So you have been good with your money and saved up for that big trip, it’s all booked and you’re ready to go. But that’s only half the battle, money shouldn’t be a cloud over these precious times away.
Counting pennies while you’re holidaying is far from desirable. On the other hand, the ‘anything goes’ spirit that is so intoxicating can turn sour when you come home facing staggering credit card bills. The key to optimal international holiday spending is planning and budgeting. Here are some tips to help make sure you’re not paying for that trip well after your back at home.
Accommodation is usually a major holiday expense, but it doesn’t need to be. Make sure to think outside the box when it comes to booking your time away. There are a wealth of websites that offer different holiday experiences. Whether it be an AirBnB house-share or a self-contained house swap, in comparison to staying in a hotel the savings are astronomical.
Be diligent in reading up about your destination before you go. From online forums and travel websites such as TripAdvisor, you can get valuable local knowledge and find destinations to eat, shop and explore that are cheaper than well-known tourist hot spots.
It’s surprising how quickly an account balance can disappear without an effective spending allowance. Setting a daily budget for your expenses is effective in making sure you steer clear of any spur of the moment spending. This allows you to stretch the money you’ve set aside over the entirety of your holiday period.
The most important, and by far the simplest strategy you can implement to cut costs on an overseas trip is to start planning early. Booking in advance will give you time to compare major elements of your holiday to ensure that you’re getting the best deal possible. If you’re able to be flexible, take a look at when it’s cheapest to travel and capitalise on any discounted options. Try to pay for as much as you can in advance. This leaves more wriggle-room for spending money and sets your holiday up to be hassle free.
Be sure to apply these tips to your next overseas holiday and notice the change. Being a resourceful traveller isn’t just a way to save money, it’s also a way to make sure you get the most out of a holiday.
