Going on vacation is supposed to be a way of escaping from the hassles of normal life, not enhancing them.While you can never truly eradicate all the stresses associated with travel, you can at least help make your vacation a more enjoyable experience on the whole, both for yourself, and any friends and family you’re planning to take a trip with.
Here are a few things to consider before embarking on your next break to keep you stress free and avoid breaking the bank too:
1. Book in advance
Booking as far in advance as possible for things like accommodation, flights and travel insurance should ensure you get the best deals possible and it helps to spread the cost of the overall trip, which reduces the likelihood of going into debt. Thanks to the wonders of the Internet, a worldwide travel insurance comparison tool is a great example of the various ways in which customers can take advantage of the huge discounts available online. You may also be able to save money by booking tickets in advance for any attractions you fancy seeing during your vacation.
2. Set a budget
Budgeting for travel is important for keeping an eye on exactly where all your hard-earned dollars are going and forecasting how much a vacation will cost so there are no nasty surprises in store further down the line. If you do create a budget, stick to it and be realistic.
3. Leave any valuables at home
The last thing you want while away on vacation is to damage or lose any valuables, whether through any fault of your own or otherwise. Leave expensive electrical items and jewellery behind at home or at least check to see if your hotel room has a safe in it if you do insist on traveling with any prized possessions. You’ll also want to pack smart to avoid any pesky baggage fees!
4. Be clever with your cash
If applicable, shop around to get the best foreign currency exchange rate. It’s worth remembering that exchange rates are lower in places like airports. If you’re not keen on the idea of carrying around a lot of spending money and attracting any unwanted attention, then there are prepaid cards you can load up and use in a similar way to a credit or debit card.
5. Learn the lingo
This won’t apply to those of you staying in America, but if you’re heading off to a country where they speak a different language, then it’s advantageous to learn a few key words and phrases in their tongue. Picking up the basics could come in handy; a failure to be able to communicate properly is not only frustrating and massively inconvenient, it could open yourself up to losing big financially.
6. Be decisive
There’s nothing worse than indecisiveness, whether it be during a vacation or in life in general. And the decisions will come thick and fast when you’re on holiday – where to eat, what places to visit etc. – so be ready to be assertive.
7. Do some research
Knowledge is power, as the old saying goes, so do plenty of research about your destination and what awaits you. You’ll not only feel more at ease in your new surroundings, but you’ll aslo be more likely to save money if you’re familiar with them from the beginning. Special attention should also be paid to packing your bags accordingly in terms of what type of clothes you’re likely to need, as you don’t want to have to buy any while you’re there. Check weather forecasts as far in advance as possible, too.
8. Have a stress-free attitude
Things rarely go exactly to plan on vacation and you’ve got to have that in mind at all times. The chances are that, if you get hacked off by something and have a bit of a rant about it, then your travel companions will also get upset and agitated. Stay calm – you’re supposed to be on holiday; enjoy it!
This is a guest post by MoneySuperMarket.com.
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