Vacation Planning on a Budget
Now that summer has officially started, chances are you’re planning your Summer vacations. While you’re busy planning your summer fun, it’s also a great time to make sure that your vacation doesn’t break the bank.
Here are Central Willamette’s top tips for making your vacation budget go a little further:
Start with a Budget: Before you book anything, decide ahead of time not only what you can afford, but what you’re willing to spend. Sticking to a budget will help you avoid any summer regrets, and let you know exactly how much you can expect to need to save for. While budgeting, don’t forget about factoring in the cost of souvenirs!
Look for Deals:
Book Early (or last minute): Sometimes, you can score a great deal by booking flights and hotels early. Other times, if you’re flexible on your travel dates, booking last minute can save you tons of money. When comparing flights or hotel prices, consider using sites such as Expedia to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Utilize Credit Card Rewards: Your Signature Rewards credit card from Central Willamette earns you points with every purchase. If you’ve been stocking up on points, now might be the time to cash them in for flights or hotel stays. Remember, to avoid interest charges, pay off your credit card balance in full when you can.
Pack Smart: Using an itemized packing list can save you tons of money. Try to avoid buying forgotten essentials like toothpaste at inflated prices designed to make tourists spend more money. Being a smart packer can save you money. When driving to your destination, consider packing a cooler with snacks and meals to reduce expensive spending.
Embrace Free Activities: While it can be fun to visit all of the expensive tourist destinations on your vacation, there are likely tons of free activities that you can consider instead. A good start is to check out the official tourism website for your destination. Consider checking sites such as eventbrite to find fun, local activities that you can do for free.
Find Accommodation Alternatives: While staying at a resort hotel at Disneyland can be tons of fun, you can likely save yourself some money by booking accommodations offsite. An Airbnb may seem pricey, but it might be cheaper than booking 2+ hotel rooms, especially if you are traveling as a group. Splitting the cost of an airbnb with a large group can make your accommodations very affordable.
By planning ahead and utilizing these tips, you can enjoy a fantastic vacation that aligns with your financial goals.
Need a little help getting your summer savings on track? Central Willamette is always here to support your financial journey. Schedule an appointment, give us a call at 541-928-4536, or check us out online. We’d be happy to help.