Then the shell shock sets in. It costs how much? What do you mean there's no room available? Following the 3 P method for your vacation plan would have helped.
The first P is to PLAN. Many suppliers, especially cruise lines, open their bookings WAY out, up to 2 years ahead. In addition, pricing and availability are best the earlier you book. Worried a good promotion will come out? Don't. By offering Discount Watch I can apply any savings that might show up. Most suppliers are pretty generous about allowing you to change dates or cancel with a refund if you find your plans changing. Do you want to take your child to Disney World when they hit a certain age? Plan ahead. Are you looking forward to a cruise to celebrate a milestone? Plan ahead. Are you looking forward to a multigenerational trip? Get it locked in and give family members plenty of time to get the time off. Plan ahead. I can help you decide what type of experiences you want to zone in on that perfect trip.
Second up is PRIORITIZE. Its so easy to say , "Hey, let's go to Disney World next year and attend the Halloween party. Great! That's a dream. When you put dreams into action, that's a goal. Make it a goal to be there.
What's a realistic price for this trip? Don't fall for the ads that make it sound that a trip such as this is dirt cheap. The fine print will say: "based on family of four price per person per day staying for 5 days not including taxes, tickets, food, air..." ok, I'm kidding about air, but still. It's important to be realistic as well. You may envision yourself standing on that big balcony with a huge stateroom suite behind you and your steward bringing you chocolate covered strawberries. A realistic budget might show that all you can realistically afford is a small inside room below water level. And that's just dandy as well. You're on vacation!
You've chosen what will fit your budget, you've planned ahead and are ready to put down that deposit. Now all you have to do is be excited and not think about it until the Final Payment date, right? Wrong!. Here's where you really buckle down and prioritize. Your trip will cost $3,000? Does that $3,000 include transportation to get there? Food? A souvenir or two? Ok, let's make it $4,000. You put down $200, and your final payment is due in 15 months., with flights needing to be purchased before then. So you need to come up with $234.00 a month. How will you do this? If it fits in your budget, great, if that's a stretch, how about adding a tiny bit of discomfort to your life? Do you get a special coffee every day? Even the smalls cost $5.00 a day. Give that up and you've saved $2,250 in 15 months. Cut back a bit more here and there, maybe find a way to bring in a little more and there you have it. All paid off before you get on the plane or in the car.
Believe me, a vacation paid for ahead of time is much more relaxing than thinking of that credit card bill waiting for you when you get home. I can help you find the right fit for want you can realistically afford.
Your final step is PRE PAY. This is different than figuring out where the money will come from. It's putting that money to work. Say you hold back on that coffee for a week and have $35 in your trip jar. Yea! Then what happens.. . oh heck, you take a bit out for this or that and pretty soon you're back where you've started. Get it out of the jar and applied to your t
rip balance. Another service I offer is to make these payments for you. How satisfying is it to watch that total due trickle down to eventually nothing.
Like I always say..."Let's Get You There!" It's much easier to do this when you follow the 3 Ps.