The school year is ending and the weather's warming up, so naturally, a fun summer trip is on all of our minds. Here are some tips to help you set a budget for your vacation:
Plan Ahead
Whether you're planning a trip abroad or a quick road trip, planning will save you from unforeseen expenses. Set a budget for your trip and stick to it. Make sure you book things like your travel and accommodations in advance. These will be cheaper to book ahead of time, and you can avoid any surprise expenses upon arrival. Research your destination and plan what you want to do while you're there ahead of time. Knowing what you'll want to do and any tickets, passes, or special transportation you may need in advance will help you set a budget. Furthermore, being knowledgeable about the area you're visiting will help you make informed decisions about how to spend your money once you're there.
Save Where You Can
There are easy ways to save money by doing some simple prep work. We do a lot of moving when we're traveling, and you'll probably find yourself hungry sooner rather than later. Pack yourself a snack and a water bottle in your day pack so that you won't end up impulse buying a snack from an overpriced convenience store. Do you want to spend your money on an overpriced snack or put that cash towards an experience that you won't forget?
Be Flexible
One challenge about travel that we all have to accept is that your plans will inevitably change. Set aside part of your budget that doesn't have any specific purpose, this way, you won't have to sweat the costs that come with any potential changes in your itinerary. If you're lucky and your vacation goes off without a hitch, this part of your budget can help pay for souvenirs, that ice cream by the beach that you can't resist, or even your next vacation.
Enjoy Yourself
At the end of the day, your summer vacation is supposed to be fun. By budgeting, you can spend your vacation having fun rather than stressing about how much money you're spending. Try to be realistic with what you can do and find joy in the bounds you've set for yourself. Don't worry about the fabulous vacations you see people post online. Your vacation is for you, not your followers.
One great way to start saving for your vacation is to use Save Your Change. Save Your Change rounds up your debit card purchases and transfers those funds into your savings account. Chat with a member service representative about setting up Save Your Change today by clicking Scout below!