The following are 6 tips to save for your next trip.

Know Where You Want To Go

At least a year in advance I block out vacation days to travel using my calendar on iCal. Knowing when I want to travel makes it easier to pick and save towards that destination. This way I know when to start focusing my search efforts in order to find the best deals.

Use Qaptial

This is a money-saving app that I've used to save for past and present trips! One feature that makes it great is the Set & Forget Rule which allows you to save a set amount of money withdrawn weekly from a checking account. The Round-Up Rule allows you to round-up all your transactions to $1 (or more) and save the change. For example if you spend $1.50, $0.50 is saved or spend $3.67 and save $0.33. It may seem small at first but it definitely adds up if you use your card a lot (like me). Think about the transactions from Target, convenience stores, or simply eating out. After a week it’s possible to save a significant amount of money. Over time those minimal savings add up.
- LINK: Get $5 for free when you download Qaptial

Save $1 Everyday

Literally take $1 from your wallet and place it in a mason jar or unused glass bottle every morning, evening, or night. It is another form of the Set & Forget Rule but you're doing this voluntarily. Place the bottle somewhere you always walk past but not somewhere you will be tempted to easily touch.

Save Change From All Cash Transactions

Using the same mason jar or glass bottle save coins that you end up at the bottom of your purse, jean pockets, or in-between seat cushions. It is another form of the Round-Up Rule. Think of it as having an adult piggy bank. The picture below is the VOSS glass water bottle I use to save money.

Study Abroad Anyone?

You can find scholarships for either merit or need-based on sites such as: FastWeb, Scholarship America, Gilman Scholarship, and Study Abroad
I was given the prestigious Gilman Scholarship that allowed me to study abroad last summer in Paris, France. You should also check your school's study abroad and financial aid office. There might be scholarships available specifically at your school of which you may be eligible.

Sell Your Unwanted Items

One man’s trash is, in fact, another man’s treasure. Selling anything that is of no use to you is a great way to make spare cash. EBAY allows you to sell just about anything and ship it everywhere. Poshmark, on the other hand, is geared towards selling clothes, shoes, and accessories. Both sites do take a small percentage of the profit. However, they are both very easy to use and offer free accounts. They can even be managed from your smart phone!

Understand that paying for your trip won’t happen overnight but applying these rules can definitely help you reach your travel goals faster.

It is the culmination of all these tips that will get you to your destination!

- Manessa Lo