Vacation Everyone needs a quick getaway now and again. Whether you’ve had a stressful week at work or a hectic week at home, a few days away can be just what the doctor ordered to relax and recharge. If you budget for these breaks, you’ll find it easier to pick up and go. Here are easy ways to fit a quick vacation into your budget:
 
1. Make a Wish List

 
Sit down before the mood to travel strikes and compile a short list of weekend-friendly destinations you’d like to visit. Look for cheap accommodations, places to eat and things you’d like to see. Figure out how much you’ll need to keep in reserve for these breaks. Having a list to turn to when you're ready to go will ensure that you'll stay within your budget.
 
2. Save

 
Open a savings account, or stick a money envelope in your cupboard, dedicated to these potential getaways. Try to put $10 or $20 a week towards your vacation fund. By the time you’re ready to go, you’ll have saved a couple hundred dollars; plenty for a quick getaway.
 
3. Use Your Tax Refund

 
The beginning of the year is a great time to travel and having access to your tax refund makes it that much easier. If you are getting a refund on your federal or state taxes this year, put it towards your getaway. If you aren’t taking a vacation soon, put half of your refund into your holiday fund.
 
4. Rewards Cards

 
If you know you won’t be traveling for a few months, start to use a credit card that accumulates rewards. For the months leading up to your vacation, use your credit card to pay for everything from groceries to gas and rack up your rewards points. Visit a site like Bankrate.com to find the best travel credit cards currently available.
 
5. Have a Garage Sale

 
Not only is it a good way to get rid of your excess “stuff”, but a garage sale is a fantastic way to raise money for a quick getaway. The most successful garage sales are those that sell kids clothes and toys. If you’ve got a closet full of clothes your kids have outgrown, sell them!
 
6. Spend Less

 
It’s easier to spend less when you’ve got something to look forward to. Skip eating out and cook dinner at home. Place the money you would have spent at the restaurant into your vacation envelope. You’ll be surprised at just how quickly you save.
 
7. Money Jar

 
At the end of every day, place any left-over dollar bills into a money jar. Do the same with quarters but skip the small change. To do this successfully, you’ll need to stop using your debit card and go back to using old-fashioned cash for your purchases.  
 
8. Pay Off Debt

 
If you have loads of debt, it will be that much harder to save for a vacation. Work on paying off your debt so that you can afford to get away for the weekend. Remember that for each credit card or loan you pay off, you’ll have more money to put into your vacation fund.
 
Taking a quick getaway simply isn’t possible if you don’t have the budget to do so. If you follow these simple tips, you’ll have more than enough in your budget to take a couple of days away from the hustle and bustle of your life. Everyone deserves time away; make sure you can afford to give that time to yourself when you need it.

Author Andy Trace is a money consultant and content contributor for www.FinanceChoices.co.uk a site offering detailed comparisons for the top providers, and side by side features like fees for balance transfers.