Budgeting for Summer Vacation

Is it too late to schedule and take an affordable summer vacation this year? Not if you do a little planning! Here are a few tips to help you take a dream (or close enough) vacation this year:

• Decide where you want to go and what you want to do, then see if a cheaper substitute will do. Paris might be wonderful, but what about Montreal? Think about the features you’re looking for—a beach maybe, or a foreign culture. Determine if there is a more affordable alternative. 
• Explore discount websites like Scott’s Cheap Flights. Just be sure to check recent reviews of any similar websites to verify that they are reputable.
• Estimate all potential costs before you ever leave home; flights, rental car costs, event tickets, gas, parking, ALL food (snack calories may not count when you’re on vacation, but the cost of those snacks count!), tips, etc. Look for events happening during your travel dates. You may find free festivals that could take the place of a more expensive event.
• Explore ways to budget and “find” extra money. Compare your insurance costs. Can you save significantly? Do you have any subscriptions you could cancel? Look for ways to trim your monthly bills and put that money aside for your vacation fund.

A fun and affordable summer vacation can be in your near future. All it takes is a little time and a little planning.