Vacation is all about relaxing, but that can be hard to do when we have to think about the budget constantly. With accommodations, dining, transportation, and numerous other unintended expenses, many people end up in the hole for a long while after their vacation has ended.
Are you hoping to avoid a budget-busting vacation? Explore these most efficient money saving tips for a thrifty vacation.
Plan Ahead
The first step to sticking to a vacation budget is to create one that is realistic. If you’re planning to travel this year, you should put aside 8% of your salary. When putting together a travel budget, it is essential to ask the following questions: where will I be going, how will I get there, and what will I do when I am there? When you answer these three questions for yourself, you’ll be able to create an accurate budget goal.
Carry Cash in Envelopes
While this seems like a strange place to keep your money, it’s actually a great way to allocate your funds! With each new day of travel, it is important only to use what is inside of the envelope. Do keep credit cards handy for emergencies, but avoid using them unless completely necessary. By keeping all of your funds on your card, you can easily overspend by repeatedly swiping and not checking your balance. Once an envelope is empty, you know that you’ve reached your limit.
Eat at Local Places
Local eateries are an excellent choice when it comes to dining on vacation. By asking around for the best local food, you are guaranteed to find something tasty that’s good for any price range.
Additionally, if you are staying at a place that allows kitchen access, it is a good idea to prepare meals instead of going out and buying them. Buying groceries is way cheaper than going out for dinner every night, and you might even come across some interesting ingredients that you wouldn’t normally get at home.
Leave Space in Your Luggage
When setting out on the next vacation, avoid stuffing your suitcase. With a bit of room left in the luggage, you can take a few items back from vacation without having to buy new bags or pay additional baggage fees.
If your unsightly credit card debt is keeping you from vacationing altogether, you may want to seek legal assistance. Heather Benveniste of Benveniste Law Offices is a personable and dedicated Illinois credit card debt attorney. She can analyze your debt issues and engage in negotiation with debt collectors and creditors on your behalf. Contact us at 1-800-497-5358 for a free case evaluation and discover your legal options today.