Everyone deserves a vacation once in a while. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford a vacation. If you, like many, feel you fall into this category, don’t give up hope. There are tons of ways you can go about saving for vacation, and by finding the right way of saving, you might even have fun doing it.
Of course, saving is only half the battle. You don’t want to be saving forever, and this means finding some ways to get creative and take a vacation on a budget. Luckily, this isn’t as hard as it seems either. In fact, the number of budget vacation options out there might just surprise you.
Want to learn how to save and budget for your trip so you can finally have that getaway you deserve? If so, this is the article for you!
Growing Your Vacation Fund
As mentioned before, the first step is finding some money to create a vacation fund. There are, of course, an enormous number of ways to go about this, and there is no way we could list them all. Instead, we’re going to focus on a few of our favorite options, as listed below.
Ideas for Saving Money
Let’s begin by discussing some ways you can save money. Saving a bit of money each month means you can move that savings directly to your trip fund.
#1: Skip the Coffee
Do you stop at the local coffee shop each morning to grab a cup of joe? If so, break this habit now and replace it with coffee from home. You can always buy syrups and whipped cream to make it special.
#2: Cut the Cable
Cable TV is expensive. Why not cancel your cable and turn to cheaper options such as Netflix or Hulu?
#3: Pack a Lunch
If you eat lunch at a restaurant every day, it’s time to nix that habit. Pack a lunch instead and save the eating out for special occasions.
#4: Check Your Bills
Are you paying too much for cell or internet service? Check your bills to see if there is a cheaper plan available that would work for you.
#5: Change Your Thermostat
Turning your thermostat up a bit in summer and down a bit in winter can save tons of money, and after a while you’ll hardly even notice a difference.
#6: Clip Some Coupons
Clipping coupons, shopping sales, or even shopping cheaper grocery stores (such as Aldi) can save some money on groceries.
#7: Sick of paying for costly campsites? Try boondocking.
If you’re used to staying in the kind of campground where you and your neighbors are packed in like sardines on the broiling-hot tarmac of a glorified parking lot, boy, do we have news for you.
You could instead find yourself waking up in some of the most beautiful countrysides imaginable, all for an extremely low cost, or even free. You will, however, have to forego shore hookups and those “extras” you’re shelling out $75 per night for. (But let’s face it: when’s the last time you actually found yourself schlepping down to the campground pool?)
Boondocking is the term campers have given to the act of finding free or low-cost spots out in the wilderness and setting up camp there, whether it’s just overnight or for as long as you’re allowed to stay. (Most wilderness areas have a cap of 14 days or so.) You won’t have electricity unless you’ve got solar panels or a generator, and you’ll have to pack your water in, but it’s a great way to significantly lower your campground accommodation costs. Sites may cost just a few dollars per night, and many boondocking spots are absolutely free!
That said, if you’re used to the amenities of a modern, developed campground, you could find boondocking lacking in the luxury department. And no matter what kind of camping style you’re accustomed to, it does take some skills to become a boondocking pro — check out this guide to boondocking if you’re a first-timer.
#8: Or, if living in the lap of luxury is non-negotiable, grab a Passport America membership
Now, some of you are probably thinking, “Boondocking is all well and good for a weekend. But most days, I need electricity to function. And I don’t want to have to think hard about every last drop of water I use.”
Well, in that case, we have an alternative suggestion: how would you like to stay in some of the nicest campgrounds in America, all for a full 50% off the price advertised to the masses?
With a Passport America membership, that’s exactly what you’ll get, and in case you’re worried you’ll only have a limited selection of participating campgrounds, think again. There are almost 1900 campgrounds across the U.S. that honor the deal, including some locations in Mexico and Canada. In short, there’s probably one where you’re going!
What’s more, a Passport America membership costs less than $50 per year… and since it immediately knocks a full 50% off the price of resort-style campgrounds, that cost can pay for itself in a single weekend. We know there are lots of discount camping clubs out there to choose from and it’s easy to become overwhelmed, but we have to admit that Passport America is one of our favorites. (And yes, they’re also an affiliate. 😉 )
#9: Stay longer.
For those of you who are full-timers, or travelers who take to the road for weeks at a time, here’s one of our best frugal living tips that will also keep you saner: stay longer at each of your destinations! Week-long and month-long campground site rentals tend to be much cheaper than per night prices, and you’ll also have a better opportunity to actually see and experience the place you’re visiting. No more driving yourself crazy making sure you’ve got some touristy activity planned for every moment of the day. Instead, just sit back, relax, and see it at your leisure… all while saving money at the same time.
