Ah, the New Year. That magical time when everyone suddenly becomes a financial guru, life coach, and gym enthusiast. But let’s be honest: some of us just want to figure out how to afford a vacation that doesn’t involve crashing at Aunt Linda’s house. If travel is on your 2025 wishlist, here are a few ways to pad your travel fund(with a dash of humor and a lot of practicality).
Play Your Way to Gift Cards (and Camping Gear)
Apps like Rewarded Play( this one only works on Android) let you earn points while playing games, which you can exhange for gift cards. It’s the perfect excuse to tell your kids, ” Mom’s not playing Candy Crush-she’s funding our next camping trip!” Use those gift cards for essentials like camping gear or even a deposit on your dream cruise.
Spin to win Cruise Discounts
Believe it or not, there are slot-style games that earn you onboard credit for cruises(check out myVegas slots). It’s free gambling, but without the actual risk of losing your shirt. Just a few spins, and you could have some spending money for that mojito by the pool. Quick tip- on Android you can set it to run in the background.
Prolific Studies: Your Inner Nerd Pays Off
Sign up for Prolific to participate in academic studies and surveys. They pay cash (via Paypal), and the studies are actually interesting. One day, you’ll be contemplating philosophical quiestions for $5; the next, you’re funding a campsite reservation. It’s science-and it pays.
Credit Card Sigh-Ups(With Caution)
Credit card rewards can help, but only if you’re disciplined. Sign up for cards with travel bonuses, pay them off in full, and rack up points. If you’re the type who “accidentally” carries a balance, skip this one-those interest fees will tear up any rewards faster than your kid devours campground s’mores.
Break it down with Affirm
This one’s a bit counterintuitive: using Affirm or similar services to break up travel costs into the monthly payments. Yes, you’ll pay more in the long run, but if it means finally booking that VRBO cabin or cruise, it could be worth it. Just don’t overextend yourself-because nobody wants to pay for a vacation they took three years ago.
Work With a Travel Advisor (Like Me!)
Shamelss plug time! A good travel advisor can help you stretch your budget and find deals you didn’t know existed. Whether it’s a budget-friendly cabin or tips for scoring discounted tickets, I’m here to make travel affordable for families.
Save by Camping(or Cabin-ing)
Camping (or renting a cabin) often costs way less than a hotel. Sure, it’s not as convenient as rolling out of bed and stumbling to the the lobby for breakfast, but four nights at a campsite might cost less that on night in a hotel. Just keep in mind that campsites are usually farther from attractions, so factor in gas, time, and parking fees.
Flexible Timing
Be flexible with your timing. Going in off season or shoulder season can cut the price down significantly. Being flexible also allows you to catch the sales. When you get to a point that you can afford it I recommend a yearly travel insurance policy for those adventures. Yes there will be some things that are not open or the weather might not be perfect. But it will allow you to experience more. And hey I have had 70 degree camping in Ocotber all things are possible.
Trim the Grocery Budget
Paring down your grocery bill can free up money for travel. Meal planning, buying in bulk, and eating at home more often can add up quickly. Imagine the dollars saved by skipping that weekly takeout. Do you want tacos in your living room or tacos on a beach? I know my answer.
Divide and Conquer Your Budget
Being debt-free is the dream, but let’s face it: life happens. Instead of waiting for the perfect financial moment, divide your extra money into categories- debt, savings, travel, and sanity(because self-care is non-negotiable). Even small steps can bring you closer to your goal.
Share Your Tips and Let’s Build Something Awesome
I’m not a financial advisor(or an actor playing one on TV). I’m just a mom trying to make travel possible for my family. Everyone’s situation is different, so do what works best for you. Got any money-saving or earning tips? Drop some tips in the comments, and I’ll compile them into a future post.
Together we can turn the impossible into the achievable. Say it with me one time. We have the power to turn the impossible into the achievable.
And remember: life’s too short to only dream of vacations. Whether it’s a weekend camping or a cruise to the Bahamas, start planning, start saving, and let’s make 2025 the year of adventure.
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