Simple Money-Saving Tips for Your Next Vacation

We are happy to provide a guest article by Leslie Campos. A busy mom herself, Leslie Campos has dedicated her site Wellparents.com to all the moms and dads out there searching for ideas on being physically and emotionally well. She loves to practice yoga, CrossFit and watch The Great British Baking show when not working or running her children to various after school activities.

 

 

Simple Money-Saving Tips for Your Next Vacation

 

Many of us could use a getaway at some point during the year, but it’s not always feasible to fund a vacation even on the smallest terms. It is possible to start saving money a little at a time, however, and by doing it this way you can avoid creating money issues because you’ll never miss it.

 

The first step is to figure out where you’d like to go and how you’ll get there, since those are the two biggest costs you’ll face. It’s a good idea to look online for deals and to get an idea of the best time of year to visit certain spots, as there are always slower months that provide discounted rates for accommodations and transportation. You can also check out We’re The Wilsons, a travel blog that provides resources and ideas for anyone who’s ready to hit the road. Here are a few tips on how to save money on your dream trip (or just for a little weekend jaunt).

 

Grab some deals

 

It’s possible to have a great vacation on a budget, but you have to do a little research to find the best deals. Once you know where you’d like to go, take a look at Rent.com and set your budget, pet needs, and the number of bedrooms to filter out locations you don’t want. There are lots of options, as the site offers over 1,680 rentals around the Orlando area, and you can go with a small studio or a 4-bedroom depending on your family’s needs starting at $300.

 

Once you find the right place, think about the type of transportation you’ll need to get there. Road trips can be lots of fun with a little preparation, and they’re often the most budget-friendly option as well. If driving isn’t in the cards, search for flight deals and keep in mind that flying mid-week is often cheaper than leaving on the weekend, so you’ll need that information before booking your check-in date at the rental.

 

Start a change jar

 

Once you know where you’re staying and how you’re traveling, it’s time to start saving. An easy way to put some money aside is to set up a jar where you can throw loose change throughout the week. Place it near the laundry area or on the kitchen counter so that everyone in the family can participate, then a few days before your trip, take the jar to the bank or the nearest location with a money changer and cash it in for bills. The best part of this method is that you won’t even miss the change, but it really adds up.

 

Pick up a side gig

 

A change jar is a great way to save money for road snacks and gas, but when it comes to the more costly vacation bills, you might need to think bigger. An easy way to add to your vacation fund is to pick up a side gig, such as driving for a rideshare service or get rid of items you no longer want on an app like Poshmark or eBay. You might find so many benefits that you decide to hang on to the gig permanently!

 

Make small changes at home

 

There are also some ways you can save money just by changing up your lifestyle a bit. Making coffee at home instead of hitting the drive-thru, getting rid of streaming or subscription services you no longer use, making energy-efficient changes to your house, and working out with equipment at home rather than paying for a pricey gym membership are just a few ways you can make budget-friendly changes. You can also approach your grocery trips a little differently, utilizing meal prep ideas and coupons in order to keep the bill low.

 

Saving money for a vacation doesn’t have to be intrusive or stressful. By making a few small changes to the way you do things and actively looking for deals online, you can plan a trip you and your loved ones will never forget.

 

Have a question for experienced travelers? Get in touch today.

 

Photo via Pexels