It is not always easy to find time or money to go for your dream vacation. But with a little inventiveness and a little push, you’ll be packing your bags before you know it.

Have you been longing for a vacation? Do you think you’ve been working quite hard and deserve a nice break? Is the only thing stopping you from turning your dream into a reality the thought that you do not have enough money for it. Let me assure you that it is often well within your ability to do so. With a little combination of creativity and effort, you shall soon be on the road, catching that next plane off to your destination. All you need to do is break down your expenses of your dream vacation, start saving for the expenses, and before you know it you are on the way to turn the dream into a reality. Here are five creative ways you can start saving for that dream vacation.

Here are five creative ways you can start saving for that dream vacation.

 Get a side job

Getting a side job might appear as an extra burden on your already busy schedule, but it may not be that difficult if you plan carefully. Try and find some easy ways to make money that requires contributing minimal hours and allows flexibility. Think of what you’re good at and find the side work related to it. Some of the options may be: working as a freelance writer for newspapers or magazines; tutoring children; teaching children how to play musical instruments; baking cookies for the farmer’s market; or teaching yoga.

 The Khutruke method

Khutrukes are the Nepali version of piggy banks. It is a simple clay vessel with a slim singular opening, enough to push your money inside. You should make a habit of depositing money in the khutruke every now and then, starting with whatever small changes you have in your pockets at the end of the day, or after your grocery shopping. It may appear at the initial stage that you will not be able to afford anything substantial from the money saved through this method. But you can use the money to fund at least one of your vacation expenses. For example, all your food and beverage expenses can be covered through the money collected in your khutruke.

 Set up a separate savings account

Starting a dedicated bank account for your vacation as getting into the habit of regularly saving is the first thing you need to do. Deposit money on a regular basis in this account or whenever you have an extra lump sum of money. The one and only rule is: do not touch this money. Hiding the ATM card is one of the good ways to control unnecessary expenses. You can also ask your bank if there is a facility for automatic fund transfer service from your regular account to this new “vacation” account. For example, a certain portion of your salary can be automatically transferred to this account regularly without your having to visit the bank physically every time you need to transfer. So with these little efforts, and a bit of help from the interest rates, you will gradually find your account bulging up.

 Becoming a smart spender

You need to be a smart, frugal spender. Many people view being frugal with an air of negativity, terming such behaviors as ‘being cheap.’ Do not give in to such put downs. All it means is that you are not an impulsive spender, but a smart, less wasteful, and more resourceful person. You have a mission to accomplish, and it is okay if other people do not understand. You can start grocery shopping with a list to avoid making impulsive decisions. You cut back on coffee, candy, snacks and smokes, and other random itty-bitty expenses. It may seem difficult, and a pointless endeavor at times, but you need to remind yourself why you are doing it. Stick a poster of your vacation spot above your bed, and put the pictures of that place as a wallpaper on your mobile, as a screensaver on your laptop, and as a magnet on your fridge. This will get you motivated to start saving. It will not be long before you replace those pictures with the real pictures of you in drinking pina colada in that vacation ddestination.

 Do the math and then bootstrap

Good budgeting is at the heart of this process. You may have many questions. How much will this vacation cost? How much will you need to save each month to reach your target? When and where should you go? The answer to these questions will help you formulate better and practical plans. It is important to research on the internet and find approximate costs, and find a reliable travel-agency that can help you identify the best time to travel, and get you the best airfare and accommodation prices. Next, calculate where and how your money would be spent, identify the areas where you can cutback, and put the savings in the above mentioned “vacation” account.