December should be all about fun in the sun, lazy days, and adventures in interesting places. You work all year, so you deserve to use this time to relax, reset and revitalise your spirit before you start the new year. But if you rack up a mountain of debt to celebrate the festive season and see in the new year with a bang, January can be a financial nightmare.

Instead of scrambling in December to get last-minute bookings at sky-high prices that strain your finances into the new year, why not plan for the long term? Start saving earlier in the year, and you’ll have the money ready to snap up that discount booking to your dream destination when a good deal comes along.

How to save for a December vacation

Saving takes discipline, and it’s tempting to spend a few rand here and there when you have extra cash just sitting in your account. But dipping into your savings, even for small amounts, can really set you back – those small amounts add up quickly.

A notice savings account helps you resist temptation and exercise self-discipline, because you can’t withdraw money immediately on an impulse. You can apply online for a Nedbank Electronic 32Day Notice Investment Account and earn 6.2–8.5% interest – it’s a secure way to manage and grow your savings.

You can set up a scheduled automatic transfer to deposit a set amount into your savings account on payday every month. That way, you won’t even miss the money that you’re saving. You can also increase your Greenbacks levels and earn more Greenbacks on qualifying transactions if you increase and maintain your savings or investments by at least R3,000 over 3 consecutive months, or keep a minimum monthly balance of R100,000 across your Nedbank investment portfolio.

Tips for booking a good holiday deal

It takes effort and self-control to save for a December vacation, so make your money go further by finding the best deal. These tips will help:

• Use your credit card to book
  Credit cards get a bad rap when used irresponsibly, but their benefits can make travel easier and more comfortable. You get free travel insurance, airport lounge access and travel discounts when you pay with your credit card – and if you pay the full outstanding balance every month, you pay no interest.

• Take advantage of your Greenbacks
  If your accounts are linked to Greenbacks, you can pay towards the cost of your next trip with the Greenbacks you’ve earned. You could also spend them on Avo SuperShop to stock up on holiday essentials like sunscreen, hiking gear, scuba equipment, or even a new camera. And keep an eye out for regular promotions exclusive to Greenbacks members on Avo, like discounts of up to 30% on flights when you book via Greenbacks Travel.
  
  
• Book early
  December is peak holiday season, which also means peak prices. However, earlier in the year travel agencies often offer significantly cheaper December deals. Sign up for newsletters to get the latest early-bird specials delivered to your inbox.
  
  
• Kids-stay-free deals
  If you’re planning a family holiday, look for options that allow children to stay for free when accompanied by paying adults. The same applies to meals and day activities.
  
  
• Compare deals
  Don’t just book the first deal you find. Compare travel deals with different service providers. Also look at what the cost would be if you booked directly with the hotel instead.
  
  
• Watch out for scams
  When looking for a good deal, don’t fall for a fly-by-night travel company scam – they might offer you a good deal today, but disappear as soon as you've paid for your booking. Look at online reviews and double-check the agency’s credentials before you share any confidential information.

If you start to plan and save early, you can make your year-end holiday a breeze. Open a Nedbank savings or investment account and watch your holiday fund grow. Make the most of our Avo travel deals when you book early and enjoy the travel perks of your Nedbank credit card. And if you need a passport, apply for one at a Nedbank branch.