Financial Tips
Life and Credit : Traveling on a Budget
Travel Out of the Country, Not Out of Your Household Budget
It is possible to leave the U.S. on vacation without breaking the piggy bank. You simply need to be flexible and creative. Here are some ideas from the experts at Credit Counselors that you may not have thought of before:
Drop in on the neighbors. Traveling abroad doesn't have to mean a different continent. The two obvious destinations, which many Americans overlook, are Canada and Mexico. Canada's dollar has almost exactly the same value as the U.S. dollar, while in Mexico, one U.S. dollar will buy about 10 pesos. There are great places to visit in both countries.
Stay out of the cities. Consider staying in the countryside. It's cheaper and you can unwind amid spectacular scenery. Check websites like www.budgettravel.com or www.tripadvisor.com for interesting destinations off the beaten path.
Research, research, research. Start planning way ahead of time and browse the Internet for ideas and good deals. Flip through travel guides (preferably from friends and neighbors or used bookstores; they're pretty expensive new) or travel magazines. Subscribe to email updates from travel websites. (Don't give out your main email address to everyone -- you can always create a free second email address just for the purpose with Yahoo or Google.)
Yes, you can go to Europe. Determined to see Paris or London? Flexibility is key to an inexpensive European vacation. The best airfares are off-season; pack sweaters! Try websites like www.eurocheapo.com or The Frugal Traveler at www.nytimes.com. Consider a rail pass, train travel is much better in Europe than in the U.S. Keep an eye on exchange rates and buy currency or traveler's checks ahead of time.
Get an apartment. If you're going for at least a week, look for homes or apartments. Many apartment owners in Europe use their “flats” only occasionally and rent them out the rest of the year. It's usually cheaper than hotels, they're frequently in great neighborhoods, plus you'll have a kitchen to make meals. (They also feel more like home at the end of the day than a hotel.) In the U.S., check out www.vrbo.com for apartments and condos across the country.
Find an agent. Travel agents have become unfashionable since the rise of the Internet, but don't overlook their expertise. Shop around; a good travel agent shouldn't just try to sell you an expensive package. The best ones are willing to work with your household budget. They often know tricks you don't and they may have many good contacts. There's no reason you can't use the Internet and an agent.
If you need help figuring out whether you can afford to vacation outside the United States, consult the professionals in consumer credit counseling at Credit Counselors. They can help you draw up a household budget and reach your financial goals – including a great vacation!
