If you're not careful holiday spending can get out of control. Now more than ever people are shopping around for the best deals to get away, but being careful with your money needn't stop once your plane lands on the other side. With a little forward planning and sensible shopping you'll be able to make the pennies stretch just a little further.
Food is one of the most expensive parts of a holiday. For this reason it may be worth thinking about going all-inclusive or self-catering. If you do decide to go all-inclusive find out as much as you can about the quality of the food. We all know somebody whose holiday was ruined because the food wasn't up to scratch. Self-catering as an option should only be pursued if two conditions are met: firstly, you find cooking enjoyable rather than a chore (this is supposed to be a holiday remember!), and secondly, that there is a decent supermarket nearby. The internet can help you on the second point, but the first is up to you to decide.
For those that are eating out try to calculate how much you can afford to spend over the week. Aiming to underspend will allow you either to save more money or splash out for a particularly special evening should you prefer, whereas if you overspend on the first few nights you might find yourself not quite feeling the holiday spirit. Oh, and those people that stand outside restaurants and try to get you through the door? They'll usually be able to offer some kind of discount if you haggle rather than step right in.
Another budgeting tip: bring plenty of suntan lotion. Find it cheap at home, because it will definitely be more expensive at the shops targeting tourists just minutes from the beach! Equally, if food isn't included on the flight, give yourself a hearty meal at home and if possible bring food with you. This will save you paying over the odds on airlines looking to make extra money out of your empty stomach.
Holidays are a time to unwind and relax, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be careful with your money and set a budget. Family and friends at home will understand if you don't shower them with unnecessary gifts on your return. And it's not very difficult to appreciate the sun, sand and sea - all of which are completely free.
Food is one of the most expensive parts of a holiday. For this reason it may be worth thinking about going all-inclusive or self-catering. If you do decide to go all-inclusive find out as much as you can about the quality of the food. We all know somebody whose holiday was ruined because the food wasn't up to scratch. Self-catering as an option should only be pursued if two conditions are met: firstly, you find cooking enjoyable rather than a chore (this is supposed to be a holiday remember!), and secondly, that there is a decent supermarket nearby. The internet can help you on the second point, but the first is up to you to decide.
For those that are eating out try to calculate how much you can afford to spend over the week. Aiming to underspend will allow you either to save more money or splash out for a particularly special evening should you prefer, whereas if you overspend on the first few nights you might find yourself not quite feeling the holiday spirit. Oh, and those people that stand outside restaurants and try to get you through the door? They'll usually be able to offer some kind of discount if you haggle rather than step right in.
Another budgeting tip: bring plenty of suntan lotion. Find it cheap at home, because it will definitely be more expensive at the shops targeting tourists just minutes from the beach! Equally, if food isn't included on the flight, give yourself a hearty meal at home and if possible bring food with you. This will save you paying over the odds on airlines looking to make extra money out of your empty stomach.
Holidays are a time to unwind and relax, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be careful with your money and set a budget. Family and friends at home will understand if you don't shower them with unnecessary gifts on your return. And it's not very difficult to appreciate the sun, sand and sea - all of which are completely free.
About the Author:
Pay for all your food and drinks before you go away, with holiday deals all inclusive.
