Easy budgeting for your summer holiday

You may be dreaming of escaping the hustle and bustle of city life to a tranquil bush veld retreat or the hypnotising sounds of crashing waves, but your budget says you are holidaying in your backyard.

Shaun Lamont, managing director of First Group Hotels and Resorts, says it is not too late to make your December holiday a reality.

“Through refined, consistent and disciplined saving you can be sipping on cocktails, making magical memories with loved ones, and basking in the joy of your well-deserved December holiday,” he said.

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These are some of his easy saving tips:

• Opt for a destination closer to home
Look for resorts and accommodation close to home. Places such as the Magaliesberg or Bela Bela offer breath-taking views and tons of activities, less than an hour’s drive from the city. Vacationing closer to home will save a great deal on fuel.

• Hunt for the best deals
Ask friends, colleagues and family about possible destinations and resorts where they have been before. Booking through the resort directly will save on administrative costs levied by third party agents and could potentially put you in line of qualifying for early bird special offers.

• Create a budget
Assess your current financial situation and set a clear budget for your trip. Account for travel, accommodation, activities and other expenses. Realistically determine how much you need to save each month leading up to your departure.

• Cut out unnecessary expenses
Reflect on your spending habits by studying your bank statement. Trim down on non-essential expenses such as buying coffee or lunch daily. Opting for monthly grocery shopping rather than weekly trips and taking advantage of specials is a great way to save.

• Sell unused items
Turn clutter into cash by selling items you no longer need.

• Automate savings
Calculate the amount you can save and set up an automatic monthly transfer to a dedicated savings account, specifically for your holiday. By doing this, a portion of your income will be securely set aside.

• Travel with in a group
Consider travelling with friends or family and sharing the costs. Group travel can lead to significant savings on accommodation, transport, and food.

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