You’ve always dreamed about traveling outside of the country, and now your dream is becoming a reality. Don’t let that dream turn into a nightmare when you come home and see all the bills that you’ve racked up. Instead, budget for your trip ahead of time so that you’ll be able to travel with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your expenses are covered. Here’s what you need to keep in mind when budgeting for international travel.
Plan for the Small Things
Airfare, meals, and lodging are some of the biggest expenses associated with travel, so most people think to budget for those. However, it can be easy to let some of the smaller things slip your mind. Unfortunately, the little things can add up fast, and it doesn’t take long for them to break your budget.
To keep that from becoming a problem for your travels, set a detailed budget ahead of time. Travel Made Simple reminds you to account for snacks, drinks, and public transportation fees. Set aside money for souvenirs too, but keep in mind that photos are a free way to remember your travels.
Research your destination ahead of time so that you’ll have a better idea of where your money will need to go. For example, in many European cities, you’ll have to pay to use a restroom.
Budget for Carrying Cash
Charging your whole trip to credit cards that you’ll slowly pay off after returning home isn’t a good idea. It will not be healthy for your credit score, and it is not a wise preparation for travel. Credit cards aren’t accepted as a method of payment in many places across the globe. For example, according to Best Peru Tours, most locations in Peru don’t accept credit cards, so carrying cash is important.
To save up a collection of cash, start setting bills aside each week in the months leading up to your vacation. Don’t forget to convert your cash into the local currency. You can do this ahead of time at your bank.
Choose the Right Time of Year
The Talking Suitcase recommends that, whenever possible, travel in the off-season. Not only will you experience fewer crowds, but you may also get better deals.
When the off-season falls depends on your destination. Popular family spots may give you better rates when kids are in school. In countries with rainy summers, July and August may hold the best discounts.
Consider the Exchange Rate
An American dollar goes farther in some countries than in others. In countries with a favorable exchange rate, you might be able to get a lot more for your money than you would back home. On the other hand, there are many countries where your dollars won’t stretch as far. When setting your budget, pay attention to how the exchange rate will affect your spending power.
Keep in mind that most exchange rates have a tendency to fluctuate. It may be a good idea to build some cushion into your budget in case the exchange rate takes an unfavorable turn before your trip.
Protect Yourself With Travel Insurance
Vacations don’t always go as planned. According to Travel Insurance Review, if you don’t have travel insurance coverage, you could be out thousands of dollars in the unfortunate event that you have to cancel or shorten your trip. Yes, you’ll have to set your overall travel budget higher if you purchase trip insurance. However, that’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind that insurance brings.
With proper planning, your international trip will be a vacation that you’ll remember for years to come. Take time to set a careful budget ahead of time so that you can enjoy every minute of your travels without financial worries.
Need more financial advice and help to make your dream vacation a reality? VP Credit Rescue can help you get your finances and your credit back in order.
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