How much should I save per month for a vacation?

Divide the total trip cost by the number of months until you leave. A $2,400 trip eight months out is $300 a month. Enter your numbers above for the weekly and per-paycheck versions.

When should I start saving for a trip?

As soon as you have a rough date and cost. The earlier you start, the smaller each week's amount — starting a year out instead of six months roughly halves it.

Should I include a buffer?

Yes. Add 10–15% over your estimate for exchange rates, price changes, and things you'll want to do once you're there.

Vacation savings calculator

Put in what the trip will cost and when you're leaving. It shows the weekly, monthly, or per-paycheck amount that gets the whole thing paid for before you pack.

Trip cost

Saved so far

Target date

How often you're paid

Enter an amount and a future date to see how much to save.

Rough example: $3,000 over about 8 months is around $375/month, $86/week, or $172 per paycheck. Enter your own amount and date above for your number.

Estimating the trip cost

Add flights or fuel, lodging, food, local transport, activities, and a bit for souvenirs and the unexpected. A round number slightly above your rough estimate is a good target — coming home without travel debt is worth the small buffer.

Working back from your travel date

Your target date is the day you leave, or a week or two earlier if you want spending money ready. The calculator divides the cost by the time until then. Booking flights early often means a deposit now and the balance later — lower the goal amount as you pay pieces off.

Common questions

How much should I save per month for a vacation?: Divide the total trip cost by the number of months until you leave. A $2,400 trip eight months out is $300 a month. Enter your numbers above for the weekly and per-paycheck versions.
When should I start saving for a trip?: As soon as you have a rough date and cost. The earlier you start, the smaller each week's amount — starting a year out instead of six months roughly halves it.
Should I include a buffer?: Yes. Add 10–15% over your estimate for exchange rates, price changes, and things you'll want to do once you're there.

Saving for more than one thing?

The full planner keeps every goal in one place, tracks progress with a visual tracker, and lets you shift a target date and see the new amount instantly. Still free, still private, still stored only on your device.

Open the full planner