Financing a Vacation

Do you put your trip or vacation on a credit card?  When you are on the trip do you put your hotel, meals and entertainment on a credit card? That's exactly what we did and nearly everyone else in America.

Here are a few tips for a debt free vacation:
1. Book your flights on your debit card. Yeah I said it! Don't book your vacation until you have the money in your checking account and can pay for it right then and there.

2. Budget your meals. "A vacation is for relaxing and spending, not budgeting!" Guess what? There is a reason you are reading this blog... you have a problem with spending. You rationalize your money away.  This past weekend I had to say these words to my family: "Hi my name is Amanda and I have a problem with debt."  Seriously! I said that to my brother and mom when we were leaving a diner after having breakfast. I think the topic was opening a discover card or something.  You HAVE to budget everything. I am not saying you have to have a side salad for your dinner. I am saying for 2 people budgeting $100 a day for food on vacation is probably plenty, depending on where you are vacationing. Just set a limit and stick to it!

3. Booking a hotel... see #1.  Put it on your debit card. Don't have the money? Don't book the trip!

4. Use cash for entertainment. Plan on swimming with the dolphins, touring museums, parasailing, or concerts? Bring cash for all activities and once the cash runs out the fun stops. Plan ahead... usually you can book your excursions ahead of time online.