You may have a debt-free vacation with some careful planning, whether you’re organising a trip to a foreign country or packing the car for a weekend road trip to a nearby campground. It’s simple to understand how a trip can completely derail even the most well-laid financial plans.

1.Save Over Time

Play the long game when planning and saving for a vacation. Put a portion of every paycheck aside to build up a reserve of cash for your trip. Even saving a small amount every month will help make your trip more affordable. Make sure the amount you’re setting aside will provide you with enough vacation cash, too.

2.Budget

Think of your budget as another companion on your trip. Just as with any travel buddy, make sure you and your budget set good expectations for each other. Make a spending plan.

3.Use Credit Cards

Have a travel credit card or a cashback card sitting in your wallet? You can take advantage of it before and during your trip. If you don’t have one yet and your trip is six months or more away, consider looking into cards with a sign-up bonus that could cover flights or lodging. Card in hand, spend smart.