Janis Narvas
Everybody loves to go on a holiday every now and then. Who hasn’t browsed through their Instagram and Facebook feeds while having lunch and wished that they were also having ramen in Tokyo or languishing under the sun in Boracay like their friends?
Unfortunately, not all of us can afford to go on lavish vacations any time of the year. Many of us need to save some serious money before we can get anywhere.
We all want to save an insane amount of money, but how should we go about it? Remember that 52-week saving challenge that went viral in December? It was just too much work! Some of us (e.g., me) may not have even gotten past the third week.
If you’re serious about starting a fund for your travel this year, keep reading. Here are a few tips and suggestions that will help you save up for your dream vacation.
Get a part-time job
Find ways to beef up your savings by doing gigs and other small jobs. With access to the internet, you won’t have any difficulties looking for additional sources of income nowadays. Whether it’s being an ESL tutor or an online bridesmaid, you can do a lot of gigs on the side when your schedule allows it as long as you know how to market your skills. Do that, and your savings account will thank you later.
Sell what you don’t need
We all have stuff lying around in our homes that we haven’t touched in a year. Do you have any clothes or accessories that you have never worn more than twice? What about old gadgets like your iPod or Polaroid camera? If it’s still in good condition, chances are, someone else will be happy to have it.
Be resourceful
Skip the fancy hotels and save on accommodation by looking for home-sharing options such as Airbnb and HomeAway. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try camping out or Couchsurfing. Do your research before you head out on vacation so you can maximize your budget; there are always ways to score cheaper flights and lodging.
Make saving a habit
It goes without saying that you shouldn’t spend more than you earn. Prepare a budget and do not go over it; track your spending to make sure that you stay within your monthly budget. Set a realistic target for your savings, and make a commitment to reach that. If you have to open a new bank account for your savings, do it.
It’s not enough that you scrimp and save every month; you have to make saving a part of your lifestyle. If you don’t know where to start, you can read about this 12-month saving challenge or follow these tips on how to save money when you don’t make enough.
