Saving up for your next vacation can feel impossible. Between daily expenses, bills, and unexpected purchases, it’s easy for your travel fund to get buried. But if you make travel a priority, there are simple ways to save money. Here are my favorite tips for building a vacation fund—some of them might surprise you!
1️⃣ Toss spare change into a jar
It might seem small, but those coins and bills add up faster than you think. Keep a jar on your counter and watch your savings grow.
2️⃣ Brew at Home & Save Big
Let’s talk about a daily habit that quietly eats away at your travel budget: coffee runs. The average cup of coffee is about $3.30–$3.48 each at cafés and local spots.
Now imagine this: if you bought that cup every workday for a year, you could be spending around $800–$900 that could’ve gone straight into your travel fund instead. That’s cash you could use for souvenirs, extra meals, or that sunset kayak tour you’ve been eyeing.
Here’s the fun part—when you brew coffee at home, that same cup could cost just a fraction of the price. That simple switch adds up fast and is a smart travel savings hack that actually makes a difference.
3️⃣ Set a Weekly Allowance
Give yourself a set allowance each week, and transfer whatever’s left straight into your vacation fund. It’s an easy way to save without feeling restricted.
4️⃣ Track Your Spending Daily
Check your bank account every day and move your small leftover balances into a separate savings account. You’ll be surprised how quickly it accumulates!
Even using just one of these tips can supercharge your vacation savings and give you extra spending money for your trip. Try them out and let me know which one worked best for you!
Pro Tips:
✦ Book flights mid-week – Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the cheapest days to snag tickets
✦ Set fare alerts – Use Google Flights or Hopper to track price drops before committing
✦ Consider off-season travel – Avoid peak months like August and major holidays in Italy
✦ Mix accommodations – Combine Airbnb stays with boutique hotels to balance comfort and cost
✦ Carry cash for small purchases – Many local spots in Italy prefer euros, which helps avoid fees
TRIPPY TULIP 