4 Simple Ways to Save Money for Family Vacations

Saving money for a trip doesn’t have to be a drag. And it doesn’t have to involve serious sacrifices. Whether it’s making your own coffee drinks or packing a lunch, small changes now lead to big adventure later. So, what are some simple ways to save money for family vacations?

We’ve compiled a list of our favorite hacks for reducing spending and saving more money for family vacations.

© Surasaki | Dreamstime.com

1. Create a Goal and Stick to It

When developing better habits, it’s crucial to keep your eye on the prize, in this case, your next travel destination.  Visualizing is key, so keep a picture on your wall or create a dream board. Maps work well for keeping your dreams in focus, too.

Learning to trim your budget and cut costs will sometimes feel like a drag. That said, if you remind yourself of your ultimate goal often, then the day-to-day sacrifices will come easier. Anyone can save if they set their mind to it.

So, commit and don’t look back. Once you begin to see the funds add up, this progress will provide you even greater momentum.

2. Figure Out Where Changes Can Be Made

Once you’ve got a clear vision for your budgetary outcome, sit down with a sheet of paper or an open excel file and make a list of your current expenditures. Use old receipts and bank and credit card statements to jog your memory and ensure that your numbers are accurate.

Then, create two columns: “needs” and “wants.” Go through your expenditures list and place each item in one of these two categories. You’ll quickly see where changes can be made.

That said, avoid cutting out all your “wants” at once. Instead, work on incrementally eliminating them from your daily expenses. That way, you won’t feel deprived or overwhelmed.

3. DIY Coffee & Lunch

Buying fancy coffee drinks and eating out for lunch both add quickly. And since these seem like small expenditures at the time, it’s easy to lose track of how much you’re actually dishing out. So, buy a thermos and a lunch pail and start preparing your drinks and meals in advance. You’ll save money and probably end up eating more healthfully, too.

On the days when you can’t avoid the café, opt for drip coffee instead of an extra-large white chocolate mocha with add shots. You’ll cut your coffee expenses in half while still reaping the benefits of caffeine and a fun spot to chill and socialize.

Still don’t believe you can save much money by cutting out the high-end coffee concoctions? Then, check out this cool calculator to help you economize on caffeine drinks. When you put the $5 you’d spend on a mocha and the $10 to $20 you’d spend on a restaurant lunch daily into a dedicated travel fund, you’ll be amazed by how quickly you go from zero to your next family vacation.

4. Cut Out Cable or Dish

Cable or dish television keep getting more and more expensive. In fact, it’s normal to pay upwards of $150 per month for this service. Instead, imagine what kind of headway you could make in saving towards travel with $150 extra per month. That’s $1,800 a year.

This represents one of the easiest ways to save money for a trip. Why? You don’t have to give up your favorite shows. Cheap or even free alternatives abound such as Netflix for $10 per month.

Breaking the TV habit will also inspire your family to spend quality time together. Instead of vegging out in front of the TV, you’ll free up time to play games, read books, participate in crafts, and enjoy family activities.

© creativecommonsstockphotos

Simple Ways to Save Money for Family Vacations

Now that you’ve learned some simple ways to save money for family vacations, you can sit back and watch your travel fund jar fill up. It’s also time to start exploring places to travel with kids. Follow our blog to stay on top of our family vacation advice and ideas.

At Our Whole Village, we create tours carefully designed for families who want to create lasting memories while making a difference. We’re here to help you and your family experience the world, its people, and cultures. Contact us today to learn more about the unforgettable experiences that we handcraft for families just like yours.