My checking account recently took a hard blow when I started to plan my summer vacation — a really, really hard blow. I have roughly 11 weeks until my vacation begins, and I’m doing my best to try watching my wallet. So, on the road to Lollapalooza, a three-day music festival in Chicago, I’m scrounging up every penny I can, and here’s how I’m doing it:
Bye-Bye Starbucks
For the next four months, I have vowed to stay away from Starbucks. As hard as that is, it will practically pay for my plane ticket. My usual is a grande iced coffee, and let’s say I get it at least three times a week…. That’s about $10, and over the course of four months, that adds up to about $120! Although grabbing a coffee on the way to class is convenient, I’m forgoing that green straw and plastic cup with my name spelt wrong on it for a cup of coffee brewed at home.
Couch surfing USA
On off-weekends, booking a hotel doesn’t have to break the bank. But come the weekend of Lollapalooza, those prices will definitely skyrocket. I would love a bed close to the festival, but when a week in a mediocre hotel costs more than $700, free is always better. If you are planning a vacation yourself, consider staying in a hostel. Hostels on off-weekends can be as cheap at $15 a night. If you don’t mind spending the night with all your friends in one room with bunk beds, a hostel is the way to go. Sadly, even hostels are out of my price range for this trip, so I’ll be crashing at my friend’s apartment (Thanks Lily!).
No additions to the closet
Although I know I’m going to be tempted to purchase some new items to wear to Lollapalooza, I’m going to force myself to resist. Even if I only purchased one shirt from Forever 21 a month, I would still be setting myself back almost $100. I’m pretty sure I can manage to find something to wear to Chicago with what’s already in my closet.
Needless to say, I’m excited to start my summer vacation. Hopefully I can stick to my plan and get to Chicago with some extra spending money. If you are planning a vacation of your own, try considering these tips to book a trip that won’t break the bank.
Sources:
www.withoutdebt.com
www.thetrendtribe.com
favim.com