8 easy ways to quickly save for a family vacation

Cook

Make large batches of affordable recipes and use all leftovers. Try budgetbytes.com, which breaks down cost per serving.

Brew your own coffee

Walk right past Starbucks. Don't even look.

No indulgences

Not only are you on a spending diet; you're on a (temporary) fun diet. Most vices cost money—no online shopping and no pedicures.

Save on transit

Walk or ride your bike. If you have to drive, set up carpools with your co-workers or friends and split the gas.

No takeout

All family breakfasts, lunches and dinners should be packed or cooked at home. I repeat: No takeout.

Consider a housing swap

Instead of forking out fistfuls of cash for a hotel, plan your vacation via homeexchange.com, a site that connects families in various travel destinations. Airbnb is a great money-saving alternative to hotels, too.

Barter to save money

Swapping professional services and hidden talents is a great way to get what you need without spending a dime.

Save your change

Raid the penny jar and go to the bank to cash them in. Many have free change-sorting machines.

A version of this article appeared in our January 2014 issue with the headline “Saving on turbo speed,” p. 59.

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