If you’re dreaming of the perfect trip, getting your travel finances in order well before you leave home is the best way to make it a great experience.
The Census Bureau states that tourist spending within America has been growing steadily since the start of this decade. However, you can keep your costs low by planning ahead and cutting your travel costs in advance.
Get a grip on your travel finances right now with these 5 simple tips.
1. Save Ahead of Time
It sounds so simple, but many of us don’t really think about the cash we’re going to take on vacation with us until we leave.
Putting aside a little each month over 12 months is a lot easier than trying to find the money all at once when the time comes.
Say you put $50 of your paycheck into a special account for your vacation. That’s $600 marked for vacation use, which sounds like a very good start to a trip!
You can also save yourself a bit more cash with these savvy tips. Then, you can put the difference aside for your vacation.
2. Buy Ahead of Time
You can also help to spread out your spending by buying activities and experiences ahead of time through sites like Groupon.
This type of site sells prepaid vouchers for things to do during your trip. Usually, these offers are sold at a big discount.
Just don’t forget to bring the vouchers with you when you leave for vacation!
3. Consider a Credit Card for Travel Finances
A credit card processed by a travelers epay system can help you to spread the cost of your vacation as you go. That way, you can deal with the debt later.
However, this isn’t meant to encourage you to spend what you don’t have.
The best way to manage this aspect of your travel finance is to take out a trip-friendly 0%-on-purchases card that you can spend on and pay off later. Ideally, you can pay it off during the 0% period.
Just remember to pick a card which offers a good exchange rate if you’re leaving the states.
4. Look at Airbnb
We all need little luxuries from time to time, but Airbnb is often so much cheaper than hotels.
You can spend the difference on treats for your vacation. That way, you’re not forking out hundreds of extra dollars for a hotel room.
Also take a look at Tripping.com, FlipKey and HomeAway when looking for hotel alternatives.
5. Discount Vacation Websites
There are sites out there like VacationsToGo which scout for ‘clearance’ vacations and sell them to the rest of us.
You can enjoy 50% or more off the cost of a trip using these sites. They’re great if you’re traveling on a budget.
And they’re also great for anyone who’d rather spend the money they save on more exciting things than a hotel room!
Enjoy Your Trip
Wherever you’re going, use these tips to make it a fabulous (and affordable) experience.
If you’re looking to earn some extra cash on the side before you go, check out these ways to earn money for your vacation.