Should I keep this money in my regular bank?

No. Keeping it in your regular account makes it too easy to spend on non-travel things. Using a separate, slightly harder-to-reach bank account adds a layer of friction that stops you from dipping into it.

What if I can't hit my monthly goal?

Adjust the trip timeline, not the savings discipline. If you can only save $100 instead of $200, it just means you leave two months later. Keep the habit alive even if the amount fluctuates.

How to build a travel savings account that actually works

Open a dedicated, high-yield savings account that is separate from your primary checking account. Automate monthly transfers based on a specific, calculated total trip cost divided by your number of months until departure.

Calculate your 'all-in' number. Don't guess. List your flights, accommodation, daily food budget, insurance, and activities. Add a 15% buffer for 'oops' moments (missed trains, medical needs, or impulse buys). This is your final savings target.
Open a dedicated account. Open a high-yield savings account (HYSA) specifically for travel. Name the account something specific, like 'Japan Trip 2025' or 'Summer Sabbatical,' so your brain treats it as a goal rather than an emergency fund.
Automate the transfer. Set an auto-transfer to occur the same day your paycheck hits your main account. If you need $2,000 in 10 months, set a recurring transfer of $200. Treat this like a non-negotiable bill.
Track the milestone. Update a simple spreadsheet or use a tracking app once a month. Seeing the bar fill up provides the psychological reward needed to keep skipping small daily expenses.

Should I keep this money in my regular bank?: No. Keeping it in your regular account makes it too easy to spend on non-travel things. Using a separate, slightly harder-to-reach bank account adds a layer of friction that stops you from dipping into it.
What if I can't hit my monthly goal?: Adjust the trip timeline, not the savings discipline. If you can only save $100 instead of $200, it just means you leave two months later. Keep the habit alive even if the amount fluctuates.