| Every year, individuals and families dream about taking | | | | more detailed the writing of the goal, the more |
| a vacation. Big plans often lead to downsized itineraries | | | | powerful the results. Something special happens when |
| and travels because of monetary limits. This is | | | | goal setting. Once a goal is set, your subconscious |
| especially true with a family. However, with prudent | | | | takes the best path to obtaining the written details. By |
| budgeting and planning, anyone can have the vacation | | | | the way, goal setting is very effective and should be |
| of their dreams. | | | | used in all aspects of your life. |
| A popular dream vacation is on a cruise ship. Most | | | | Budgeting and goal setting is just one aspect of |
| families stop at the planning stages because they | | | | making sure the cruise vacation becomes reality. |
| often think that such a trip is unaffordable. Some | | | | When the savings account balance approaches the |
| simple steps can improve the probability of this dream | | | | desired travel cost, it is time get the best price for the |
| becoming a reality. | | | | cruise. |
| It all starts with budgeting. Simple steps include: | | | | 1) Contact as many travel agents as possible to get |
| 1) Make a daily spending diary. Write down all the | | | | pricing. Some agents only specialize in one or two |
| spending that occurs in the household. Bills, groceries, | | | | cruise lines. Often, individual agents get special |
| gas, movies, all need to be accounted for. At the end | | | | promotions from cruise lines and the savings are |
| of each week or month, add the expenses and | | | | passed on to the traveler. |
| subtract from all income. | | | | 2) Ask about cash rebates. Some common rebates |
| 2) Look at the list and see which expense can be | | | | include free passage for third and fourth passengers, |
| eliminated or reduced. Get creative. Gas expenses | | | | free air fare, flat rates for inside and outside room |
| can be reduced by carpooling. Grocery expenses can | | | | cabins. |
| be lowered by shopping with coupons, warehouse | | | | 3) Be sure to call the cruise ship company or check |
| stores, and private label goods. | | | | their website. Special deals are sometimes found that |
| 3) Open a special savings account for your trip. It is | | | | aren't offered anywhere else. |
| best to have a routine. Some individuals find that taking | | | | 4) Don't forget to check the online travel sites. Get on |
| a certain percentage from their paycheck and | | | | the email lists to be notified of special last minute deals. |
| depositing the funds in their savings account works | | | | 5) If you are adventurous, you can contact the cruise |
| well. Other people take any savings from their | | | | ship company at the last minute to get special rates |
| expenses and place it into the bank. For example, | | | | for unfilled room cabins. |
| movies can be rented instead of going to the cinema. | | | | 6) Also consider any discounts you may be able to |
| If it costs a family $50 for a theater outing and renting | | | | get with any affiliations such as credit unions, triple A, |
| a movie costs $5, the savings of $45 is deposited in | | | | and senior discounts. |
| the special vacation account. | | | | In the beginning, it may seem impossible to obtain the |
| 4) One of the most important steps in the budgeting | | | | necessary funds to go on a cruise ship vacation. |
| process is to write down the goal. Describe what type | | | | However, with prudent planning, goal setting, and |
| of cruise, destination, time of year, and total costs. The | | | | budgeting, you can soon realize your dream. |