Start by writing down all of the things you wish to do. Once you have an idea of where you’ll be going, you can research the exact costs associated with your vacation. Being as specific as possible in this planning phase can only help you—for instance, deciding how many meals out you may wish to enjoy during the trip, or selecting lodging with a kitchen can prevent unplanned, costly excursions. Shopping around for the best deal can also be a big money saver, especially for bigger ticket items like airfare and hotels. Once you’ve selected a place to stay, check out the area: Are all of the attractions you’d like to see walkable, or is there public transportation available? Perhaps a rental vehicle will only be required for a portion of your trip. You‘ll have a good idea of what your ideal trip will cost you after this brainstorming step.