Splurge or Save?
Do you have some holiday must have’s, do’s, see’s, no matter the cost? Are there some things you just refuse to spend money on? Knowing your boundaries before you start planning your trip and keeping inside them once on holiday will greatly help you stay on budget. And don’t forget – you ARE on holiday! You are supposed to be having fun and that includes spoiling yourself a little!
Here are a few suggestions for saving, and for splurging. Not everyone will agree, but please share what your splurges and saves are!
Don’t buy food or drink at the airport. Unless you are unexpectedly stranded or have an insanely long layover; eat before you go and throw some munchies in your carry-on. In the hotel, avoid making in-room phone calls and ordering room service. Pricey, pricey both of these! Also, watch your souvenir shopping – a couple things here, a couple things there will quickly send you over budget and give you an overstuffed bag.
Now let’s live a little! Have at least one good, expensive dinner in a really nice restaurant. And in the mid-range ones – order and enjoy a nice bottle of wine. Depending on where you are – upgrade your hotel room to one with a terrace or balcony. And invest in a good digital camera. The memories will be priceless – and good photos make excellent, free souvenirs.
Remember the key to good budget traveling is to be frugal, not cheap! You want every holiday, no matter how near or how far, to hold beautiful memories, not an empty bank account.
Photo credit: Kiki99@Flickr
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