It's sad that to see that in a time when travel, vacations and far away places have never been more accessible, many families and couples in particular are still unable to take the vacation of their dreams.

It's sad because it really is possible for just about anyone to take these trips, provided they learn to get the most out of their hard earned cash. Here are the three simple steps which outline exactly how to save money for your next vacation.

Spend Less, Save More

It sounds simple but it's true. Spending money unnecessarily is usually the first factor that can rule out a vacation for most people.

The truth is, whether we like to acknowledge it or not, the digital age of increased advertising, marketing and social awareness has also increased the amount of money we spend on unnecessary items. Studies have shown that the more people buy, the happier they think they will be when really; we can only wear so many clothes, we don't really need a new pair of shoes and is it necessary to break the bank for a new car when you can find an equally good vehicle second hand?

The fact is, if you learn to break some bad spending habits and learn to make some small sacrifices throughout the year, you can look forward to a well-deserved travel experience later in the year.

Be Vigilant With Your Savings

Let’s be honest, we have all put money aside to be saved for something special but then failed to resist the temptation of dipping into these savings somewhere along the way.

You need to be vigilant with the money you decide to save. It is no use working hard to save the cash or making the effort to avoid spending over a sustained period, if you will then take an unexpected lump sum out of it before you originally intended on doing so.

The best way to avoid a situation like this is by setting up or utilising a separate savings account. Most banks will set up such an account for free and it offers you the perfect opportunity to have an account specifically for your next vacation or trip.

Make a commitment to not touching this account and set up electronic payments which will direct a specific amount into the account on pay day.

The fact is, if you stick to this plan and remain vigilant, you will be going on vacation this year.

Discount Vacations & Special Offers

Even people who are earning minimum wage in today’s economy are now able to afford a vacation each year. How?

Vacation discounts & Hotel deals with Hotelsetc.com. 

Here's the important part; The online travel market has had a major change recently in that the popular booking engines, you once used to pick out your previous vacations, are no longer able to offer customers the discounts they have done in the past. This is due to the introduction of “Rate parity” laws which disallow these websites from offering reduced rates from that of the supplier.

However, there is one exception to these laws by way of Membership clubs such as Hotelsetc.com who negotiate huge discounts with an endless number of suppliers and then pass on these amazing offers to their members. 

These discounts apply to a huge range of products or services, anything from hotel rooms, cruises, andrestaurant deals to a round of golf.

It's as easy as signing up with Hotels Etc. and then using your hard earned savings to pick out the best offer to suit your next vacation.

They may sound simple but the above steps on how to afford your next vacation are the difference between staying at home and taking an amazing trip later in the year.

So get saving, stay vigilant and sign up with Hotels Etc.