Start Saving NOW for Next Year’s Vacation
Tired of Paying for Last Year’s Vacation?
There’s nothing worse than making credit card payments for a trip that ended months ago. If you want to avoid the “travel spending hangover” next year, the best time to start planning — and saving — is now.
Even if you don’t have a destination in mind yet, it’s safe to assume you’ll take at least one trip next year. The earlier you start saving, the easier it is to afford.
Step 1: Review What You Spent This Year
Before you plan for next year, figure out what you really spent this year — not just flights and hotels, but:
Meals out, cocktails, and airport snacks
Excursions, tickets, tours
Rental cars, rideshares, airport parking
Pet sitter, house sitter
New clothes and pre-trip primping (spray tan, nails, wax, etc.)
This number might be higher than you thought (which is exactly why this step matters).
Step 2: Estimate Next Year’s Costs
Ask yourself:
Are you planning a bigger trip than this year?
Are you intending to scale back?
Any weddings, family reunions, or work trips to factor in?
Do you typically take one or two weekend getaways? Include those too.
You don’t need an exact dollar amount, but get a ballpark number.
Step 3: Pick a Savings Target
With your estimate in mind, pick a total amount to save. Divide that number by the months between now and when you’ll need the cash (earlier if you’ll need to book flights or put down a deposit).
Step 4: Open a Dedicated Savings Account
A separate high-yield savings account is a game-changer. You can watch your vacation fund grow without accidentally spending it on other things — and when it’s time to book, you know exactly what you can afford. My favorite HYSA’s are Ally and Marcus.
Step 5: Automate Your Savings
“Saving what’s left over” each month rarely works. Instead, set up an automatic transfer every month to your travel fund. Treat it like a bill — one that your future, margarita-sipping self will thank you for.
Step 6: Make Room in Your Budget
If you’re saving $500 a month, where will that come from?
Cut takeout to once a week
Limit clothing purchases
Cancel that unused subscription or membership
Or, look for ways to earn a little extra — pick up an extra shift, sell things you don’t use, or put more effort into a side hustle.
Step 7: Let Your Savings Guide Your Trip
As your vacation gets closer, let your savings account set the boundaries. If you only saved enough for a long weekend, don’t book a two-week international getaway and hope it “works out.” Align the trip to what you’ve saved so you can come home debt-free.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Trip — Guilt-Free
Use your dedicated savings to pay for your vacation directly. Whether you pay by credit card or debit, move the money from your travel fund right away so you’re not left with a surprise bill later.
There’s nothing like coming home to a clean house — and a clean bank account.
Step 9: Rinse and Repeat
Track what you spent and what was worth it. Use those notes to plan even smarter for next year’s trips.
And if you need extra accountability, tell a friend about your goal — or work with a financial coach (hi, that’s me!) to make saving simple and consistent.
