I know it was easier for me to get Chinese Yuen at the airport than trying to get it back home before I left.  Other popular currencies are easier to obtain in your own country but sometimes you can getter better rates as well when you arrive at your destination than in transit.  Check it out well in advance as it may cost you more from your travel budget than you had planned.  I must admit though that I like to be prepared so usually I get foreign currency at the airport or from a bank or agency before I leave.

You may also like to estimate how much foreign currency you will get for your own money so you can make sure your budget is on track before you go.  You can try the Currency Converter below to do a rough check.  Currency rates change from day to day, and from buying and selling, but this will give you a good idea and I suggest you check again before you leave home for your travels.

Decide what $ value your budget will be.  Take into account not only the air fares, petrol costs, car rental, accommodation or a package deal including these but also the cost of food and drink and buying those treasured souvenirs.  There will also other hidden costs you may not think about at this time such as day excursions,  amusement parks or replacing something you forget to take or break so allow for those  for your vacation money.

Work out how many months there are to when you leave on your vacation and multiply the number of months by the amount of $s you can afford to put away each week.  Always  allow enough time to do this if you don't have any savings to start with.  Try and plan ahead a year if possible.

Keep to your savings plan.  If you miss a week make up for it over the next few.  If you get too far behind you may be more tempted to give up and spend the vacation money on something else. If your saving plan doesn't seem to be working well then change it to something you can achieve.  This may include though looking at the budget again.

You can save vacation money in so many little ways again without giving up those little pleasures like Cappuccinos and the occasional dinner out.   Take your lunch to work or go shopping after lunch.  You can still have your coffee but maybe reduce the days you buy it.  Eat in more and eat out less.  Think twice about buying that new dress, instead decide to buy some new clothes just before you leave on your vacation.  I have done all those things and didn't feel I had deprived myself.

Here is to your success!