Guest Author - Marilyn Crain

It’s all about the economy. Or more accurately, it’s all about your personal part of the economy. So, as long as you have money and budgeting on your mind, let’s talk about how you can still do a little travel even as you tighten your belt, along with the rest of us.

Go Cash Only

It’s no secret these days that we’ve gone way overboard with credit cards, plunging lots of people into debt. As a result, there's a lot of emphasis on getting out of debt, especially paying off all those credit cards. If you’re a traveler, you know that using credit cards to pay for a trip can really lead to “sticker shock” when the credit card bills start coming in. You just can't believe you spent that much.

So, the money-wise traveler, looking for peace of mind and a balanced budget, must now go cash only. That means only taking the trips you can afford. For many, that will mean shorter or fewer trips for the short term. But, in the long run, it will be worth the immediate pain.

Start a Travel Savings Account

Remember Christmas Club Savings Accounts? They used to be so popular, and hopefully are making a come-back as people become more savings conscious? You can apply that same idea to your own Travel Club Savings Account. Choose a destination and determine what the trip will cost or set a goal for the amount of money you need, and can realistically afford to set aside, for the coming year. And, do be realistic, because it’s no fun to come up short on your first try at this Travel Club thing. If you start with modest plans, then you’ll be so happy when you realize that you have a bit more money than you need to spend. Those dollars can be used as a nest egg for your next trip. What a great feeling that will be! Now start saving each pay day and see how it adds up.

Supplement Your Savings Club

Once you get your Travel Saving Club Account set up, you may find its not growing as quickly as you want it to. Think about ways you can supplement it. If you write, take on a few extra assignments and send that pay directly to your account. Are you artistic and creative? Then, find the perfect gift that you can make and sell on Etsy.com or eBay or at local craft shows.

Any small business idea that can be implemented part-time and with little or no start-up costs can be used to fund your travels. To jump-start your brainstorming, be sure to see what ideas Deborah Crawford has to offer at BellaOnline Small Office/Home Office Site. For example, she has suggestions for part-time holiday businesses. See the link below.

Saving is Addictive

You’ll be surprised at how much fun it is to find ways to add to your Travel Account. Once the dollars start to add up, I guarantee that you will be searching for ways to supplement your payday savings.

And, when the time comes to spend that travel money, you will enjoy your trips more than ever before, since you will be able to pay as you go. Think about it! No bills coming in after you get home. You’ll be having fun and protecting your financial security at the same time. Now go start that Travel Club Savings Account!