How to save for a trip: how much to set aside each week

A trip is one of the savings goals that works best: it has a date, a price and you actually want it. All you need is to turn that price into a small, steady amount.

1. Put a price on it

Make a realistic estimate, better high than low:

• Getting there: flights, train or fuel and tolls.
• Accommodation: nights at an average price.
• Food: a budget per person per day.
• Activities, tickets and local transport.
• A 10% cushion for surprises.

Example for one person, one week in Japan: €900 flights, €700 accommodation, €420 food (€60 a day), €280 transport and activities and a €230 cushion. Total: €2,530.

2. Divide by the time you have

Count the weeks until you go and divide:

• With 48 weeks to go: €2,530 ÷ 48 = about €53 a week.
• With 24 weeks: about €105 a week.

If the weekly figure doesn’t fit, you have three levers: more time, a slightly cheaper trip or trimming something day to day until then.

3. Set it aside on payday

Move the amount to a goal or separate account as soon as you’re paid. If you wait to see what’s left, there’s rarely anything left.

4. Watch it grow

Seeing the goal’s percentage rise every week is what keeps you going. If you fall behind one month, spread the difference over the weeks that remain.

5. Once you’re there

The budget doesn’t end when you board. Divide your spending money by the days of the trip and keep count each day: that way you don’t come home with a trembling card.