Dream big – embarking on your fantasy vacation is easier than you think
Whether your dream vacation is a woodsy getaway or an exotic ride on the Orient Express, your trip is going to cost you money. And the bigger you dream, the more money you'll have to put away. Here are some ideas we've compiled to help you start planing:
Calculate cost. Research costs for your dream location. Don't forget to include airfare, hotel accommodations, food, souvenirs, and tours, as well as pocket cash for spending. Get a rough estimate by checking an online travel site such as Orbitz or BookIt, or check with a local travel agent for pricing.
Decide on a timeline. Pick an approximate time for your trip, so you can plan ahead. Maybe you'd like to go on your ideal vacation before you turn 30. Start saving now and you can make it a reality. If your dream will cost a fortune, though, be realistic about how much time it will take you to save.
Come up with extra cash. Fund your vacation by cutting back. Paring expenses like utilities or food costs is easy if you're willing to cancel a cable channel, brown bag it, or give up dinner or drinks out with friends every once in a while. You can also earn extra cash by picking up some extra hours at work or by selling items you no longer want on eBay or Craigslist.
Open a dedicated account. A savings account will help you keep the money for your dream vacation safe until you're ready to embark on your adventure. Avoid the temptation to use the cash by not hooking the account up to your debit card.
Stay motivated. Post pictures of your dream location in places where you can see them–on your desk at work or on the fridge at home–to stay invested in saving.
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