From the Travel Bag

Q: I don't think I have enough money to travel. I'm not sure how to go about making it happen.

How to afford a vacation?

Everything in life takes sacrifice whether you're making time to going to the gym or watching TV at night instead of working your latest brainchild. Travel is really no different. First, sit down and make a budget to figure out where disposable income awaits. $10 for lunch? Cut it down to $5 by brown bagging it or buying cheaper options. Than in itself can save $100 a month. You might have to shave off one social outing a week, or skip the latest CD or novel. Another easy way to save is to only use bills when you spend. At the end of the day, put all your change in a jar and cash in before your trip. I've saved upwards of $75 a month this way with ease. Open a special savings account like ING just for travel. They often contribute upwards of $25 to your account at sign-up. If all else fails, get a part-time job or do odd-jobs on weekends. Squeeze, and repeat. Cash will loosen up.

But I've found those standard, generic rules of thumb to saving do little without innovation. The holidays are right around the corner and chances are you'll be with family at Thanksgiving who will want to know that age old question -- what you'd like for Christmas, Hanukkah, or your holiday of choice. Just about every airline allows you to give frequent flyer miles as gifts. So pick one out and sign up before you start telling your family and friends to pony up. And remember just about every airline will also offer several thousand miles as a bonus at sign-up, putting even more in your pocket. Just keep in mind you need to be clear about which frequent flyer club you've joined and stick with one airline only so you'll receive maximum return. If you fragment yourself with several frequent flyer plans, you'll end up with a lot of points spread out without much return. However, some airlines like Continental and Delta have partnerships with the other. I belong to Delta frequent flyer club but get points every time I fly Continental.

And don't forget the gift certificates. American Airlines and Jet Blue offer gift cards redeemable for airfare. But if it's not airfare you need but hotel accommodations in a neighboring city or a much needed cruise, try Travelocity where you can pick and choose your means of travel and accommodations.

If you ask, they will come.