Top 5 Holiday Saving Tips

We all love to go away on holidays, so we can have an adventure or relax and unwind or sometimes even do both, but trying to save for that dream holiday can seem just that, a dream. I am here to tell you that with a little bit of determination and willpower, your dream holiday can become a reality, even for us shopaholics. Here are my top 5 holiday saving tips to help you with your next big trip.

1. No Nonsense Spending

I know from experience that it can be VERY difficult not to buy things that I really do not need, especially when you work in a shopping centre. But by not spending your money on those not needed items, you will save yourself a lot of cash. Try packing your own lunches or telling yourself “you could buy that outfit…or you could buy a new outfit when you get there”.

Save your cash.

2. Budget

This really should be number 1, but here it is as tip 2! Create a budget!! Whether it is a weekly, fortnightly or monthly budget it will really help you prioritize in the long run. Your budget should include all your expenses/bills, a savings amount (which you should deposit into a savings account a.s.a.p) and lastly, your spending allowance. I find having your spending money in cash will really help you not spend money on things you do not need.

Budget guide.

3. Eat At Home

Now before you think I want you to lock yourself inside your home and not have a social life in order to save, you are wrong – slightly. In this day-in-age we are very terrible at picking up some fast food on our way home from the long day at work in order to save us the hassle of thinking of what to cook, let alone taking the time to cook, but STOP. Cook your meals at home and save the $$$ for maybe ONE nice dinner out somewhere. Even better, why not have your friends over for a BBQ where everyone brings one thing each. Remember, the cash in your wallet has to last you until your next pay check!

Dinner at home.

4. Cost Effective Activities

While this may seem difficult, there really are a lot of free or cheap things you can do around your area or city. Why not pack a picnic and head to the park on a beautiful day? Take a drive to the beach or go on that hike you have been thinking about. Does the dog need to go for a walk? In Brisbane you can even catch a free ferry ride up and down the river, why not do that and hop off at kangaroo point for a walk back to South Bank? Go to the museum or art gallery, all of which are free! Just google free things to do in your city. You will be amazing by what is available.

Picnic by the river.

5. Plan Your Holiday

This is the fun part. Start planning that holiday! Gather information on the destination you have chosen; what is there to do? when should I go? where can you stay? what kind of weather will you be expecting? Start creating a rough guide to how much money you will need to save for your holiday as well, and compare it to how much you are already saving. Is your saving plan heading in the right direction?

At the end of the day, make sure you have fun planning your holiday and stay strong with your budget. It will all be worth it when you get to the airport to start your adventure!