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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.

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4.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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