HOW TO SAVE MONEY FOR VACATION
Looking to save money for vacation? I have a lot of great ideas tips and tricks to help save more for your next vacation stating today. Also looking for ways to save money while you are on vacation some of these tips can help with that also.
Save money for vacation
I have created a list of my top ways to begin to save money for vacation. These are tips to help you save money easily and successfully both before you head out on vacation and during your trip. Using these tips and tools you can begin to save for a vacation that you will still enjoy, but will not break the bank. Below are some resources and also just some helpful tips to help prepare for a vacation in a budget-friendly way. You will discover that you can save money for vacation much easier every year.
Save money for vacation
1) the 52-week savings challenge.....
One of my favorite ways to begin saving for my trip is to begin the 52-week savings challenge in January. I start it early each year and for each year I assign different goals. I will chose to save to build my emergency fund or saving account or simply save for our next vacation. I have posted this savings challenge in a previous blog posting if you would like to check it out.
The 52 WEEK MONEY CHALLENGE is an easy way to start saving without setting aside huge amounts at a time. In time the small savings each week builds up and as it builds you will be surprised by the results. When I begin the savings challenge every year I begin to save small amounts at a time each week throughout the year. Once you reach the end of the year or the time frame you specify for your own savings plan you will be shocked by the results. If you choose to go with the 52 week money challenge you will end up saving over $1,300.00 after the 52 weeks is up. What a great way to save money for vacation each year.
2) Hotel Rewards Programs......
If you are staying in a hotel on vacation then using a hotel rewards program can save you a lot of money.
Best hotel rewards programs to save money for vacation
Choice hotel rewards
Hotels.com Rewards
IHG Rewards
Why Marriott rewards is my favorite
My husband and I prefer to use Marriott rewards program when we travel. Marriott has always been my choice for a hotel chain. I love the variety of different hotels that they offer and the amenities provided at each. Marriott is our favorite hotel brand for so many reasons, but the biggest reason is the Marriott rewards program and being able to earn free nights after staying multiple times. Marriott offers more budget-friendly options such as Fairfield Inn, Springhill suites, Residence Inn and Courtyard hotels.
More expensive yet worth a visit
They also have higher end options such as the Autograph collection, Renaissance, JW Marriott and now they even own the Ritz Carlton. The Renaissance hotels are by far my favorite higher end choice. I love to stay there for free whenever I earn enough Marriott rewards points. Just to be clear I earn nothing for mentioning Marriott rewards. Marriott rewards just happens to be the program we use for free hotel stays and is our preferred hotel brand. It is just a great hotel chain and a great hotel rewards program that helps us save money for vacation.
Best hotel rewards programs to save money for vacation
Choice hotel rewards
Hotels.com Rewards
IHG Rewards
Important ways to save money for vacation while staying in a hotel
Amenities matter
Make sure to select the most budget-friendly option. Sometimes this is not the cheapest but the hotel with the amenities that help you save more. Such as a kitchenette to help you feed your family without eating out. Some hotels have a kitchen that includes pans, dishes a fridge, and everything you need to prepare a quick meal for your family, which we all know is far cheaper than restaurants as well.
Location is important
Choose a location closest to the area you will be vacation to save on gasoline, parking or tolls.
Laundry facilities can save you money
Laundry facilities (washer and dryer you can use) Having available laundry facilities can help you bring less which can save on checked bags and save significantly.
Free breakfast
Breakfast is often included at some of the hotels so make sure you look for a hotel where breakfast is included. Free breakfast can save a lot for just one person but even more for a family. Make sure to take this into account when selecting a hotel. Sometimes the breakfast is minimal but it can still save on some costs like the cost of that morning coffee or juice.
These are just a few ways that the specific hotel you chose can help save you more. Make sure to take these things into account when selecting a hotel next time.
3) Apps and surveys.....
You can make extra money doing surveys and activities throughout the year to help you save money for vacation. One of the best ways to do this is to visit these blog posts that I have previously created for the best websites and apps to use. If you can create a PayPal account for the money you earn and save this separate I highly recommend this. It is easier to make sure you do not spend it throughout the year on other things if you always keep this money earned separate.
Many survey companies and apps allow you to redeem for restaurant or retailer gift cards which could come in handy on vacation. Gas cards, Wal-Mart gift cards, restaurant gift cards can all be extremely helpful on vacation. Learning to save money for vacation gets even easier when you find a way to make extra money throughout the year to put towards your trip.
Ways to make money online that can be saved for vacation
APPS TO HELP YOU MAKE MONEY AND SAVE MONEY
ONLINE SURVEY SITES THAT REALLY PAY
4) Rental car rewards programs
I have not yet found a favorite rental car rewards program because most often on vacation we drive our vehicle. When you fly however it is often necessary to rent a car and so using a rewards program just makes sense. We rented from hertz on our last vacation and have set up a hertz rewards account which you can accumulate points towards free rentals. I have found that even if you do not quickly earn these rentals it is still helpful to have an account, that way if you ever need rentals because at some point as long as points do not expire you will benefit from the discount or free rental offered. As I said above with Marriott rewards I earn nothing from suggesting these websites to you they are just the ones I currently use to earn points and a good place to start.
Best rental car rewards programs to save money for vacation
5) Plan ahead for your next trip.....
Research where you have planned to go and make sure you know the local restaurants and attractions nearby. This will help you to begin to find other deals and budget-friendly ways to save on your trip. You can research discounted or free parking in the local area which can save you a lot. This can also help you select restaurant gift cards when you have earned them doing surveys.
6) Budget tips for flying.....
Find out where you want to travel and choose the off-season for that location. This can help ensure that flights will be easier to obtain and typically cheaper. Make sure you plan by choosing flights in advance not right before you travel. As soon as you know where you are planning to go start researching flights this can help you save significantly on the cost of flights. The closer you get to the date of your flight the higher the prices tend to be.
Save money by not checking a bag
Checking a bag has become expensive over the last few years if you can travel on just a carry on bag and a personal item this can save a lot. There are size restrictions on both of these so be sure to research this ahead of time to ensure you do not end up paying anyway. You can save a lot the additional costs of checking a bag. Lastly, if you travel often by flying an airline Frequent flier program could be beneficial in saving a lot of money. These miles earned can be used to help you earn free flights for the future. Below are some Frequent Flier programs for some of the top airlines in the U.S. for airline travel.
Frequent Flyer programs to save more money
United Rewards
Alaska Air
Final thoughts
These are my best suggestions on save money for vacation. I know that some of these suggestions can really help you fund your next vacation if they are done right.