“Money are just numbers, if you know how to count and play with the numbers then you should be able to outwit the costs.” To simplify this – no poor people is poor unless they know how to be thrifty and use their money wisely.
I’ve heard people telling me that I’ve gone rich and they can no longer reach me. I always tell them, I’m the same old me. Never been rich just got mature. I have my simple formula for my trips which I wanted to share to those who really want to travel.
Travel Savings = Unnecessary Expenses per Pay Period
The equation is to literally translate the Unnecessary Expense into a travel savings (TS). You can get the variation of percentages from the regular bills you take out of your salary like utility bills, rent, etc. then put a certain percentage for your Travel Savings. Start doing it after getting your 13th month bonus. After which recalculate your savings and eye for a good flight date and as well as places by then you will get the chance to travel.
Here’s what I do as an example:
Let us say that my Christmas bonus is paid at the 2nd week of December 2013.
December 10, 2013 – I put about Php 2000 on my TS and will eye for an April or May vacation to Palawan approximately 3-5 days and start looking for flight promos, hotels, and trip details. Better do some little research as part of your planning.
1st Cut off of December – I will allot 12% of my Salary on my TS
- If I have not seen any flight promos yet then I will keep checking the fares and see if it is on the budget. I will put at least Php 8,000 – 10,000 on the flight and Php 800-2500 per night on the hotel. Always book the flight first before the hotel.
2nd Cut off of December – I will allot 15% of my Salary on my TS.
I saw a promo for flights on April and it’s a great deal for Php 5,000 and I have enough savings for it <BOOK IT! And don’t look at the flight fares again, why? Cause you don’t want to give yourself a heartache.> and decide to get a 5 day leave. Take note of the booking and the flight details then scout for the hotel. You can book your hotels as early as match but you may want to consider your trip itinerary.
1st Cut off of January – I will allot 12% of my Salary on my TS.
Get my hotel booked.
2nd Cut off of January – I will allot 15% of my Salary on my TS.
I will start creating my luggage list and start filling the roster.
1st Cut off of February – I will allot 12% of my Salary on my TS.
2nd Cut off of February – I will allot 15% of my Salary on my TS.
1st Cut off of March – I will allot 12% of my Salary on my TS.
Revisit your itinerary. Double check your flights if there are any changes only, flight change issues, etc.
2nd Cut off of March – I will allot 15% of my Salary on my TS.
Never been bad not to do the same thing you did from the last cut off. This time call your hotel too. Asses as well if your pocket money will be enough for the whole trip.
On the Day before your Flight make sure all things are packed and all papers needed are in a pouch or an envelope. After which enjoy the rest of your vacation! Just make sure you don’t over spend. 
Just say you already enjoyed your vacation and went home happily, it just don’t stop there. You better plan ahead where your next vacation. Start banking on your Travel Savings and you’re up for the next trip.
To summarize:
- Plan your vacation.
- Save for your vacation.
- Book flights, hotels, etc. ahead of time. The earlier the better but PROMO’s are the best.
- Prepare a list of stuff you will bring (toiletries, meds, etc.), you might always pack light especially on 2 nights 3 days trip.
- Review your bookings the week or at least 2 days before your flight or trip.
- Go to the airport on required hours before departure. Domestic will be at least 1 hour while International flights at least 2 hours. The earlier the better to get a better seat unless your purchased one.
- Enjoy!
Hope this helps. I’ll give you more the next time. Write your request and questions to me so I can be of any help. Have a good one! 
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