Budgeting Tips

Contents

• NEVER GET INTO DEBT TO TRAVEL.
• START A TRAVEL BUDGET.
• START AN AUTOMATIC DEPOSIT TRAVEL SAVINGS ACCOUNT.
• DOCUMENT YOUR SPENDING HABITS.
• CHANGE YOUR SPENDING HABITS.
• KEEP A ZERO BALANCE ON YOUR CREDIT CARDS.
• TAKE AN ASSORTMENT OF AT LEAST 2 CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS WITH YOU WHEN TRAVELING.
• EAT A LATE LUNCH TO COVER LUNCH AND DINNER FOR THE BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK.
• BUY AFFORDABLE COMPLETE COVERAGE OR ALL-INCLUSIVE COVERAGE TRAVEL INSURANCE.
• BOOK REFUNDABLE ACCOMMODATIONS MONTHS IN ADVANCE.
• FOR A LONG WEEKEND TRIP, BOOK ACCOMMODATIONS FOR A THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY NIGHT SCHEDULE.
• BOOK ACCOMMODATIONS THAT INCLUDE COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST.
• BOOK ACCOMMODATIONS WITH AMENITIES TO PREPARE MEALS.
• RESEARCH ATTRACTIONS AND THEIR COST.
• PREPARE AN ITINERARY.
• BOOK IN ADVANCE ALL TICKETS TO YOUR ATTRACTIONS AND TOURS ONLINE.
• TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNTS WHEN BOOKING ACCOMMODATIONS.
• TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SELF-GUIDED ATTRACTIONS AND TOURS.

NEVER GET INTO DEBT TO TRAVEL.

Plan ahead and save for that special trip. Do side jobs to make extra money just for your travel experiences. Never take out a loan to travel or charge it on a credit card.

START A TRAVEL BUDGET.

Here are some questions to think about. How much do you expect to spend each day while traveling? How much will you spend for lodging accommodations nightly? How much will you spend for meals? How much will you spend for souvenirs and gifts? How much do you plan on spending on attractions, and tours while traveling? How many days will your trip be? Develop your Travel Budget based on your answers.

START AN AUTOMATIC DEPOSIT TRAVEL SAVINGS ACCOUNT.

Have a special account designated for Travel Savings set up with automatic deposits. Automatic deposits will remove the impulse to spend and motivate you to save money. Set up an exact amount to go directly from your paycheck weekly or monthly as desired into this account. Before you know it, you will have enough money to fund that special trip.

DOCUMENT YOUR SPENDING HABITS.

How much do you spend each week or month? Determine where your money is going. Develop an itemize spreadsheet.

CHANGE YOUR SPENDING HABITS.

Would it be possible to reduce your spending to have more money to travel? List the “must haves” and then eliminate the “wants” from your spending. Can I cut back on eating out at restaurants? Can I watch movies at home and save expenses from going out to the movies? Do I need a new set of golf clubs? Can I do without a new fishing rod? Examine your habits and reduce spending to enjoy your travel experiences!

KEEP A ZERO BALANCE ON YOUR CREDIT CARDS.

Established a schedule to pay off the balance each month on your credit cards. This will free up cash for you to fund your travels. Paying off the balance on credit cards each month will keep you in a routine to not become loaded with debt.

TAKE AN ASSORTMENT OF AT LEAST 2 CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS WITH YOU WHEN TRAVELING.

Make sure that when traveling you have an assortment of credit cards and debit cards. This can be an assortment of 1 credit card and 1 debit card. An assortment of 3 would be best. If one card is rejected or loss due to any reason you still have a funding resource, should you need to pay for something immediately.

EAT A LATE LUNCH TO COVER LUNCH AND DINNER FOR THE BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK.

When traveling arrange your schedule to eat a late lunch and skip dinner. This will save money that can be used elsewhere. Usually, the evening meals cost more than lunch.

BUY AFFORDABLE COMPLETE COVERAGE OR ALL-INCLUSIVE COVERAGE TRAVEL INSURANCE.

This will give you peace of mind and protect you from losses and unexpected events that might occur when traveling. This covers the three types of travel insurance coverage: medical insurance, cancellation/interruption insurance, and luggage insurance. You can also buy only the type that you think you might need. We never know what might happen tomorrow.

BOOK REFUNDABLE ACCOMMODATIONS MONTHS IN ADVANCE.

For better rates always book accommodations at least 4 to 6 months in advance. Locate amazing accommodations that won’t break your piggy bank.

FOR A LONG WEEKEND TRIP, BOOK ACCOMMODATIONS FOR A THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY NIGHT SCHEDULE.

This will give you extra days to enjoy your trip. Keep in mind your travel time to your destination and the time it takes to return home.

BOOK ACCOMMODATIONS THAT INCLUDE COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST.

Many accommodations offer a complimentary breakfast. When booking your accommodation ask if they offer complimentary breakfasts. The cost of buying a breakfast meal can add up fast.

BOOK ACCOMMODATIONS WITH AMENITIES TO PREPARE MEALS.

Inquire if cooking amenities are available when booking accommodations. Most hotels have microwaves and small refrigerators. Make a run to Wal-Mart and buy some food items for sandwiches or a microwavable meal.

RESEARCH ATTRACTIONS AND THEIR COST.

Use Google, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram to research special attractions that you want to take in on your trip. Research how much the cost of these attractions will be before you book them. Read the attractions that others have gone to and their opinions about it.

PREPARE AN ITINERARY.

Think about where you want to travel, what you want to do and see. Have a plan and make an itinerary. See my article “Destin, FL Itinerary: 3-Day Weekend Family Getaway.”

BOOK IN ADVANCE ALL TICKETS TO YOUR ATTRACTIONS AND TOURS ONLINE.

Booking in advance will lock in the price and could save you money. Booking online is easy, dependable and secure.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNTS WHEN BOOKING ACCOMMODATIONS.

Membership discounts are a great way to save money.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SELF-GUIDED ATTRACTIONS AND TOURS.

Research self-guided attractions and tours. They are usually, less costly and slower paced.