6 easy ways to stick
to your holiday budget

Vacations are a wonderful time to have fun, make new memories and unwind. In the midst of all the excitement, it can be a real downer to find out that you're almost at the end your budget. The last thing you would want to worry about mid-holiday, is having to clamp down or compromise on certain plans and activities, just to ensure that you don't exceed your budget. That's precisely why it's a good idea to implement a few tips and tricks that'll keep you immune to unexpected vacation woes. So here they go:

Track your expenses

Amidst all the sights, sounds and experiences of a vacation, it's easy to forget about keeping a tab on your daily expenses. Keeping a daily record, however, is a healthy habit which can really make a difference when it comes to staying within your budget. It gives you an idea of how much money you have and how much you can afford to spend each day for the duration of your holiday. You can either carry a small notebook with you to make a log of your transactions or you can use your smart phone. There are plenty of mobile applications that can help you track your daily spends.

Make a daily allowance

Set a daily budget for yourself and stick to it no matter what. Maintaining a day-to-day expense limit might seem a bit difficult at first, but it is an excellent way to make sure you don't cross your budget. It also tends to keep impulse spending in check and leaves you with more money to spend on things, which will really add value to your holiday.

Use public transport

Travelling on local buses, trains, trams and other forms of transport are some of the best ways to experience the energy and culture of a place first hand, and it's easy on the wallet when compared to taxis and tour buses. It also provides you with a great opportunity to interact with the locals and find out interesting details about different places worth visiting, popular shopping districts and more.

Eat local

Trade in dinners at posh restaurants for meals at local eateries and explore the flavours that your holiday destination has to offer. Most locals know the best places to eat, and simply asking a few of them might flood you with a host of suggestions ranging from different street food joints to sit down restaurants. Many of these places will have relatively cheaper rates, which will help you stay within your budget.

Shop local

Local markets often have a vibrant selection of goods to choose from. You can shop for anything ranging from souveniers to clothes to fruits and other food items, all at rates lower than most retail stores. It's also important to exercise restraint wherever needed and avoid buying things you don't need or things you don't see yourself making use of.

Watch out for offers from your bank

Your bank might have various offers on debit and credit cards that can help you save in a number of areas. A quick online search will help you find offers specific to the place you plan on visiting. You can also contact your bank to find out about any offers on travel tickets, hotels, tour packages, and shopping.

Following these tips will help you save and keep within your budget, and give you an estimate of the expenses for your next trip. If you found this helpful, take a look at some of our other articles that might interest you.