Summer’s just around the corner, which means you might be thinking about one of my favorite things ever: vacation! In fact, I always joke that vacation planning is basically one of my spiritual gifts.
Base Your Plans on the Baby Steps
No matter what Baby Step you’re on, you don’t have to deprive yourself of having fun this summer. But it is important to plan in a way that makes sense for your finances.If you’re on Baby Step 1 or 2 (saving a $1,000 emergency fund and getting out of debt), you’ll want to find some creative ways to have a great time without spending money. You could do a staycation and use a couple days of your paid time off to relax with your family and explore free events in your own city. You could also go camping—even if it’s just in your backyard—or stay with close friends or family. Don’t lose sight of your financial goals right now, because if you stay gazelle intense, you’ll be able to take your dream vacation a lot sooner than you might think!
If you’re on Baby Step 3 (saving three to six months of expenses in a fully-funded emergency fund), you could do a smaller-scale trip, such as a couple nights or a long weekend away. This still isn’t the time to splurge, so take a look at some less popular (but fun) destinations, such as a cabin in the mountains.
Shop Around
Doing your research to find the best rates on hotels, flights, attractions, etc. will seriously pay off. Always compare airfare rates on sites such as Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Scott’s Cheap Flights, and book your tickets as far in advance as you can. And check out Groupon for deals on attractions and events. Rumor has it that if you call a hotel and ask them to price match a rate you found at a similar hotel, you could knock some money off your total bill.Negotiate
Speaking of price matching, when you’re shopping around for the best deals, don’t be afraid to use the power of negotiation. I know it can feel uncomfortable in the moment, but simply asking for a discount, family rate, or any promotions they might be offering can save you a ton of money.Don’t Fall for the Points and Rewards
You might be tempted to get a credit card just for those airline miles and reward points, but trust me: It’s not worth it! By the time you’ve put enough stuff on a credit card to maybe rack up enough miles for a one-way flight, you’ll be deeper in debt and further away from actually being able to cash flow a vacation.Don’t Compare Your Vacation to Anyone Else’s
We’ve all heard the famous quote about comparison being the thief of joy, but you guys, it’s so true—especially when it comes to vacations. You might even want to take a break from social media for a while if you know you won’t be able to scroll without feeling jealous of your neighbors’ tropical vacation and comparing it to the trip you took (or weren’t able to take). And when you spend less time comparing, you’ll be less tempted to overspend on your own vacation.Remember, social media doesn’t give you the full picture of reality. And at the end of the day, no matter what kind of vacation or staycation you do, you still get to take a break and spend time with the people you love. That’s something worth celebrating!