A summer vacation is a great way to enjoy the long hours of sunlight, warm weather and time with family. But any vacation can easily be upset by an unexpected expense.
If you’re not prepared to address costs that crop up away from home, fun intentions can turn to vacations cut short. Review these tips on budgeting for family summer vacation to see how to handle an unforeseen cost during your family’s summer holiday.
By plane, train or automobile
Every vacation is different, from the destinations you visit and the number of family members taking the trip to the length of time you’ll be away.
When budgeting for family vacation, make sure you have a strong understanding of prices in the area you’ll travel to, as well as how you’ll get there. Airline tickets are on the rise‡ because of fuel prices and labor shortages. So be sure to look for deals and research if there is a less expensive way you can get to your destination such as train or car. If you decide to drive to your vacation spot, don’t forget to build in funds for possibilities like repairs, accidents, gas and other unforeseen costs.
Save more than you think you need
One of the most effective ways to address unexpected expenses when budgeting for vacation is to save more than you expect your trip to cost. Once you determine how much you’ll need to pay for travel, lodging, meals and major activities, save a little extra in the months before the trip.
Consider how much it would cost for your family to stay an extra day or two, including room and board, if a worst-case scenario arises such as an injury, illness or weather delay. In general, adding 15% to a fixed-cost budget can help cover unplanned expenses. Be sure to make adjustments based on the price of basic necessities and services at your destination.
Vacations also come with many small expenses to consider, from hotel parking and checked bag fees to roaming charges for your phone. These costs can add up, although you can address them by carefully doing the research about your travel and lodging plans. When something you didn’t previously notice crops up, you can easily use your additional budget to cover the cost and continue enjoying your trip.
Consider credit
Before you set out on your trip, consider supplementing vacation expenses with a credit card that will be used only in emergencies. You may already have a card strictly for this purpose or you may need to research some options. Just make sure you can pay off the balance before the trip and after the trip, and that it carries a high enough limit to provide the assistance you need if a worst-case scenario arises.
With these savings and budget tips, you can prepare your finances well for a family vacation.
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