#10: Looking for the cheapest gas? This app is your friend
Anyone who’s traveled by RV for even a few miles knows that one of the biggest budget items is what goes into your gas tank. Even modestly-sized motorhomes can be guzzlers, getting as little as 6 miles to the gallon, and the largest Class As sometimes see as few as 4.
When you’re talking about putting hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars into your tank, every spare cent counts. That’s why we always check GasBuddy to be sure there’s not a station that’s significantly cheaper within an easy drive. You’d be surprised how often you can save a full quarter per gallon, or even more, just by going an extra block or two!
Click here to learn about other apps that every RVer needs to have downloaded.
Ideas for Making Money
Of course, making some extra money will help grow that trip budget even faster. Below are some awesome ways to make money in your free time and add to your travel savings.
#1: Ride-Sharing Services
Uber and Lyft offer people just like you an awesome way to make a few extra bucks whenever they happen to be available. It’s easy money, and if you live in the right place, it can be quite lucrative.
#2: Delivery Gigs
If ride-sharing services seem great but you prefer less time spent with strangers, consider working for a delivery service such as Uber Eats or Shipt.
#3: Babysitting, Pet Sitting, or House Sitting
Helping people out with their pets, kids, or house can be a great side gig. It can be done in your free time, and can actually be fun.
#4: Wrapping Gifts
During the holiday season, you can make quite a bit of money wrapping gifts for others. Put on some holiday music and get busy!
#5: Yard Work
There are a lot of people in the world who hate yard work. Take advantage of this fact by offering your services to neighbors and friends.
Planning Budget Travel
Once you have a decent fund built up, you will want to start considering your budget and planning your trip. One of the best ways to save money while traveling is by taking RV vacations. If this is the route you decide to take, these are the things you’ll need to budget for and some ways to save money on them.
Campgrounds
Obviously, you will need a place to park your RV. Therefore, a campground budget is usually necessary. That said, there is never any reason to pay a lot for a campsite. Instead try one of these options:
State Parks
State parks tend to have much lower camping fees than privately owned parks.
Camping Clubs
Some camping clubs—such as Passport America and Good Sam Club—offer the occasional camper great discount opportunities. Meanwhile, clubs such as Thousand Trails and Coast to Coast are perfect for those who camp often.
Boondocking
There is always the option of boondocking. This is completely free, but does take a bit more preparation and must be done in the right locations.
Gas
Gas is expensive when you’re driving an RV. Unfortunately, there is just no way around this fact. However, you can save on this particular budget item by 1) staying close to home, 2) traveling to a place with lower gas prices, and/or 3) joining a fuel rewards club.
Food
One of the coolest things about RV travel is the fact that you can cook as you travel (not while actually driving, of course). Therefore, your food budget shouldn’t have to change at all. Just pick up groceries as you normally would and cook in your tiny home-on-wheels.
Entertainment
Entertainment can get pricey pretty quick. Fortunately, most places do have free things to do if you look for them. Additionally, reciprocal memberships to museums, zoos, and even amusement parks can be extremely helpful.
Finding the Right RV Rental for Your Budget
If you don’t have an RV to use for your getaway, you will need to rent one. Fortunately, RVShare has hundreds of RVs to choose from. This means there is something in every shape and size, and something to suit every budget.
When trying to find the right RV for your budget, remember to consider gas mileage. You’ll also want to keep in mind that trailers will need to be towed. Therefore, unless you own a good tow vehicle, you will need to pay for delivery.
Family Vacation on a Budget Options
As you can see, there are tons of ways to make a vacation possible for you and your family. Wondering what kinds of vacations you should be considering? Below are some of our favorite budget vacation options for families.
Lake Camping
Camping by a lake close to home is one of the least expensive getaways imaginable. That said, it can also be tons of fun. Go swimming, throw a few cookouts, have campfires under the stars, and enjoy the great outdoors!
Beach Vacation
If you live near the ocean, a beach vacation is another great option. Some states have very affordable beachside campgrounds, and the ocean provides all the entertainment you could possibly need.
National Park Hopping
Head to a place where there are several national parks clumped together and have a park hopping vacation. By purchasing an “America the Beautiful” National Parks Annual Pass, you’ll pay under $100 for all the entertainment you need, and camping is nearly always available near or even in national parks. Utah and California are both great options for this!
