How can I afford a vacation? Answer: Layaway Travel

Beach in Costa Maya, Mexico

As I was thinking through yesterday's blog post, the idea of Layaway Travel stuck in my head. It's not a new concept to the travel world, but it may be to some of you.

The big internet travel sites don't really handle this well. They want all of your money up front whenever you book a vacation. They may do just a deposit for a cruise, but if you want to do an all-inclusive or a Disney trip 6 to 12 months from now, instead of paying just a deposit, you have to give them the entire price up front.

Now, it is true that when you book a vacation like this you normally will have to pay the flight costs in full as well as a deposit to the resort. However, I know of one supplier that will allow you, for a $10/person fee, to have a very small ($235/person) non-refundable deposit that even includes the airfare! Now, if you book something like this, I definitely recommend that you purchase cancel for any reason Travel Insurance to make sure that you are protected.

Here's the great thing, there are no fees or interest paid to do this. You can lock in that dream vacation when you know there is an awesome special going on, and only pay the deposit. Let me give you an example. Right now, SuperClubs is doing a 35% off special, plus an upgrade to any room available on the property. That is an amazing deal. If you were to go to one of the major Internet Travel sites, you would have to pay the full amount. (Prices here are based on a trip leaving Nashville on Oct 8 for 7 nights at the Breezes Grand Resort in Negril.) That full cost, including air and transfers is around $4000. For the next 6 months, you are paying interest (or not receiving interest if it is from savings) and the retailer gets to use your money. With my plan, you pay $470 plus $198 for Travel Insurance. You can then make payments as often as you like till August 24th, the final payment date. That means your money stays with you and you get to take advantage of whatever special is available.

This works for cruises as well. Cruise deposits range from $50/person to $250/person with final payments being due 45-60 days prior to the sailing. Unlike airfares, cruise schedules are available sometimes 2 years out. With cruises, as long as you cancel before 60 days (normally) all monies paid are refundable. If something happens, then you can either change the cruise or get your money back. The cool thing is that if prices drop, you often can get that lower price or get On Board Credit to spend on board.


So, where do you want to go? How much do you want to set aside per month? How much of a deposit can you afford? When would you like to go? Answer these questions and we can get your vacation of a lifetime on layaway right away!