The yuletide season is here again and it has many of us planning to go on vacations. After a long year of hard work, it is important to take time out to rest. If you are like most people, you have been planning for the holidays putting asides your savings. After spending money to enjoy your vacation, the last thing you want to do is to go broke. This habit can be really hazardous to your financial security and can leave you in big debt. Below are simple ways to control your spending when you go on vacations.
1. Have a budget
This is the first and most important thing to do when you want to travel is to have a budget. Make a comprehensive and realistic budget that covers every little detail and remember to set funds asides for contingencies. Think of the possible extra expenses like tips, extra baggage fees, transport expenses and so much more. Just ensure you are on your guards. Also remember to plan for fun. Set money asides for some of the things you want to spoil yourself with.
2. Book in advance to beat costs
It is very important to book for your vacation in advance. If you can travel at a period that isn’t so busy, do so because things would be relatively cheaper. Take time out to review travel websites in advance and ensure that when selecting deals, your read the fine print so you don’t have money surprises. Also include a budget for tourist guides so you enjoy the trip.
3. Minimise costs for feeding and accommodation
Remember to have a budget for eating or sleeping wherever you travel to. Don’t go to a place that would have you paying a fortune for feeding and accommodation. On feeding, dine in as much as you can. If you do need to eat out, ask the locals for their everyday restaurants and skip the super exotic ones. Also, you need to seek out ways to reduce cost of accommodation. Think about sharing rooms if you can and be careful with value added services.
4. Go local
There is no such thing as travelling without shopping, and unfortunately, that is one of the ways people overspend. In order to stick to your shopping budget and get as many cool stuffs as possible, ask the locals for where they shop. When shopping for food as well, buy your items from local stores and markets.
5. Avoid impulse spending
Think carefully about exactly what you want to buy before you buy it. It also helps to move around with cash as oppose using a debit or credit card. Stick to your budget or at least do not overshoot it largely and you will be okay.