Whether your vacation is next week or next year, it's smart to think about how much it will cost.
In previous blogs we covered how to save money once you arrive on Topsail Island. Today, we will give you some great tips to save money before you even park the car in front of your beautiful beach vacation home.
1. Try an app.
There is an app for everything these days!
Here are 3 apps that can help you save (and earn) money without even realizing it.
Quapital offers several ways to help you save for vacation. It can help you set a goal, and it will display your progress every time you log in. It can round up your purchases and put that money away - you'll never miss it.
Acorns is an investing app that makes it easy to put your spare change to work. Round up, and automatically invest money. There is a monthly fee, but if you are interested in dipping your toe in the waters of investment, this is a low-risk option.
Digit can be used in several ways, but one thing you can do is set it up to take a little money from your account each day and put it into a special savings account. You will love seeing the number grow and grow.
2. Create (and follow) a budget
It's hard to know how much you need to save for vacation if you aren't sure how much it's going to cost. We recommend sitting down with a pen and paper (or make a spreadsheet if that's more your speed).
Categories to consider include:
- The vacation rental
- Travel insurance
- Meals, drinks, and snacks
- Transportation (flights or gas for the car)
- Activities on vacation (surfboard rentals, museum entry, boat tour, roller skating, mini golf)
- Clothing and beach gear
- Pet sitter or kennel expenses
- Souvenirs
3. Reduce spending
It might sound obvious, but if you want to save for vacation, you need to cut back on extra spending now.
That means fewer coffees at Starbucks and more lattes prepared at home. Same goes for meals out, impulse clothing purchases, and movie dates. It will all be worth it!
4. Book directly with your vacation rental company
By booking directly with the company that rents out vacation homes, you will save money on many of the fees associated with the popular third-party sites (like Airbnb or VRBO). Plus, you will get much better customer service when you work directly with the rental agents! Learn more about why booking direct can save you money by clicking here.
5. Travel to an affordable location
If you are reading this blog you already know that Topsail Island is an amazing spot to take a vacation. It's an affordable one, too! Our local restaurants, companies and shops pride themselves on maintaining a "small-town" feel, and that includes avoiding those big-city prices. Plus, most of the things you enjoy about Topsail Island (sun and sand, for example) don't cost a thing!
6. Rent a home a little further inland ... and save.
Oceanfront homes ARE amazing! But, if you want to save a few bucks, consider renting a home on the second row - or even further inland. You will be shocked at the price difference! If you are willing to walk a little more to get to the beach, the savings will be worth it.
Check out Mama's Pride, a 3-bedroom home located right on the canal.
Saving money for vacation isn't very fun to think about, but it's so worth it once you arrive with a plan! Looking for affordable (or FREE) things to do once you arrive on Topsail Island? No problem! Check out our previous blog, Simple Ways to Enjoy Topsail Island On a Budget. It's packed with ideas!
Now, it's time to book your Topsail Island Rental. Our best rentals are often booked up to a year in advance. So, plan ahead, start looking now, and we hope to see you at the beach very soon.
