Family Vacation Savings

Family Vacation Savings - Summer fun means vacations! I'm going to share how to plan your family vacation without going broke. Start with your budget and use these steps to stay out of debt.

Planning a vacation can be exciting. Exotic places, new activities, crossing things off your bucket list, etc. That is until it comes to paying the bills.

There is nothing worst than going on a vacation and coming home and opening the credit card bills and realizing you will be paying for this for the next 5 years. That is exactly why you need a Family Vacation Savings plan!

How to Plan Your Family Vacation Without Going Broke

What if you paid for your trip before you went and you could really enjoy yourselves?

It used to be a struggle and we chose not to go on vacations because there was never enough money by the time we wanted to go on the trip and we never wanted to put that much money on a credit card.

It became clear the only way to make this happen was to plan it out in advance. We live on the Zero Based Budget. That means every dollar has a place to go. We are in control of our money, it is not in control of us. You can get access to our 5 Day crush your budget challenge here to learn more about it.

Do you dream of going to:

• Hawaii
• Disneyworld
• Florida
• The Caribbean
• Yosemite National Park
• On a Cruise
• Sequoia National Park
• Europe
• Maine
• Niagara Falls

For us, our dream vacation for two is Alaska, which we're planning on doing next summer. This summer, we're taking the kids to Washington DC and I can't wait!

How to Plan for a Vacation Fund

Start with a savings chart. You can get a free printable Weekly vacation saving fund chart.  Write down the cost of the trip and the miscellaneous money for expenses you will need before you commit including, hotel, airfare, food, souvenirs, taxis, and tips.

Now decide if you can afford it and save for it in advance.

Take the total amount of the trip and divide it by how many weeks you have left. If you are planning more than a year out, take that into consideration with the chart and adjust according.

Where will you save the money?

• You can open a separate savings account and automatically transfer the money each month or week.
• You can take a large 5 Gallon Water Jar, decorate it, and save each month into the jar. Let the kids help with this one.
• Get a small safe at home and save it there. No dipping into it. 
• Keep it in an envelope.

Ways to Save if you don’t have any money left at the End of the Month.

• Get a Part-Time Job on Weekends until you reach the amount you need.
• Offer to Pet Sit
• Take an Uber or Lyft Job
• Have a Change Jar to drop all extra change in every day
• Work for Surveys for Extra Money
• Work extra shifts

Ways to Vacation on a Budget without going broke

Go on a Staycation – Staycations are great. First, there is no travel. You save money on gas and travel. Since you already know the weather, there will not be clothing purchases. You are familiar with the area and hotels. You may know someone working there that can get you a discount. Check out our staycation printable for loads of ideas.

Plan your vacations in the offseason and you will get better room rates.

Exchange homes for vacations- This is a real thing. You can Google it for companies that provide information.

More Travel Ideas

• Tips for Flying with Kids
• What to Take on a Cruise with Kids.
• Road Trip Bucket List Ideas
• Travel Activities for Kids perfect for Car or Plane
• LEGO travel activity

About the Author: I am Candi from A Day in Candiland, where I share encouragement for family, food, and finance.