How to Save for Vacation
Minute Read
(Edited by Shauna Scarnato)
Does the frigid weather have you thinking about your next getaway? Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip or a two-week trip abroad, a little prep now can help you enjoy every moment later.
If your travel fund isn’t quite ready yet, don’t worry. These tips make saving feel painless.
Know Your Number
Before you start saving, decide how much you need. Whether your goal is $200 or $2,000, knowing your target makes it easier to choose the right savings approach.
Quick tip: Prices add up fast. Don’t forget to factor in food, transportation, activities and a little wiggle room for souvenirs (because you need that magnet).
Easy Ways to Build Your Vacation Fund
1. Review and reduce spending
Look at where your money goes each week. Coffee runs, food delivery, random online purchases—it all adds up faster than airport parking fees. You don’t have to cut everything forever. But for now, redirect what you save straight into your savings.
2. Set up an automatic transfer
If cutting costs isn’t your style, try separating your savings from your main account. Set up a Vacation Club account with an automatic transfer into it each pay period. No reminders, no willpower required, just steady progress.
3. Take advantage of cash back credit cards
With some Members 1st credit cards, you earn rewards on purchases like gas, groceries and much more. Points or cash back can be redeemed in ways that help offset travel and other expenses, making it easier to save while you spend.
4. Sell what you don’t use
Do you have items collecting dust? List them online or take them to a consignment shop. Turn clutter into cash to get closer to takeoff.
Mix and match your strategy—cut spending, automate savings or pick up a side hustle. Sell art on Etsy, offer pet-sitting or try a weekday spending freeze.
How to Spend Less While Traveling
1. Share expenses
Traveling with others? Split the cost of gas, meals, rental homes and activities. More memories, less pressure on your wallet.
2. Earn rewards on the go
Our Visa Platinum® Rewards credit card gives you 2% cash back on all gas and groceries and 1% cash back on all other purchases*—with a low interest rate and no annual fee. It’s a great option for frequent travelers.
3. Spend smart
You don’t have to splurge on every part of your trip. Consider:
-
Cooking a meal or two at your rental
-
Comparing lodging prices in nearby areas
-
Finding free or low-cost activities
These small choices can stretch your budget further without sacrificing fun.
When your vacation is planned and paid for, relaxing comes easy. No guilt. No stress. Just time away doing what you love. If you want help setting up savings, choosing the right credit card or figuring out your next move, contact us today.
*Your Members 1st Federal Credit Union (FCU) Visa Platinum Card will earn you 2% cash rewards for every dollar spent (less credits, returns and adjustments) and 1% cash back on all other purchases for every dollar spent. Balance Transfers, Cash Advances, purchasing of money orders or cash equivalents (including ATM advances) are not eligible for rewards. Should your account become 90 days or more delinquent or fall out of good standing any and all accumulated cash or points rewards will be forfeited. Cash Back Reward redemption options are outlined at scorecardrewards.com. Minimum redemption amount is $25.00 for cash rewards. Points rewards can be redeemed at any time. All cash back and points rewards are non-expiring. Ask an associate for details.
