8 Clever ways to save up for your summer vacation

"Summer vacation, anyone?"

If you speak these words around this time of year, they will be met with a resounding "Yes, please!" Just look at how people responded to the question when we asked them on Facebook.

Sadly, excitement does not always equal affordability. If you're planning how to save up for that expense, you're thinking wisely.

If you already saved up for your summer vacation, perfect. Check out a few extra ideas about how to save on airfare and travel. How much is that going to cost for your vacation?

Bankrate estimated the average vacation expense per person for one week to be more than $1,500. Average hotel costs, plus increases in airfare and fuel, and the distance you plan to travel, all affect the cost. Factor in kids and the little things (parking, cabs, souvenirs, etc.) and you're looking at a hefty price tag for that summer getaway.

Thankfully, the beautiful days of spring provide ample opportunity for folks young and old to put a little extra cash in their pocket. To boost your savings or simply pad your "fun money" fund, consider these eight clever ways to get your summer vacation fund looking beach-ready!

Host a garage sale

Funny how little trinkets and unused household items pile up so quickly. The late spring and early summer are the perfect times to gather those items and host a garage sale. If you have a hard time letting go of things, start small with the unemotional items and work up to the big ones.

HGTV offers an awesome guide to hosting a successful garage sale if you'd like a little extra inspiration, besides the thought of the beach this summer, to get started.

Go on a no-spend diet

A no-spend diet is one of the fastest ways you can save money. This can be done any time of year but is exceptionally easy in warmer months given all the free activities at your fingertips.

To get started with your spend diet you'll want to list out all your needs - housing, car payment, bills, etc. From there, look at which expenses can be cut or trimmed down.

Could canceling cable for the summer give you an extra day in a tropical paradise? Possibly!

Once you begin your diet, be sure to keep track of all the money you're saving and allocate it to your vacation fund. We recommend setting up a savings account solely for this purpose.

Perform gardening and yard work

As buds begin to bloom, it becomes apparent to many homeowners that their yards need some sprucing up. Your green thumb is in high demand for planting gardens, trimming hedges, and clearing yard waste. To get started, ask your friends and family if they know of anyone who needs help, or visit a local online community board like Nextdoor.

Join a pet-sitting community

As people start to take more vacations, pet sitters are needed to watch over furry family members. If you love animals, check out pet-sitting opportunities through DogVacay or Rover. You can offer to watch animals at your own home or visit clients' homes for on-site care.

Take advantage of moving season

Spring and summer are considered moving season. This means many people will be dealing with a multitude of dreaded tasks. You may not have a moving truck, but you can offer to help carefully pack boxes and prepare a home for sale. Alternatively, look for part-time temp jobs at moving companies.

Pick up a catering gig

Spring and summer are the best times to work catering gigs because of all the events going on. From weddings to graduations to summer conferences, there is ample opportunity to earn extra coin for your summer getaway. To get involved, do a quick web search of local catering companies in your area and reach out to see if there are any openings. You could also see if any friends or family know people in need.

Tutor students

Did you master a certain subject in school? If so, you could save up some serious summer vacation cash by tutoring. Universities, local message boards, and community hangout spots can serve as a platform for you to get the word out there. Don't be afraid to call upon your family and friends as well to get the ball rolling.

Whether you're taking off on an international extravaganza or simply planning a good ol' staycation, make sure your summer vacation doesn't leave you in the red.

Do you have any gigs that you use in the spring and summer to have more fun money? Tell us about them on Twitter or Facebook.

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