eat out as a special treat.
* Utilize a portion of your tax refund – Here is one way that you can set aside money for your vacation without dipping into the bill-paying fund. Set a budget for your vacation and pull it from your refund when it arrives. If you place it in a savings account or six month CD, it can gain some interest while you are waiting to use it.
* Vacation with another family or couple – There is more fun in numbers. Split the cost of vacation accommodations and transportation when you go with someone else. Saving on even one part of the trip means more money in your pocket.
* Join a vacation club – This works in a similar way to the Christmas club. You can set aside money each month from your paycheck or bank account to help build up a fund for your summer holiday.
* Stay with relatives – If there are relations in the immediate area and they have room, bunk in with them to further lower the costs of having a spectacular summer vacation.
Are you wanting to get away but don’t know what you can do to make it manageable financially? Use the above suggestions to help plan and take that vacation you need so badly.
Andrea is the Chief Chick of Smart Money Chicks. After filing BK twice (once because she panicked, second time because the pro messed the first time up), she realized that it all could have been avoided if she understood more about how her Finances worked and the options available. At that point, she wanted to help as many as she could never make the same mistakes again. Our Promise is that all the content you read on here is created or edited by Andrea