Some Tips for Vacation Planning

Answer 1

It’s that time of year again when people start thinking about vacation planning. But if you’ve waited till now to plan a summer trip you’ve waited too long – that is, at least if you haven’t begun to plan for your vacation from a financial standpoint. Generally it’s a good idea to plan well in advance of any vacation. There are a couple reasons for this. The first is that it allows you to set aside a certain amount of money out of each paycheck, or each month for the purpose of paying for your vacation. That way you don’t have to foot the big bill for a little getaway all at once. Another reason that advanced planning makes sense is that sometimes you can find really good deals simply by booking early. If you happen to have the ability to plan a trip a year in advance, you may be able to snag some stellar bargains. Don’t forget to shop around too. Sometimes you can land deals by going through a third-party travel planning source, like a well known website. Other times you’re better off dealing directly with the airline, cruise line, rental agency, or hotel. Another cool option for the idealistically-minded is to combine your vacation with the opportunity to volunteer. This “voluntourism” can often offer financial benefits while allowing you the chance to see a place you want to see and lend a helping hand. I can tell you from first-hand experience that this type of trip can be very rewarding. My wife and I planned a trip several years ago that had us volunteering at our favorite non-profit. The experience changed our entire lives. In addition to the life-changing service opportunity it provided we received cheap meals on the days we were working and discounts at local retailers. Also, we got to meet some incredible people who we’ve kept in touch with. It’s a great deal. So plan early, shop around, and give back. Your wallet will thank you.