Updated August 2026

You work hard for your money and you deserve a chance to recharge. To help you get the most out of your paycheck, we are sharing our favorite ways to plan ahead for a getaway without breaking the bank.

How to Plan a Vacation on a Budget

Set a Realistic Vacation Target

If you do not know exactly what you can spend, your trip might bring more stress than relaxation. Start by looking at your income. Financial experts recommend keeping your yearly vacation budget between 5% and 10% of your annual income, or less depending on your goals. This gives you a clear target so you can enjoy your time away.

Build Your Vacation Fund

Small, steady habits add up quickly. Setting up recurring contributions from your paycheck to a savings account can be a great way to save for a vacation fund. Treat this money as completely off-limits until it is time to book your trip.

Get Creative With Your Destination

Instead of picking the destination and working backwards from there, try looking into destinations with affordable flights or travel costs. You may discover a location that you wouldn’t have thought of before!

You can also try switching things up by being a tourist in your own city. Create a bucket list of local places to visit. You will save on flights and hotel costs while seeing your hometown from a fresh perspective. Look for free local attractions like museums, parks, and beaches.

Think Outside the Hotel

You do not have to stay in an expensive resort. Look into vacation rentals that offer full kitchens. Cooking a few of your own meals instead of eating out every day is a great way to save money and make memories.

How Perpay Helps You Prepare

Shop Smart on the Marketplace

Need new luggage, a camera, or fresh clothes for your trip? The Perpay Marketplace lets you shop top brands and pay over time. Your order ships after your first payroll direct deposit is received.

Pay over time: Instead of paying a large amount upfront, you make small, stress-free payments directly from your paycheck.
No interest or fees: Shop stress free without hidden interest or fees.

Build Your Credit While You Pack

With Perpay's credit-building feature, you can build your credit history while you save. For just $5 per month, your spending limit is reported to Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Members see an average credit score increase of 30+ points within 1 year.**

Planning a vacation can feel overwhelming, but taking a few small steps now will give you peace of mind later.

^*Access to the Perpay Marketplace is offered by Perpay, Inc., and is only available to eligible consumers residing in the United States. The Perpay Marketplace is subject to credit approval. Applying for a Perpay account will not affect your FICO® or Vantage® score. However, we may obtain information from Clarity which may affect your credit profile with this alternative credit bureau.

^**Results may vary. Based on observed score increases after 12 months for members who enrolled in Perpay+ and made on time payments. See the Marketplace Terms and Conditions for more details.

Perpay does not provide financial, legal, or regulatory advice. The content is for general informational purposes only. Any views expressed are those of Perpay, not its partner institutions. We do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of any linked third-party information. Links to Perpay products are advertisements. All external brand names belong to their respective owners.

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