Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2006 9:10 pm Post subject: Budgeting for a vacation
Hi Guys,
We have been discussing on budgeting for different things for quite some time now. During the course we have discussed so many topics. Yesterday I was thinking about my last vacation which I spent in Hawaii. I was recalling the moments and along with that I also recalled my huge pile of bills.
Everybody wants some time off from their work and a vacation with family is we all want. And I am sure everybody here also cherishes vacations.
Family trip brings the best moments of our lives and also brings huge bills. Sometimes we tend to spend more then what we can afford. So I think it’s very important that we budget for our vacation and try to stick to it.
I will really appreciate if we all can share our experiences and views on how we can save money on an enjoyable vacation.
Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2006 10:03 pm Post subject: RE: Budgeting tips for vacation
Hi Jerry,
Some points from my end.
With a little flexibility in the journey and attention in detail, we all can have a great trip for the right price.
Fixed Budget: Always ask yourself that how much I can afford to spend comfortably. Start with a fixed budget in mind.
Decision: Before start the trip, you need to decide what actually you really want from the vacation. That is, are you looking to spend time in quite solitude, or sightseeing or participating in sports and other activities?
Search right place: You need to find out the right place where you will get the most value of dollar. And, one more thing. to avail discount rate try to choose a destination that's out-of-season.
Contact Tourist board: Before start the journey, you can contact the tourist board authority to collect information about the local accommodations, foods and other activities. Now-a-days many tourist boards have their own website. You can explore the information from their website also.
Transportation option: It is generally cheaper to drive, or travel by bus or rail for a family than airfare for one. You can use more than one mode of transportation if you are going more than one place. This can save your lots of money if you have the time in hand. So, explore all the transportation option.
Airlines packages: If you are looking for airline to travel, then check the airlines for special packages. Try to contact them as because they know better than we.
Involve children: If you are traveling with children then try to involve them in the process. If they are old enough, let them help you in planning.
Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2006 10:35 pm Post subject: RE:
I find that lot of families having limited resources when it comes to entertainment. Out of my own experience I can tell you all that are required for a great vacation are good company and an urge to relax.
Here are some tips that will help you to save when you are on vacation.
Once you decide where you want to go, the next best thing you should look for is accommodation with a kitchen. Food is one of the biggest expenses when you are traveling. I am not saying that when you’re on vacation, avoid taking food from outside at all. But decide before hand how many times you plan to eat outside.
All items at a tourist place are usually available at very high prices. So instead of spending lots of money on everything that catches your eye, set a limit beforehand.
If possible try to pick up places for site seeing within walking distance. Gas can be very expensive if you choose to drive for every single place you plan to go. Walking will not only help in saving some money, but it will also allow you to spend some quality time with your family.
There are many ways that make a vacation affordable. Moreover if you are not using credit cards even if you don’t have enough money, your vacation can be more enjoyable because then you don’t have to think of paying off those bills.
Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2006 3:35 am Post subject: RE: Budgeting prior to going for a vacation
Vacation is all about fun and frolic, visiting new places, hanging out in good restaurants and getting the taste of good food. But amidst all fun and excitement, we should keep our expenses within the limits and that's why a budget is so important.
If you go on a vacation with proper traveling plans and an estimated budget, then it will be easier for you to manage your finances during the vacation. You need to make plans for traveling, putting up at a hotel and then visiting the site scenes. Planning these from before hand will help you save and restrict your expenses within a certain limit which you can afford.
Most people going on a vacation are interested in shopping. Now, that's one area where they need to stick to their planned budget. I have come across people saying that they have maxed out their credit cards by shopping while they were on vacation. And then, when they come back, it's becomes difficult for then to make the necessary payments. The primary reason behind this is that they have not initially included shopping expenses within their estimated budget. So, I personally feel that it's better if you can keep aside a certain sum of money for shopping newer and unique items while you visit a new place.
For me what i do is open up a vacation account in the winter time and have $20 every week automatically deposited in the account you will be surprised how much you saved up for that vacation for the summer also you can keep it open as long as you want and use just that particular account as a vacation savings.
jerry
