The most famous travel destinations in the world are both unique and expensive. You must consider the cost of airfare, lodging, transportation, activities, and food. Many travelers rely on credit cards and personal loans to finance a trip, but before taking off to a new location, you should research all potential expenses and consider the long-term costs. Travel loans can seem ideal to get the immediate funds needed to take a trip, but that money eventually needs to be paid back and with interest.
The best way to avoid debt issues after a big trip is to adequately prepare. If you’re considering taking out a travel loan or opening a credit account with travel perks, be sure to do your research. Here is what you should know about travel loans and credit cards before deciding how to fund your trip.
Budgeting a Trip
Before looking into loans or credit cards, it is essential to establish a budget. Begin by determining the cost of your airfare and hotel. You can find the price for the average activities and food for your destination with a little research. Once you have established the total costs, you can pursue the funding. Do not borrow more than you need.
Comparing Personal Loans and Credit Cards
The two most popular methods of funding are credit cards and personal loans. A personal loan offers a fixed monthly payment, repayment schedule and interest rate. A credit card will enable you to make charges as your vacation progresses. You will only have to repay the amount you have charged, but they usually have a higher interest rate. While personal loans don’t allow you to make charges on the go, they help prevent overspending by giving you a set amount of money to spend.
Travel Credit Cards
It is important to compare all your options including rewards, interest rates and perks when looking into a travel credit card. Travel credit cards offer valuable benefits including insurance for delayed or canceled trips, no foreign transaction fees, and insurance for baggage delays. You can also earn cash-back for travel expenses and travel rewards which can be used to decrease costs or for a later trip.
However, their high interest rates can dramatically raise your overall costs. Many people prefer using a credit card with a low-interest rate and a zero percent APR for purchases made within a specific period. The choice is yours.
Making Your Dream a Reality
For many people, the idea of traveling is nice but outstanding debt issues are standing in the way. The idea of a travel loan may also be enticing, but with a low credit score, it can be seemingly impossible to get an approval. If this sounds like something you’re dealing with, you can benefit from the services of an Illinois debt settlement attorney.
Heather Benveniste with Benveniste Law Offices has helped numerous individuals like you settle debt issues to allow for big purchases like a home, car, or even a vacation. Heather can negotiate favorable debt repayment terms to help boost your credit score while simultaneously lowering your debt. Contact us today at 1-800-497-5358 for a free case evaluation and learn how you might be able to take that trip sooner than you thought.