Going on holiday should be an exciting prospect, where you get to unwind, relax and recharge your batteries after what may have been a few busy months of hard work. Planning the perfect holiday can be stressful, especially if you leave it too late, but overall it is meant to be an exciting experience, where you prepare for something different while keeping some existing financial considerations in mind. Today, we’ll explore why planning your holiday in advance can make all the difference, how you can maximize your budget before going, and why smarter holiday shopping is always the way to go.
How To Plan Your Perfect Holiday
Why It Helps To Plan Before Going on Holiday
When you plan well in advance of the trip, you give yourself enough time to deal with any possible challenges and stumbling blocks that may emerge along the way. Going on an international trip often requires a specific visa for instance, which sometimes takes longer to get your hands on than you initially thought. Depending on your destination and the passport you hold, this process could be up to three months, so make sure you plan accordingly if you’re going to be leaving the country. Planning also allows you to take a close look at your finances, giving you the chance to save before the trip, so you can maximize your experience on the other side.
Holiday Finance: No Budget, No Fun
Speaking of saving, holiday finance should also be a major consideration before you decide on your destination. Is the destination you want to visit an expensive one? Have you considered how much you’re able to spend on holiday? Remember to take into consideration any currency conversions you may need to do, as well as fees charged by your local bank in order to use your card overseas. Simply put, having no budget means you’ll return from holiday having overspent and perhaps even leave yourself in a lot of debt (not the point of taking a relaxing holiday). The first rule is to make sure you’re not financing a holiday on credit alone: this is dangerous, and you may end up paying it back for years and years to come, only to have it cost double than it would have cost had you saved, and paid cash. The budget is king, even when you’re on holiday.
No Budget, No Fun
Smarter Holiday Shopping
Planning the perfect holiday also involves being mindful of how you spend your income while you’re on vacation. Set some funds aside for food and necessities, but remember to add a line for unforeseen expenses and gifts. Often, we forget to do so, and then end up feeling guilty about having to spend additional funds we didn’t factor into the equation. Just because you’re on holiday also doesn’t give you free license to buy anything in sight; when it comes to food, for example, avoiding eating out all the time can also be part of the notion of smarter holiday shopping, and can also mean you’ll end up with a healthier-looking bank statement when you get back home.
Planning a Holiday Starts With Small Steps
As a whole, planning a holiday starts with an idea, and it grows from there. If you’re wanting to start the process, remember that it pays to think small at first. Are there any countries you can visit without needing a visa? Are there some countries where you may have a friend or relative who can offer you free accommodation? Are there holiday specials at your nearest travel agent? Some great all-inclusive options, like going on a cruise ship, can help to ensure you don’t overspend, but also gives you the chance to better manage your overall finances. Good luck and have a wonderful time on your holiday, you deserve it!
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