Dreaming of the perfect holiday but can’t seem to raise the cash? We’ve come up with a list of foolproof saving tips for your dream holiday.
We all have a dream destination we want to visit but is put on hold because of the motivation to save. You’re determined that this time next year you’ll be heading down to the travel agent ready to book your luxury trip, but how many years have gone by saying that? Somehow the weeks roll by, the coins roll away and before you know it 12 paydays have been and gone! Lets get started!
Set a budget
The first step to saving is the most critical. To be able to begin a saving plan you need to figure out how much you want/need to save and how much you can afford to put aside each month.
First, you need to make a list of all the items you might need to take care of before you go:
- Care hire (and car excess insurance)
- Holiday clothes and swimwear
- Sun cream and toiletries
- Travel (flights, taxi/coach or fuel costs)
- Accommodation
- Travel insurance for everyone who is going
- Travel money
Second, think about day to day expenses; such as:
- Food and drink
- Entertainment / Activities
- Holiday Treats
- Excursions
- (Again) Travel
Now you’ve got your budget, it’s time for our top saving tips for your dream holiday!
Cut back on little luxuries
Come on, be real, how urgent is it for you to buy that designer handbag? How many pairs of jeans have you got, do you really need another? Even in the sale it’s still costing you money, money that could be in your travel pot! So unless your bag is literally falling apart at the seams, put it down and walk away… there’s always Christmas! Branded food products are also a pitfall. Next time you’re at the supermarket, try exchanging the Heinz beans for a can of Asda’s own.
Cooked meals
We know how tempting it is to order yourself a Domino’s after a long day at work but they really do drain your bank when bought regularly! Producing in bulk is the key! Make four portions of the same meal, stick them in tupperware and in the freezer they go…. you’ve got lunch and dinner sorted for the next couple weeks. Instead of popping out to the local Café at work, make your own packed lunch. Not to mention your meals will be healthier than anything ready-made which will help you towards the beach body you’ve been thinking about!
Turn it off
Another simple measure that actually makes a huge difference to your bank account is energy conservation! Try getting into the habit of turning off a light when you leave a room or switching off an appliance when it’s not in use and you’ll soon start to see the benefits in your electricity bill! If you haven’t already, swap baths for showers. Benefiting your bank account and the environment… what more could you want?
Cash, to budget!
Credit cards and debit cards can become a huge problem when you’re trying to save. Not being able to see the amount leaving your bank account makes it easy for shoppers to shrug it off. But remember, it all adds up! There’s nothing worse than hitting your savings target and suddenly being hit with a giant credit bill… back to square one it is. Avoid the risk by adapting to the cash lifestyle! Set yourself a weekly budget, withdraw from the nearest ATM and you’ll be on your way to your dream holiday before you know it!
Worth it!
We know it’s so tempting to have a night out with friends but have some self-control! Budget yourself, take out an appropriate, safe amount of cash with you and leave your card at home, that way you won’t be tempted to spend more. What saving ultimately comes down to is the element of self-control; saying no to the little things that end up costing you big. It might be hard seeing your friends going out Snapchat stories and Facebook statuses Sunday morning but trust us, it’ll all be worth it when you’re tanning it up on the beach with a cocktail!
If you have any extra saving tips for your dream holiday, give us a shout on twitter!
Once you’ve hit your savings target, get your bank account prepared with our financial travel tips. Good luck!
