Career & Finance Fridays

“No man needs a vacation so much as the man who has just had one.” ― Elbert Hubbard

Planning a dream vacation? Whether you're headed to Disney, exploring Europe or hiking through national parks, trips can come with big price tags. Between flights, accommodations, meals and activities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before you even start packing.

The good news is that we’ve got your back when things get stressful. With a clear plan and a few smart habits, you can take that trip without putting unnecessary strain on your budget or dealing with post-vacation regret. It just takes a little preparation and consistency.

Here’s how to make it happen:

Estimate the Real Cost

Before you book anything, get a realistic idea of how much your trip will cost. Expenses can add up quickly, even for solo or couples’ travel.

Break your budget into three key categories:

• Fixed costs: Flights, accommodations, rental cars, event or park tickets, travel insurance and passports or visas.
• Variable costs: Meals, excursions, local transportation and souvenirs.
• Pre-trip expenses: Luggage, travel accessories, portable chargers or any items you’ll need ahead of time.

Be sure to include a buffer of at least 10% for the unexpected. A last-minute upgrade or an unplanned expense is almost guaranteed and important to prepare for.

Break It Down into Monthly Goals

Once you have your total estimated cost, divide it by the number of months until your trip. If your goal is $6,000 and you’re traveling a year from now, that’s $500 per month that you should plan to set aside.

Then, consider how to make that monthly savings goal manageable:

• Automate your savings. Open a dedicated vacation savings account and give it a name that keeps you motivated—something like Italy 2026 or Adventure Fund. Set up automatic transfers on payday or monthly to stay consistent.
• Adjust spending habits. You don’t have to cut out everything, just make thoughtful changes. Before my fiancé and I went to Iceland, we focused on cooking more meals at home and avoided dining out. It helped us stay focused on our goal without feeling like we were missing out.
• Use unexpected income. Tax refunds, side jobs or cash back rewards can give your savings a helpful boost. Before my last trip, I set aside part of my tax refund, and that alone made a big difference when it came time to cover those small extra costs.

 Where to Put Your Money

It’s best to keep your vacation savings separate from your checking account where it’s too easy to spend. And since this is a short-term goal, it’s not ideal to risk your money in the stock market either.

A high-yield savings account is a smart option. It keeps your money secure, easily accessible and earning more interest than traditional savings accounts.

Our BridgeBuilder High Yield Savings is designed to support this kind of goal. With competitive rates, your vacation fund can grow steadily while you plan, helping you get closer to your dream destination without added financial pressure.

Book Smart, Not Last-Minute

You don’t have to chase every deal, but timing does matter. Booking early often means lower prices on flights, lodging and activities. It also gives you more time to make informed choices.

When my fiancé and I traveled to Iceland, we booked during the off-season. Not only did we save on airfare and accommodations, but the experience was more relaxed with fewer crowds. You can set up price alerts for flights and if your dates are flexible, consider mid-week departures or shoulder-season travel to get more value for your money.

Do Your Research

It also helps to research where you’re going ahead of time. Knowing what to expect for ticket prices, dining options and transportation can help you avoid overspending once you arrive and lets you enjoy your vacation without worrying about unexpected costs.

Money & Finances

What is your best tip for staying within your budget while on vacation without sacrificing the fun?