The quickest way to kill the fun of a vacation is to worry over finances. On the flip side, there is no freer feeling than going into a trip or cruise knowing everything has been saved for in advance. Not everyone is good at saving, but here are some easy, out-of-the-box ways for you to start saving today!
If you are fiscally responsible enough to manage a credit card without accruing debt, using a credit card with rewards can be a great way to save some free money for vacation. My husband and I have a credit card that gives us 5% back at most gas stations and 3% back at restaurants. We put all of our gas and dining out on the card, include it in the next month’s budget, and then pay it off immediately. By doing this, we accrue no debt and receive a large cash back check every February. The money we got this past February was enough to cover the cost of our food during our trip to Orlando over spring break.
Look for money saving opportunities. Sometimes, you will run across easy ways to earn some extra dollars. This could be money or gift cards received for completing surveys, referring customers, or work incentives. My husband recently earned a $50 Disneyland gift card just for completing a water drinking challenge at work!
Open an account at a local consignment store. Start cleaning out your closets and earn some extra money for vacation! No need to hang on to that coat you haven’t worn in two years and those toys your children have outgrown. Sell it all at consignment and turn those unused items into vacation dollars.
Make your kids earn their own souvenir money. This is my favorite money saving tip! A few years ago, my husband and I decided to make our kids work for and use their own money for vacation souvenirs. This has been wonderful for our family! They do more chores around the house, ask their grandparents for chores to do at their house, and are learning to manage and value money. As the weeks get closer and closer to vacation, they get more and more determined to earn their own money. It is fun to see! Their souvenirs are paid for, and our house is cleaner!
What are you waiting for? With these tips, everyone can be an out-of-the-box vacation saver!
Laci Post is a travel agent for Dreams Unlimited Travel and would be happy to help you with your next Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal, or Disney Cruise Line adventure.
