How to Save for Your Next Vacation (and How CENT’s Vacation Club Can Help)

3 Key Points for Smarter Vacation Saving

1. Start early for the best deals – Planning months in advance gives you more choice and better rates on flights, hotels, and activities.
2. Separate your travel funds – A dedicated account helps protect vacation savings from everyday expenses.
3. Automate your deposits – Consistent saving, even in small amounts, builds a substantial trip budget over time.

As summer winds down and kids get ready to return to school, the idea of a winter getaway, spring break trip, or next summer’s big adventure may feel far away. But in travel planning, timing is everything — and fall is actually the best time to start saving.

In this guide, we’ll share practical tips for building a vacation fund, ways to find better travel deals, and how CENT Credit Union’s Vacation Club Savings Account can make reaching your travel goals faster and easier.

1. Why Fall Is the Best Time to Start Your Vacation Fund

• Better prices on future trips – Many airlines, hotels, and cruise lines release their best promotional rates in the fall for the year ahead.
• Less booking competition – You’ll have more choices and potentially lower prices when fewer travelers are making reservations.
• More time to save – Starting now gives you up to a year of consistent deposits for summer travel (or several months for winter and spring trips).
• Motivation from fresh memories – The joy (or regret) from this summer’s experiences can inspire you to plan something even better.

2. How to Calculate Your Vacation Savings Goal

Start by estimating your total trip cost, including:

• Transportation (flights, rental cars, gas, or cruises)
• Lodging (hotels, vacation rentals, camping fees)
• Activities (tickets, tours, excursions)
• Dining and food experiences
• Travel essentials (luggage, travel insurance, clothing)

Example savings breakdown:

3. Smart Ways to Build Your Vacation Fund

          –  Automate deposits: Set up recurring transfers from your checking account to your dedicated vacation account. Even $25–$100 a month adds up.

          –  Use windfalls strategically: Put tax refunds, bonuses, or gift money directly toward your vacation savings.

          –  Cut small expenses temporarily: Redirect money from unused subscriptions, takeout meals, or impulse purchases into your trip fund.

          –  Track progress visually: Keep a progress bar, chart, or savings tracker to see how close you are to your goal.

4. Why a Dedicated Vacation Savings Account Works Better

Saving in your checking account makes it easy to dip into travel funds for other expenses. A dedicated savings account keeps the money separate and harder to spend impulsively.

CENT Credit Union’s Vacation Club Savings Account is designed exactly for this purpose:

• Higher interest on your first $10,000 – Grow your vacation fund faster.
• Quarterly access – Encourages discipline while still allowing booking flexibility.
• Use for any travel expense – From plane tickets to dinner on the beach.
• Local service – Personal help from our team in Le Mars, Emmetsburg, and Mason City.

5. When to Use Your Savings for Maximum Value

• Winter escapes – Book months in advance for better rates in January–March.
• Spring break trips – Secure flights and hotels by December or earlier.
• Summer vacations – Reserve accommodations early to avoid peak pricing.

6. Getting Started with CENT’s Vacation Club

1. Visit a CENT Credit Union location in Le Mars, Emmetsburg, or Mason City or visit us online.
2. Open your Vacation Club Savings Account with an initial deposit.
3. Set your automatic transfers.
4. Watch your balance grow toward your dream trip.

The end of summer isn’t the end of adventure — it’s the beginning of smarter travel planning. With the right savings strategy and a dedicated account, your next great vacation is within reach.

Start today: Visit CENT Credit Union to open your Vacation Club Savings Account and make your travel dreams a reality. Learn more about our Vacation Club Savings Account here: https://www.centcu.org/vacation-club/

Fees can reduce the earnings on interest bearing accounts. All rates subject to change. Rates current as of March 1st, 2025. Dividends are calculated using Average Daily Balance, dividend credit and compounds monthly. Federally insured by NCUA. Rates subject to change without notice prior to account opening. Interest bearing (at a current rate of 2.00% APY* up to $10,000.00). *APY = Annual Percentage Yield.