Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Frugal Fun in the Sun

If you’re like most, this is the time of year spent thinking about a fun vacation. Here’s how to plan your vacation to be extravagant in experience but prudent in expense

Guide Magazine

10 Budget-Friendly Summer Vacation Tips

Have a vacation budget. Expenses incurred while vacationing are very different than others. Even smaller ticket items like souvenirs and snacks can add up.
Consider exploring a country visited by more than 35 million tourists every year. It’s known for vibrant, world-class cities, majestic mountains, quaint seaside villages, white sandy beaches, and magnificent lakes. Sound familiar? It’s Canada! Discovering local adventures can save money and avoid travel (and border) issues.
Rethink plans to fly into the US. Instead, cross the border by car and fly out of a US city. You’ll save a ton on airfare. Keep in mind that land borders can include long waits in the summer months, so try to cross at off-peak hours. Or better yet, drive to your destination.
Be flexible if planning an international trip. Some destinations soar in popularity—and cost—during the summer months. If you have several countries on your bucket list, consider which may be best to visit during the summertime and which ones to visit off-peak.
Food costs can really add up—especially at tourist hot spots. Visit a local grocery store at your destination, and pack convenient, cheap lunches and snacks. You won’t miss the lineups or paying $20 for a cheese sandwich. It’s also exciting to see what new foods you’ll find.
Don’t charge your trip. Regardless of what kind of vacation you’re planning, putting it on your credit card can cause financial difficulty when you return—and add stress to what is intended to be a relaxing time.
Everybody loves a nice souvenir. So, when abroad and shopping for them, search online for cheaper shops. Those located near tourist areas tend to be much more expensive than those farther out.
If you’re going international, don’t forget to consider currency differences. You’ll also want to know the price of anything you’re buying in Canadian dollars so you understand how much you’re really paying.
Meet with your financial advisor upon your return. If your debts are mounting during your holiday, plan to meet with your financial advisor to develop a debt reduction plan. Consolidating credit card debt can lower interest costs, reduce payments, and protect your credit score. Delaying can cause stress, negatively affect your credit, and may force you into a more difficult financial situation.
Remember, family, friends, and memories are what make vacations special. They’re about silly jokes, funny hats, spontaneous hugs, and pictures and stories you can show and tell for years to come.

Frugal Fun in the Sun

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