Wise spending on holiday
It’s all too easy, when on holiday, to throw caution to the wind and blow your budget, only living to regret it in the cold light of day when you get back home. Whether you’re about to take a late summer holiday, or are already thinking about planning a winter getaway, the next couple of blog posts will provide some tips to help you keep an eye on your purse strings.
Last minute bargainsBefore you go, if you’re looking to jet off abroad for a late summer holiday, make sure you shop around for last minute deals. As well as all the main travel agent websites, there are also many websites dedicated to snapping up last minute bargains. And if you’re willing to pack your bags and travel at short notice or you can be flexible on your dates and location, then chances are you’ll pick up an even better deal. And if you’re considering a winter break, start researching now, as booking early can also save you some cash.
Think about the catering options before you go on holiday. Depending on your destination, food and drink can sometimes be the biggest holiday expense. A way to avoid expensive restaurant bills is to get familiar with the local area when you first arrive, or ask in your hotel for some tips on good value local eateries. Another option, if you don’t mind cooking, is to consider a self-catering holiday, or if you’re going with a group that enjoys a drink or two, an all-inclusive deal where all food and drinks are included in the price of the holiday may actually work out better value.
If you’ve taken the time to shop around for a good holiday deal, make sure you don’t overlook searching for a good deal on holiday insurance. Although travel insurance isn’t mandatory, it’s advisable to take out cover, as there are always factors that are out of your control, such as loss of luggage, theft, or an emergency illness. Again, the trick is to shop around. Don’t assume that you’re obliged to take the insurance provided by the travel agent you booked your holiday through, these are often more expensive than other deals available. And when you find a good deal, make sure you read the fine print – does it cover for everything you need? Do you need extra cover for expensive items such as camera equipment?
More Spending tips for planning and going on holiday
This is the second blog post to help you consider careful budgeting if you’re planning on a winter getaway or considering seeking out a late summer last minute bargain.
Budgeting
1. Pre-budgeting for your holiday
When you’re planning your holiday destination, it’s worth sitting down and working out how your finances are this year compared to last year. If cash is tight, is it wise to splash out fourteen days in an exotic location, or would staying in the UK be a more sensible option? It’s also worth thinking back to how much you spent on your last holiday – that should help you to plan this year’s holiday budget.
2. Know your wonga
Before you go, set yourself a realistic holiday budget – think honestly how much cash you’re likely to need for food and drink, excursions, and those all important holiday treats. And if you’re flying abroad, it’s often a good idea to change your currency before you go. Some banks offer free or good value currency exchange services, which are often better value than the booths you see in airports or when you’re abroad. If you’re unfamiliar with the foreign currency then spend some time getting to know how it matches up to the UK pound.
3. Be wary and barter
It’s unfortunate, but holidaymakers often make easy prey for scammers and con artists when they find themselves in new and alien surroundings. Be wary if strangers approach you, particularly if they’re asking for money; and if they’re offering you something that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Also be aware that in many countries, bartering to get the best deal on souvenirs is the norm, merchants intentionally set their goods at inflated prices in order to catch out the gullible, and expect to be bartered down to a more realistic amount.
Credit Cards4.Keep and eye on your gift buying
If you have a long list of people you need to buy gifts for, and you’re on a budget, then think carefully before you splash out in expensive tourist haunts. Again, plan ahead, do your research, and shop around. You could even consider an even cheaper option by making your own gifts!
5. Keep and eye on your credit cards
Unless you’re one of those unusual and lucky people who manages to pay off their credit card bills religiously every month, it’s a good idea to plan ahead, and pay careful attention to how much you’re racking up on your card when you’re away. And be extra careful if you’re not confident that you’ll be able to pay off the balance within three – four months of getting home. And don’t forget that many banks hit you with hefty charges for using cash machines in foreign countries.
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- Villa Azelea - Yalikavak
- Hey fellas !! The name is Villa Azelea - Yalikavak. I am staying at Las Vegas. I am turning 35. My school's name is The Wonderful Prep School of Beautiful Education in Virginia Beach. I want to become a Documentalist. My hobby is Paintball. My dad name is Josh and he is a Medic. My mummy is a Manicure.