Summer is the perfect time to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get your much needed break from the day-to-day grind. As much as you want to enjoy a fun and carefree summer, you have to make sure that your current financial situation is in order and that you won’t go broke once the season ends.
To help you prepare and enjoy a relaxing and stress-free summer, here are 6 smart budget moves to follow.
1. Do your research.
Before all the planning begins, research the destination that you want to go to and find out the average costs in the city – airfare, hotels, transportation, meals, tours, etc. This way, you’ll get an estimate of how much you will be spending and see if your current financial situation will allow it.
2. Create a realistic budget.
Wherever you plan to go, make sure that you create a budget and stick to it – whether it’s just a weekend getaway in the city or a trip abroad. To guide you, here’s a previous blog post on “Setting Up a Budget for your Next Vacation.”
3. Cut out extra and unnecessary expenses.
If you don’t want to go broke, get rid of all the extra expenses that drain your pocket to save more for your upcoming vacation. Look for ways to trim your expenses and make a conscious effort to avoid unnecessary spending.
4. Learn about the different hacks to travel for less.
You have to be smart about planning your vacation. There are numerous ways to save on travel and in this blog, I’ve already talked about how to fly for less and how you can save on accommodation.
5. Find local deals.
You don’t have to go far for some much needed R&R. If you want a vacation that won’t hurt your budget, explore your own city and take advantage of your local resources. I’m sure there are still lots of things to discover and new things to experience.
6. Boost your income.
Another thing to do that your budget will thank you for is by looking for ways to boost your income. Sell pre-loved belongings, get a part-time job, check some freelance jobs online or even work overtime. Make sure that the “extra” money that you receive will go straight to your summer funds.