TRAVEL

For too many of us, travel is just one of those many sacrifices we choose to make for a better financial tomorrow.

And maybe in some cases it's true. At least for a while. 
It doesn't have to be that way if travel really means that much to you. 
Theres so many things you can do to reduce your travel cost with enough planning and some research.
  Later, we look at the things we can do to make any travel experience as inexpensive as possible. 
We'll throw in a few tips too. Before we purchase those plane tickets though there are a few other steps first.

Namely we need to get our finances in order so we know exactly where we stand. 
That will help us to determine exactly how much we have to budget and for how long. 
Once our budget is in order and we've given ourselves a raise (see the article of the same name) we can begin to plan our trip.
 And without busting our budget.

For example:
Our absolute dream vacation. 
An eight day trip to London in mid-September will likely run us about $2,500. 
This includes round trip airfare, hotels, restaurant meals, museums, and at least an extra $500 on top.
 You probably won't be taking to many European trips.
 But even European trips can be done very reasonably. 
That said you don't want to cheapskate your (possible) once in a lifetime vacation.
This is especially true in the age of the internet. 
The great leveler. 
Since your plan is to visit London in September, but can't travel this year, you have fifteen months to set aside the $2,500.
This comes out to just over $166 per month. 
For many of you thats quite doable.

Theres a few takeaways involved in a dream vacation at a reasonable price.

Be as specific as possible as to the date you want to travel. 
The sooner you know when you want to travel the longer you have to plan your trip.
Be as absolutely sure, as one can be, that there isn't going to be any work scheduling matters that could conflict with your trip.
The internet is your best friend in reducing your biggest cost associated with your trip (i.e. airfare, hotel).
You MUST be familiar with, and understand how the major discount sites work.

 One last things you can't afford to overlook.
Stick to the largest discount travel sites. 
The web is full of fly-by-night sites that can't be substantiated.
Advertising unrealistic prices.
Be sure you include all the associated costs. 
Airfare and hotels will make up your largest cost but don't forget about other things like airport parking, taxes, and all the other costs involved.

Make sure any and all documents are up to date. 
This includes your passport and/or any visas or other specific documents required.
And don't forget to double check that the picture I.D. your using is current.
 An expired driver's license is easy for us to miss but rest assured the TSA and other airport personnel won't miss it.
Enjoy your dream vacation. Guilt free. 

You've earned it.