Have you ever gone into “vacation mode?” You know, when you suddenly forget that you have to pay off your credit card bill once you return home? While you’re splurging on five course meals every night, your bank account is weeping! If you’ve fallen into this vacation trap in the past, don’t worry. It happens to the best of us. To avoid it in the future, you’ll need to resist temptation and stay on budget.
Write Down Your Budget Before You Go
It’s all well and good to have a general idea of how much you want to spend. However, once you’re actually on vacation, it can be easy to get lost in the moment. That’s why it is so important to write down your budget before you go on your trip – and come up with a realistic amount. This budget should include all expenses, like food, transportation, and activities. Having a plan written out will make it that much easier to stick to it.
Use the Envelope System
Okay, this may not be the most ideal method for staying on budget. You’d be surprised at how effective it is, though! Just what is the envelope system? Take several envelopes and write something on the front of each one. It may be: Food, Souvenirs, Tours, Tips, Cabs, and so on. Or, you can also label each envelope with a day of the week. It’s totally up to you. This is a useful – and easy way to stay on budget because you can physically see how much money you have left for each expense. It will certainly make you think twice about that novelty sombrero!
Be Realistic About Extra Expenses
Now that you’ve started budgeting, it’s time to ask yourself: how realistic is your budget? Will it actually be possible to stick to it? For example, say you decided beforehand that you were going to take advantage of the free breakfast at the hotel instead of going out. Well, what happens if you sleep in one morning while you’re away? Be realistic about any additional expenses that might occur. Having just a little extra tucked away will save you from worrying while you’re down there.
Choose Your Attractions Wisely
It’s easy to go a little overboard. Whether you’re in Puerto Rico or Hong Kong, there is so much to see. It’s only natural that you want to experience absolutely everything your destination has to offer. If you really want to stay on budget, though, choose your attractions wisely. Remember, you don’t literally have to do everything. It’s all about selecting things to do that will leave you with positive and lasting memories. Look online or ask the hotel concierge for recommendations. Quality, not quantity!
The next time you’re on vacation, be smart. Always remember that whatever you spend while you’re away will be waiting for you after you return! By finding easy ways to stay on budget, you’ll spend less money – and spend more time enjoying your trip.