Ways To Save Money For Your Dream Vacation
Is there somewhere you’ve always dreamed of going, but you haven’t been able to save up for it just yet? Sometimes you need reminders that your dream can become a reality. These money saving tips will help you set aside what you need so you can finally go on your dream trip.
So,apply for a passport online, because you’re going to need it when you follow these tips.
Table of Contents
Make Coffee At Home: Savings $1300 Per Year
This is old news, but old news is sometimes still news. Buying coffee at Starbucks everyday really adds up. In fact, over the course of a year, you could spend $1300 or more if you bought a latte every workday. Much like the $5 money saving challenge, this option helps you save money all the time. Buying coffee to make and drink at home could cost you more like $200 or so.
You can even buy a favorite blend of coffee in grounds or whole bean form from the store or restaurant if you want to enjoy your favorites. Plus, there are tutorials on how to create the frothy mixture you love at home. We love coffee, and have many coffee posts to give you ideas.
Oh and don’t forget to clean your coffee maker!
Use Coupons: Savings $200+ Per Month
You don’t need to be an extreme couponer to save money every month. You’ll want to sign up for the grocery store apps where you live and get on coupon apps like Ibotta and Dosh. Ibotta is more like a traditional coupon app with different products you can save on, while Dosh also offers a cash back option.
By layering the different apps, you can easily save $200 or more a month on the products you already buy regularly.
Of course ChaChingQueen has so many coupon and discount ideas for you. See our entire category for money saving tips. Our favorite is My Secrets on How to Get Amazon Coupons, Codes, Free Stuff, and Deals
Shop Sales: Savings $100+ per month
It’s easy to create a food budget and then realize when you make your grocery lists that you didn’t budget enough. By looking at sales ads first that week, and then building your grocery list off of that, you can save $100 or more per month.
You’ll save on necessities like meat, fruits, veggies, pasta, snacks, and so much more. Set these savings aside in an account earmarked just for your dream vacation.
Switch Your Car Insurance: Savings $500+ per year
You’ve probably heard the Geico commercials about switching your insurance and saving big money. The little gecko isn’t wrong. You can save money by switching your car insurance. It’s important to get multiple quotes for your insurance before you decide where to go.
Make sure you compare policies to ensure you’re getting at least the same coverage you have at your current provider. You may even be able to change your deductible amount to help you save money as well. This method saves some people as much as $500 or more a year on insurance rates.
Get A Side Gig
Side gigs are the cool thing to do these days. Whether you’re reselling stuff you found for free online, making crafts to sell, offering your professional services as a freelancer, or delivering food for DoorDash, there are plenty of side gig options you can do to earn you extra money to help you go on your dream vacation.
Some side gigs like writing or graphic design pay a premium and can quickly help you get enough saved for your trip. We’re fans of Fiverr for side gig work.
Plan Your Trip During The Off Season
If your dream destination is beautiful all year long, then find out when there are less people in the area. This can help you score big discounts on hotels and transportation. In the off season, B&B’s are looking to fill their rooms. You can even find discounts on traveling to local sites and to see different things in the region if you plan an off-season trip.
Travel With A Friend
Solo trips are amazing, but traveling with a friend can provide more than companionship, it can help you save money when you rent cars, tour local landmarks, and stay at a hotel. In fact, you’ll save 50% if you share a hotel room with a friend.
Use Airline Miles
If your credit card earns you miles or points, now is the time to use them. Book your air travel using your miles to get either a free ticket or a big discount. Leveraging these tools can help you travel to a dream location for pennies on the dollar.
In Conclusion
No matter where your imagination is taking you, make it a reality by using these money saving tips. You’ll be able to go places you never imagined just by making a few simple changes.
Greg is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 22+ years experience in Financial Services. He has held numerous FINRA Securities licenses (series 7, 63, 65, and 66), and is an expert on Investment Products and Financial Planning. Greg has 22+ years experience as a real estate investor and degrees in Psychology and Philosophy.
Greg has been quoted/interviewed in Yahoo Money, Yahoo Finance, USA Today, Authority Magazine, Realtor.com, Business Insider, and others.
Greg is an avid runner, and the father to identical twin girls and their awesome brother. His love of budgeting and his kids led him to join The Great Resignation in 2021.
Disclaimer: Any Financial Tips on ChaChingQueen are general and informational. Speak with a professional about your specific situation.