Why Your Vacay Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank

“If you’re twenty-two, physically fit, hungry to learn and be better, I urge you to travel as far and as widely possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live and eat and cook. Learn from them wherever you go.” - Anthony Bourdain

It’s no, secret that traveling WILL indeed cost money. However, don’t let the connotation of not having enough funds limit you from exploring the world! I know you may see some of your favorite bloggers, social media influencers, or even friends out living their best life around the world, while you’re at home wondering how? I’m going to tell and show you how that can be you too. You can be “that” travel influencer to your community of friends and followers putting unheard of cities and areas on the map.

First: Budget

You have to set a budget for yourself. Most, will often say pick a destination then budget your itinerary off the destination, but you have to be realistic. Don’t go broke for vacation because you want a picture for the gram or because you heard Rick Ross shout out Santorini in his song so now its MUST see. & Yes, we all saw the matching fits of DJ Envy flexing in Bora Bora with the fam too. But that ain’t for your pockets, fam.

Everyone needs a budget, even the rich and famous set one, just make it realistic for what you can afford.

Second: Make Categories

Your vacation budget will need to be broken down into categories. Once you create the ideal $$$ dollar amount you can afford to spend, you’ll need to break down how much you want to spend on your flight, food, housing, transportation ,excursions, and miscellaneous items. The importance of each category is going to be different for each person. Some people will want to spend more on a flight because they like certain airlines or because they’d prefer a first class seat on a 12+ hour flight, while others want to spend more money on housing because it may be the one time out the year they saved to be pampered and live lavish in a new city! Whatever the reason, have a clear understanding on what’s more important for YOUR travel experience and budget accordingly.

Third: It’s time to find your destination.

You can do the research yourself to find the perfect place or you can hire a travel agency like Take off With Kie to find the perfect trip in your budget.

Fourth : Set a deadline.

The great thing about hiring a travel agent is they can set you up payment plans. Payment plans are always perfect for a big trip. How is that beneficial? Glad you asked! You don’t have to pay all the money up front. Typically, you will have to put a deposit down to secure your spot and make smaller monthly payments up until your departure month. Also remember to stick with your payment deadlines so you don’t end up paying a lump of money in the end. Always a bomber and not proper budgeting. For most people, it is easier to pay in increments of smaller amounts so life’s other expenses can still be paid too! If you don’t decide to do a payment plan, remember you’re on a budget so it is okay to set up deadlines of your own to pay for the trip.

For example:

June 1 book flight.

July 1 book hotel.

TIp: Remember if you’re planning with a group of people the 1st and 15th of the month are normal pay days so it may be easier to set deadlines on those days so people can incorporate a vacation payment in with their normal bills.

Lastly, now that you have a budget, destination and trip booked you have to remember to stay on track with your budget while you’re there! Save, Save, Save and plan your expenses properly so that when your on vacation you can enjoy yourself. Transportation, souvenirs, miscellaneous fees, eating out etc.  are all little expenses that can add up to $300+ in costs for a 3-5 day vacation. The last thing you want to worry about on is money discomfort so make sure you know what bills will go to what and save extra money to splurge a bit too! Nevertheless, enjoy and plan ahead of time to make things less stressful.