Vacations don’t come cheap. Start saving with these seven money hacks for your next trip today.
1. Use credit cards with perks
There are a variety of credit cards available that offers perks to consumers. Consider a credit card that offers benefits like airline miles. This way you’ll have a credit to use toward your vacation when the time comes to travel.
2. Sign up for travel alerts
Create an email address exclusively for receiving travel alerts like deals and newsletters from hotels, airlines and other providers. Once you’ve signed up to receive notifications from these companies you can head to your travel-dedicated inbox to browse current promotions, sales and other offerings without having to sort through other emails.
3. Cut back on food expenses
Next time you’re thinking about going out for dinner, you may want to reconsider. Dining out is a huge expense for many families. Your family can save money for a vacation by cutting back on dinners and preparing meals at home. Consider purchasing your grocery items in bulk or from farmers markets to save money. Want to save even more? Grow your own garden. You’ll be surprised at how much money you save when you opt to dine in, rather than dine out.
4. Book all-inclusive
There’s a surefire way to save money on your next trip — book all-inclusive. An all-inclusive stay will cost you one flat rate for everything ranging from air travel and amenities to resort costs and food.
5. Try the 52 week challenge
Forgo a savings account and use a small bills and change jar to save for your vacation. The 52 week challenge can help you get there. On day one you’ll put $1 into the jar. Day two, $2. By week 52, after doing this for a year, you’ll put in $52 and have a total savings of $1,378 for your next trip.
6. Use budgeting tools
Before you book, do a little research online and find a budgeting tool to help you save for your next vacation. Smartphone apps like Mint can help you keep track of your spending habits. There are other resources online like budget templates and money-saving blogs that can help you get started saving.
7. Go budget
Budget airlines can go a long way when it comes to saving on travel costs. In addition to flying with a budget carrier, check for flight deals on sites like Kayak or Priceline to get the best deals.
