Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
Keep your vacation budget under control
Be realistic about how much you can spend and stick to a plan.
It’s not uncommon to wake up at the end of a vacation and discover a massive credit card bill. There are ways to avoid this, however. Just be sure to travel on a strict budget.
In order to control overspending, take a look at our guide on how to keep your holiday money under control.
How to manage your vacation expenses
You need to be aware of your financial situation and make you’re sticking to your spending limits. Here are a few things you can do to ensure you won’t spend like a rockstar:
- Set a realistic budget.
There’s no point in setting a budget you can’t keep. Set a budget that seems manageable once you take a look at your finances and think about how much you spent the last vacation. - Remember your numbers.
People tend to forget about their financial situation while on vacation and have an “I’ll deal with it later” attitude — this is how debt happens. Organize your budget and check it regularly to see how your credit cards and bank accounts are holding up. - Make plans and stick to them.
If you’re planning a day out with family or friends, organize how much you’re going to spend beforehand. Check your bank accounts online so your financial situation is fresh in your mind and you’ll be less likely to overspend. - Travel on airline miles.
An airline credit card lets you earn miles on your purchases, which you can redeem for flights and seat upgrades. Depending on your spending habits, you can earn enough miles for a round trip within the US. - Use points at hotels.
An alternative or an addition to an airline card would be a hotel credit card. This type of card rewards your spending with points you can use for hotel stays. Plus with some cards, you can get an additional night when you redeem four or more reward nights at particular hotel brands. - Travel off-peak.
Avoiding the high season when traveling on a budget could be a solid way to save some money. This also applies to airline mile redemption. However, check the seasonality of your destination as it varies from one location to another. - Travel light.
Unlike checked baggage, it’s usually free to bring a carry-on bag on the plane. If you do multiple flights, the cost of checked bags will add up. Avoid this by traveling light or by getting an airline credit card that comes with a free-checked-bag perk. - Avoid taxis if possible.
Instead, opt-in for public transportation. If the location you visit offers ridesharing services, it may also be cheaper than taxis. And if you have a credit card with top rewards on Uber, you can earn points and then redeem them for travel rewards. - Travel insurance.
If purchasing an individual travel insurance policy seems expensive, consider a credit card with travel insurance. Depending on the card, you can get travel accident insurance, trip cancelation reimbursement, lost luggage insurance, delayed baggage reimbursement and more. - Consider a credit card with a purchase rate offer.
Credit cards with a 0% intro APR period are a great option for vacation as they can let you make purchases during a promotional period without accumulating interest. The key thing to remember with these cards is to pay back all of the money you owe before the promotional period ends. Vacation cards can also help you stretch your funds. - Consider a balance transfer.
Another option worth considering is balance transfer credit cards. A balance transfer involves moving the debt from one credit card to another one without interest for a promotional period that can last up to 21 months.
Spending habits to avoid on vacation
There are some things that make sticking to a budget difficult. Here are some things to avoid when trying to save over the holidays.
- Shopping in a mood.
Never go grocery shopping when you are hungry, right? If you know that a mood will make you forget about your budget, do yourself a favor and avoid frivolous spending. - Shopping with someone who doesn’t care about your budget.
Only you’re aware of your financial situation and budget. Don’t let someone who doesn’t care about your budget be a bad influence on your spending habits. - Getting carried away at a sale.
Sales can be a great place to save money, but it also poses the threat of overspending. If you’re planning on going to a sale, avoid impulse purchases and stick to your budget.
Compare travel money options
When traveling on a budget, it’s important to compare your travel money options to find the best solution for your needs.
Bottom line
Traveling on a budget is possible. But you have to take several aspects into consideration, including choosing the right travel money option. This factor can be the most important one. Check out our travel money pro tips for more help managing your money during your next vacation.
More guides on Finder
-
Digit Checking account review
A bank account that intelligently divvies up your money where you need it for a monthly fee.
-
How to start a photography business
From your marketing strategy to financing and insurance, we’ll walk you through how to start a career behind the lens.
-
Credit One Bank® Platinum Rewards Visa Review
A strong cashback card if you want to build your credit score.
-
The best free debit cards for kids for 2021
A must-have for parents looking to teach their little ones healthy money habits early on.
-
How much time can you save using Luxury Card Mastercard® Black Card™ concierge services?
Reclaim your time with Luxury card’s concierge service.
-
How to beat financial stress by controlling your finances
Take control of your money stress by learning to prioritise and plan your financial goals.
-
Real stories: 3 shoppers that earn up to $300 in cash back and rewards at Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club has a reputation for low prices — but just how much can you earn in cash back and rewards?
-
Shop Your Way Mastercard® review
Earn up to 5% back for your Shop Your Way account.
-
Pen Air Level Up Spending account review
Your Pen Air Level Up Spending account requires a membership that’s not location-based, so it can follow you nationwide.
-
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card Review
An enticing and easy-to-use 5% cashback card.
Ask an Expert