With a little organisation and commitment you could be setting off on that dream holiday sooner than you think. Here are several tips that will help you to save the money you need without too much effort.

1. Decide Where it is You Would Like to Go

   how long you would like to be away for and then do some research. How much money will you need to save? Draw yourself up a budget for your holiday and do not forget to include ongoing household expenses that will still need to be paid while you are away. Items such as rent or mortgage repayments, personal loans, credit card payments, insurance, utilities and school fees do not take a holiday just because you do. Also find out how much time you will need to cover financially when you return home before your regular weekly wages kick back in.

2. Set Up a Savings Account With Your Bank

   without keycard access and without the ability to transfer funds out of it into another one of your accounts through Internet banking. Make sure that the only way you can access the money in this account is to physically go into your bank. This will help you to think through any withdrawals and prevents you from acting hastily.

3. Create a Household Budget

   Be realistic about your income and expenses. Don’t forget to allow money for things such as medical expenses, car repairs and maintenance, household goods that may need repair or replacing throughout the year, presents, haircuts, beauty products, clothing, entertainment and anything else that you regularly spend money on. Every dollar counts so take your time and keep revising it to make sure you have not missed anything. If there is any thing left over arrange to have that amount automatically credited to your holiday account. However if you have any outstanding debt on your credit card pay this off first, then you can start to save the left over money into your holiday account. Otherwise the card will be costing you valuable dollars in interest that could be going towards your holiday.

4. Now That You Have Your Budget

   Is there anywhere you could cut back on? Be ruthless, do you need to buy that cup of coffee on the way to work each morning? What if you bought a thermos mug and made your own coffee to take each day, how much money would that save you for your holiday? How much money can you save by taking your own lunch to work? Look at every area you spend money on and see if there is a way you can cut back. You will be surprised at what you can find when you start digging.

5. Buy Yourself a Sealed Moneybox

   You know the ones made out of tin without a stopper underneath or a key. That way you will think twice before raiding the moneybox. Keep it somewhere central, and every night when you come home drop your change in it. Before you know it the box will be full and you will be off to the bank to deposit the coins into your holiday savings account. On the way home buy yourself another moneybox and start again.

6. Clear Your House of Any Unused Items

   Have a garage sale, list them on ebay or set up a stall at the markets. Not only will your house be less cluttered but you will also be raising money towards your holiday. Again make sure every penny gets put in the bank.

7. Book your Holiday as Well in Advance as Possible

   This will save you money on airfares and accommodation as well as provide you with a real incentive to stick to your budget. Do remember to check the company’s policy on making changes to your bookings, in case of emergency.

8. Learn the Art of Cooking on a Budget

   If you have time to spend in the kitchen use it, make wholesome home cooked meals for yourself and your family. This will save you money on takeaways, pre-packaged foods and eating out. If you get stuck for meal ideas there is a wealth of information on the web. A quick search will reveal enough recipes to keep even the fussiest of eaters happy for eternity. Start printing off the recipes and compile your own book of family favorites.

9. Why Pay to Have your Dogs Washed When You Can do it Yourself?

   Bank the money instead. What about your gardening or ironing? What other services could you save on? If you have a weekly massage you could simply change it to fortnightly and save the money. You do not have to completely give up on your little luxuries you just have to ration them out sensibly to increase the balance of your holiday account and bring you closer to your goal.

10. Use Your Car Less

    Walk, cycle, and take public transport when ever possible. Its not only better for the environment and for your health but you will be saving money on both the fuel cost and the repair bill of car.

So there you have it, without working overtime or taking on a second job you can have the holiday of your dreams. Admittedly there is a little work involved but mainly it is just forming good money habits. Once you do and you have enjoyed that wonderful, well-deserved holiday. It will be all too easy to do it again.

Good luck and Bon Voyage