Most of us have got a dream holiday destination in mind. For some, it’s a lavish all expenses trip to the Seychelles. For others, it’s a backpacking adventure across Bali. No matter where you daydream about jetting off to, the best way to get there is by setting realistic goals.
If the perfect holiday comes with a huge price tag, there’s no time like the present to start saving. Or, you could combine your cash with a borrowed sum from a lender. The travel loans from Latitude, for example, come with competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms.
This article explores some simple, stress-free ways you can save up cash and treat yourself to the trip of a lifetime.
Keep Your Goal in Mind
The clearer your goals are, the easier they will be to achieve. Imprecision is the enemy progress, so decide where you want to go and stick with it. You even put up pictures or magazine cuttings around the house to help you stay motivated.
Cut Back on the Indulgences
We all find it hard to give up our creature comforts. However, it’s much easier when you’re doing it for a compelling reason. Even if the changes you make are small, you’re still saving money. Have one less pint at the pub, pack your own lunches instead of buying them, and walk instead of getting the bus.
Speed Up Your Saving
It’s entirely up to you how much you want to spend, but you’re more likely to hit that big target if it isn’t too lavish. So, why not think about ways you can compromise without affecting your enjoyment of the trip? Do you really need a five-star hotel? Is going all-inclusive that important if you’re in a country with amazing local cuisine?
Banish the Credit Cards
Having easy access to credit cards can make it tough to save cash. One way to beat the plastic is to simply get rid of it. If you’re feeling extra bold, cut them up and remove the temptation. For a less dramatic solution, put them in the freezer, so they have to be thoroughly thawed and dried before use.
Tell the World About It
One clever way to stay motivated is to shout about your trip from the rooftops. The more people who know about it, the more explaining you’ll have to do if it doesn’t happen. According to behavioural experts, the sharing of goals has a huge impact on their chance of success.
Buy It a Little At a Time
There’s no reason you can’t spread the cost of your holiday over a year or longer, especially if you’re planning a DIY trip, as opposed to a package deal. Buy the flights, with plenty of time to spare. Then, in the twelve months leading up to the trip, book your hotel, pre-book excursions, sort out your travel. You could pay for a new addition every two or three months.
Why Saving for a Holiday Should Be Lots of Fun
Nobody enjoys having to cut back on indulgences, but saving for a holiday is generally a lot easier than saving for other things. While you’re waiting, you can research, learn about the country and the culture, and plan how you’re going to spend your time.
Plus, if you get stuck in a rut and can’t hit your target without help, there’s always the option of a small, manageable loan. It’s quite common for people to take out personal loans for holidays because the repayment terms tend to be low maintenance.
