Dreaming of the ultimate Outer Banks vacation with endless stretches of sandy beach, stunning sunsets, and the sound of the ocean lulling you to sleep each night? Planning your next Outer Banks vacation may be exactly what you need to help rejuvenate your mind and set your soul free as you make memories to last a lifetime. When thinking of planning your vacation, there are plenty of things to think about: where to stay, where to eat, how to get there, etc. But it's also important to think about how to pay for it! And while there are plenty of budget-friendly things to do on an Outer Banks vacation (I mean, come on, the beach is free!), maybe you want to splurge on that perfect Outer Banks vacation rental or you've been daydreaming about some fresh seafood right off the boat. Either way, here are some of the best ways to save for your next Outer Banks vacation so that you can enjoy a hassle-free vacation with peace of mind!
Round Up Purchases
Rounding up your purchases and putting the excess into a savings account for your trip can be a simple way to save money while also making you conscious of your purchases. The way this works is that every time you make a purchase, the total rounds up to the next dollar and the extra is put into a separate account. For example, let's say you buy a coffee for $4.75. You then round the purchase up to $5.00 and the additional $0.25 goes into your savings account. Some banks and apps, like Chime, can do this for you automatically, making the saving process seamless. You can also do it yourself manually everytime you buy something. Either way, this is one of those savings techniques where every little bit adds up and it will more than pay off in the long run.
Cut Out Unused Subscriptions
This one's kind of touchy, but there are SO MANY subscription services out there for everything from blogs to books to TV channels. It's easy to forget you signed up for one or sign up for several just so you can watch that last episode of the show your coworker mentioned around the watercooler. But over time, all that money adds up. $10 here and there can add up to hundreds by the end of the year. In fact, over 30% of subscription services that Americans are paying for aren't actually being used and the average monthly cost for unused subscription services is nearly $30. Multiply $30 by 12 months, and you're possibly spending $360 on subscription services that you never use! That's a full night at a rental, meals for the entire week, or souvenirs for the entire family. Consider downloading an app like Trim or Rockey Money (formerly Truebill) to help you figure out places where you can save money and cut out unnecessary expenses before your next vacation.
Find a "Side Hustle"
This can be a tough one that may not work for all people and families. But if you have the available time, picking up a side job can be a great way to get a little extra money into your account for your trip. Look for ways to make money with second jobs, like picking up part time work at a local business, contract jobs like meal delivery or taxi services, or even selling things online that you don't use like shoes, books, or clothes. Maybe pick up some freelance work if you're into graphic design or creative writing or do favors for your family in return for a contribution to your vacation fund. Seasonal positions around the holidays and during the summer are also a great option, offering more flexibility in terms of your free time and not asking for a long-term commitment.
Have a Yard Sale
Don't underestimate how much you can make off that old stack of books in the corner or that yarn stash from when you tried once and never touched again. Every little bit counts. Sell stuff online or even consider holding an old-fashioned yard sale on the weekends. Especially during the holidays, you can help people find that perfect present all while making a little extra money for your upcoming trip! Facebook Marketplace and Ebay are still great options for selling things online and can really add a buffer to that Outer Banks vacation fund.
Utilize Cash Back Rewards
If a credit card makes sense for your current financial situation, consider using or opening a card that offers benefits like cash back rewards, airline miles, and travel points. Some cards offer these benefits for purchases made within the first few months of opening the card while others continue to accrue for the lifetime of the card. Either way, it's very possible to get a little extra cash for your next vacation or free/reduced airline travel to Raleigh or Norfolk with the right card. Do your research and pick the card with the best cash-back options for optimum savings.
Treat Yourself Once a Month
When getting ready for a big trip, it can be tempting to cut out all extras in order to save. And while trading out that Starbucks for a coffee at home every day can definitely add up in the long run, it's important to realize that making yourself miserable before your trip isn't really the best way to go about it. Maybe don't treat yourself everyday, but set aside something once a month or so to get that coffee or a drink out or whatever it is that gets you through the week. If you deprive yourself and burn yourself out all the way up to your trip, you can actually experience depression or frustration that affects the rest of your life. So be sure to give yourself the chance to relax and enjoy something special at least once a month, even while saving. That way you won't be resentful by the time your trip does arrive.
Make a Dedicated Vacation Account
Now that you've got all these savings, maximize their value and potential by keeping everything you save in a separate account. This can keep you from dipping into your vacation account when you want to splurge. Out of sight, out of mind works great when you're saving for a vacation. Let your money work for you, especially if your trip is a long way off, by investing in a high-return savings account. While you probably won't collect anything lifechanging before your trip, every little bit helps. And limits on taking money out of savings accounts can help battle the temptation to spend it.
Book With Our Layaway Vacation Plan
So while our Layaway Vacation Plan isn't exactly a way to save money for your trip, it is a way to ease the financial pressure of paying for your vacation up front! Our Hassle-Free Layaway Vacation Plan was created to help everyone enjoy a spectacular vacation here on the Outer Banks. Book your vacation now and extend your payment over multiple months, interest free! Your rental rate and cost are guaranteed while you can take up to 14 months to pay it off. Find out more about our layaway plan here.
Book Your Next Vacation Now!
With exclusive guest promotions, you can experience the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina at a fraction of the price! From free nights to other various Outer Banks specials and promotions, Seaside Vacations can help you keep your family vacation.
Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next historic adventure to the Outer Banks. And don't forget about our layaway plan, which makes booking your dream vacation easier than ever. So don't wait. We're booking Outer Banks vacation rentals year round and we're excited to help you create memories to last a lifetime. We're here to help make your OBX vacation fun, exciting, and hassle-free. Give us a call today! Be sure to provide accurate information and make any necessary payments.
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We’ll see you at the beach.
About the Author: Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, trained historian, and travel enthusiast. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with her nose in a book or cuddling with her cats.
