She Strengthens

Vacation Mode: 6 Smart Rules to Save Your Wallet

As I prepare for my upcoming week-long getaway to Cape Cod with my family, I’m reminded of my 21st birthday celebration at Walt Disney World – a fun-filled adventure that also left a significant dent in my wallet. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of vacation and splurge on unnecessary purchases, but this time, I’m determined to be more mindful of my spending.

Kitchen Essentials

To avoid overspending on food, I plan to take advantage of the kitchen in our vacation rental. Cooking a hearty breakfast before heading out will not only save me money but also keep me full throughout the day. No need to treat every meal like a special occasion!

Pre-Vacation Prep

I’ve also made a conscious decision to avoid pre-vacation shopping. I have enough essentials to last me the trip, and I can always purchase what I need once I arrive at my destination. This will help me avoid unnecessary expenses and reduce the temptation to buy things I don’t really need.

Avoiding the Destination Sweatshirt Trap

Let’s face it – we’ve all been tempted by those pastel-colored sweatshirts with a location emblazoned on them. But do we really need them? Probably not. I’ll remind myself that these impulse buys often cost more than they’re worth and can be easily replaced with more meaningful souvenirs.

Souvenir Shopping Strategies

Speaking of souvenirs, I’ve decided to save my shopping spree until the last day of my trip. This will help me avoid buying unnecessary items on impulse and focus on what I really want to remember my vacation by. And who knows, I might even opt for a postcard or a digital memory instead!

Packing like a Pro

To prevent emergency purchases, I’ll be packing strategically this time around. With the help of an excel spreadsheet, I’ll ensure I have everything I need, and my friend’s tip to pack an outfit for every “clothing mood” will come in handy. No more last-minute purchases because I forgot something essential!

Drinking Responsibly

Finally, I’ll try to avoid using my vacation as an excuse to drink excessively. While it’s okay to indulge every now and then, I don’t want to fall into the trap of thinking I deserve a fancy cocktail with every meal. By being mindful of my spending, I can truly enjoy my vacation without breaking the bank.