One of the biggest benefits of living in Texas or Oklahoma is how close we are to countless summer vacation destinations. But sometimes, you may feel like you just don't have enough money to afford the trip.
Check out these 10 awesome tips for saving money for your next vacation. You might just find you have more than enough cash to have the time of your life!
1. Cut Out the Extras
When you go to work every day, do you find yourself buying energy drinks, lottery tickets, or other items that you could survive without?
You might not think that spending $20 or $30 a week on these little extras hurts you too much in the long run. But if you really stop and think about how much you could be saving by not buying them, it can be seriously eye-opening.
2. Dine In, Not Out
For most American households, food can be one of the most costly weekly expenses. And if your family has a fast food or junk food habit, that cost can pile up quickly.
That's why one of the easiest ways to add money to your summer vacation fund is to rekindle your joy of cooking. By buying inexpensive groceries and committing to not eating loads of junk food in favor of healthier options, you'll be much closer to eating whatever you want on vacation!
3. Make a Budget and Stick to It
We've talked about the benefits of sticking to a budget in previous blogs, and it still holds true.
Everyone should have a careful budget that helps them plan out all of their expenses each month. That way, you'll always know how much extra money you'll have to drop into that summer vacation fund.
Plus, you'll be way less stressed and ready to enjoy yourself to the fullest on your awesome getaway.
4. Declutter Your Home
Take a look around your house. How often have you used every one of your possessions?
If you have anything sitting around that you know you could sell -- even if it hurts a little to part ways with it -- you'll be that much closer to hitting your travel savings goals.
After all, wouldn't you rather have awesome memories than boring old stuff?
5. Plan Your Trip With Friends and Family
The more people you bring on a trip, the less each person pays. Your vacation fund will go a lot further if you pay for a third of the cost of a beach house versus paying for the entire thing yourself. Taking a trip with friends or family will stretch your money further in other ways, too — such as with gas or rental vehicle expenses. Additionally, if everyone pitches in on groceries, you will spend a fraction of what you would on your own.
6. Plan Your Getaway Close to Home
Speaking of gas and driving, you will save a lot on transportation if you pick a destination you can drive to with relative ease. Buying plane or train tickets can add up quickly, especially if you have several members of your family. Even if you have to stay at a hotel overnight before you get to your destination, you will still spend less than you would on tickets. An added bonus of driving is you can add stops along the way and make the journey part of the adventure.
7. Redeem Points or Airline Miles
One of the best ways to save money for your summer vacation doesn't involve actual money at all. You can pay for your travel transportation or lodging using airline miles or credit card points. Smart planning for months ahead can help you rack up as many miles or points as possible. Look into cards that offer points bonuses when you sign up to extend your freebies as far as possible.
8. Set up Automatic Transfers
You may have the best intentions to save for vacation but forget to put that money away each month. Prioritize your savings by setting up an automatic bank transfer each month. Open an account specifically to save money for your vacation. Some banks offer special incentives for doing this. Decide on an amount that won't put you in a financial pinch but that will also make a good dent in your vacation expenses. You can vary the amount as you get closer to vacation.
9. Use Your Tax Refund or Bonuses
If you get a refund on your taxes or an annual holiday bonus, put that money aside as soon as you receive it and earmark it for vacation. This "found money" can go directly to your vacation, and you don't miss any money from your monthly budget.
10. Get a Personal Loan
If you get to the last few days before it's time to leave on your vacation and realize you're short on money, don't panic.
Apply For a Personal Loan Online
You can qualify in a flash for a personal loan from Atlas Credit, even if you have bad credit. All you have to do is apply online or in one of our many brick-and-mortar locations across the great states of Texas and Oklahoma.
Now you know how to save up for a vacation. See how simple these steps are? With a little careful planning and the help of Atlas Credit, you'll soon be having a blast on your summer vacation!
