Traveling to Europe may be possible even for those who feel thier income level can’t support it.  Let’s discuss some practicle things you can do to take taht dream vacation and stil have some money left in your pocket when you return.  The following planning tips have allowed thousands, just like yourself, to take those once in a lifetime vacations that they had only dreamed about.

1. Start saving now. There’s no time like the present to start socking away a little of the green stuff. Even $50 a paycheck will ad up quickly

2. Open a new bank account specifically for your dream trip.

3. Don’t spend your tax return.  Discipline yourself to take every dollar of your return and place it in your “trip” account.

4. Shop deals on air fare, hotels, discount cruises, and onsite tours.  You would be surprised how much you can save by taking a little time to shop some of the less know discount travel sites.  We list many of their links here on TideZero.

5. Use you credit card points. Many credit cards have points associated with them which you can redeem for travel vouchers, hotel nights, cruises, etc.  I once paid for an entire trip almost entirely with my visa points. 

6. Some of the best know resorts in the world offer 2 for 1 stays and buy 2 get the 3rd night free promotions. 

7. Call the front desk. Due to economic conditions, many resort and luxury hotels are setting empty and many will give SUper Discounts to get you to travel to their venue.  DOn’t be afraid to do a little bartering over the phone. Talking to the manager will sometime get you the deal your looking for.

8. Travel at night. Take that bus or plane flight during the wee hours… saving you the cot of a hotel stay.   Sleeping on flights and train rides may not be the most comfortable, but if you plan ahead it’s not that inconvenient.  Most travel providers, including trains, buses, planes, and shuttles, offer “Red Eye” service that can drastically reduce tracel costs. 

9.  Shop “Off Peak” dates and save even more.  Always ask for off peak rates and plan your trip accordingly.

10.  SAVE. SAVE. SAVE. PLAN. PLAN. PLAN.  A little effort early on will make a HUGE difference down the road.  You can accomplish anything you put your mind to.  Your dream vacation is just around the corner. Desire and your willingness to sacrifice will make all the difference.